Hi, I’m Naru!
This time, I would like to introduce two tourist spots in Shimada City.

First spot is Horai bridge.
It is the longest wooden footbridge in the world over the Oigawa River!
It is listed in the Guinness Book of Records for its length.
In 1869, vassal of the shogun who had escorted Japan’s last shogun, Yoshinobu Tokugawa, began to make green tea on the right bank of the Oigawa River.
They had to cross the river by boat to carry the tea to the opposite side, but it is so hard and dangerous that they asked Governor of Shizuoka to build a bridge.
This is how Horai Bridge was born.
It is famous for “toll bridge,” and only pedestrians and bicyclists can cross the river.
The length is 897.4 meters long, and the numbers can be read “ya-ku-na-shi,” which sounds like “free from misfortune” in Japanese.
Due to this wordplay, Horai bridge is believed to bring good fortune and protection from bad luck.
As a long wooden bridge, it is also associated with longevity. The width is 2.4 meters, and the height is about 7 meters.
If it is sunny, you can see Mt. Fuji on the bridge!
On the right bank of the Horai Bridge, there are some sacred sites, such as bells for longevity and the statues of the Seven lucky Gods.
You can take pictures with Horai Bridge with original photo frame.
Enjoy the combination of the world’s longest wooden footbridge, Horai Bridge, and Japan’s highest mountain, Mt. Fuji!

Second spot is jumbo Japanese zodiac.
The Japanese zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle.
Each year has a symbolic animal.
In order, the 12 animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Boar.
2026 is the year of the Horse.
The jumbo Japanese zodiac artwork is made by 14 people in Ojiro, Shimada City.
They make it with straw, thinned wood, and bamboo.
All materials are natural and environmentally friendly.
This year’s zodiac animal, the horse, stands 5.5 meters tall, 10meters wide, and 2.5 meters deep and it is the 30th in the series.
It took about 10 days to complete this impressive artwork.
The artwork is displayed every year from early December to around February.
Don’t miss the chance to see this magnificent artwork in person!

jumbo japanese zodiac