In this guide
Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge (鶴の舞橋)
Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge spans Tsugaru Fujimi Lake, where Mt. Iwaki is reflected on the water. With a total length of 300 meters, it is Japan’s longest triple-arch wooden bridge. The bridge was built using more than 700 Aomori Hiba cypress trees—especially those over 150 years old—for the girders, employing traditional Japanese architectural techniques. Its silhouette is said to resemble a crane in flight against the backdrop of Mt. Iwaki. It is also said that those who walk across the bridge will enjoy a long life.
Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge is also a top-rated cherry blossom destination in Aomori Prefecture. With its picturesque scenery, it is a favorite hanami spot for Japanese and international visitors, photographers, and sightseers alike.
Cherry Blossom Festival at Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge
The Cherry Blossom Festival is held annually during the Golden Week holidays (usually around late April or early May) at Tsugaru Fujimi Park by Tsugaru Fujimi Lake.
During the festival, events include:
- National Crucian Fishing Tournament
- A marathon around Fujimi Lake
- National karaoke competition at Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge
Other family-friendly events and activities are also held, including:
- Shishimai (lion dance) by Fujimi elementary school students
- Performances by preschoolers
- Tsuruta middle school brass band performance
- Japanese orchestra by Tsuruta Tozanbayashi Rengo Hozonkai
- Photo exhibitions
- Concerts
- Soran dance performance by Tsuruta iki iki soran
- Teodori dance
- Shamisen (Japanese musical instrument) concerts
- And more
General Information
- Address: 81-150 Mawarizeki-osawa, Tsuruta-machi, Kita-tsugaru County, Aomori 038-3542
- Telephone: 173-22-2111
- Opening hours:
- Entrance fee: Free
- Cherry blossom season: Late April to early May
Access
By JR train (Gonō Line) from Shin-Aomori Station, the journey takes about one hour to Mutsu-Tsuruda Station.
Recommended route
- From JR Shin-Aomori Station: JR Ōu Line (40 minutes)
- JR Kawabe Station: JR Gonō Line (25 minutes)
- Get off at JR Mutsu-Tsuruda Station, then take a taxi (10 minutes)
- Transportation fee: Around 2,000 yen
Location
Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge was built on July 8, 1994, spanning Tsugaru Fujimi Lake, the largest water reservoir in Aomori Prefecture. The embankment is 4.2 km (2.6 miles) long—the longest in Japan.
Mt. Iwaki, also known as “Tsugaru Fuji” due to its resemblance to Mt. Fuji, can be seen from the lake. This is why Mawarizeki Otameike is known as Tsugaru Fujimi Lake. In 2010, Tsugaru Fujimi Lake was selected as one of the 100 best water reservoirs by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
Official Links
- Website: https://www.en-tsuruta.com/
- Instagram (hashtag): https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/%E9%B6%B4%E3%81%AE%E8%88%9E%E6%A9%8B/
