What is Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge, the longest triple-arch wooden bridge in Japan, located in Tsuruta Town, Aomori Prefecture?

Ryoko
2026.01.08

table of contents

1 Structure and Features of Mai-no-Tsuruhashi
2 Aomori Hiba, in harmony with nature
3 Preserving local culture and wooden construction techniques
4 Enjoy the experience of walking across the bridge
- 4.1 Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge <Information>

in Tsuruta Town, Aomori PrefectureThe Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge, is Japan's longest triple-arch wooden bridge, stretching over 300 meters in length.

With Mount Iwaki, also known as Tsugaru Fuji, as a backdrop,the Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge(also known as Mawari-seki Great Reservoir)gracefully curves across the lake's surface, making it a representative tourist attraction of the region.

This article will provide an objective look at the structure, materials, and relationship to local culture of Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge

Structure and Features of Mai-no-Tsuruhashi

Tsurunomai Bridge - Daytime view — Tsurunomai Bridge – Daytime view

Bridgea triple-arched bridge structure. It is approximately 300 meters long and 3 meters wide, and opened in July 1994.

This bridge, which spans Lake Tsugaru Fujimi (also known as Mawarizeki Otameike) in Tsuruta Town, Aomori Prefecture, is a symbol of the town, with its graceful curves reflected on the lake's surface harmonizing with the view of Mount Iwaki. The design of the bridge is based on the image of a pair of cranes in flight

trees, estimated to be over 150 years old,Aomori cypresswere used for the bridge piers. The texture of the cypress wood, which changes depending on the angle of light, displays the changing expressions of the seasons along with the surrounding scenery.

Aomori Hiba, in harmony with nature

a representative timber of Aomori PrefectureAomori cypress, is a long-lasting wood that has been used for temple and shrine construction and shipbuilding since ancient times.

Hiba is rich in medicinal ingredients such as hinokitiol, and is known to be highly resistant to termites and mold. This antibacterial and insect repellent effect is not lost even after felling or processing, and it helps maintain the health of the wood for many years

The reason why the grain of Aomori hiba is so intricate and beautiful is because each tree grows slowly over hundreds of years. The strength of natural wood that has endured long periods of wind and snow, and its pale golden luster, are perhaps the greatest features of Aomori hiba

Preserving local culture and wooden construction techniques

Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge is a wooden structure that makes use of Aomori Prefecture's abundant forest resources, and by taking advantage of the excellent durability and anti-corrosion properties of hiba cypress, it has been designed to withstand the humid environments of cold regions

Since its opening, local residents have been cleaning and maintaining the bridge, and the town continues to work together to protect it. Since the 2020s, local workshops have been reusing and upcycling the cypress wood scraps generated during repairs into chopsticks and other woodwork

These activities are attracting attention as an attempt to pass on the relationship between trees and people to the next generation while utilizing local resources in a circular manner

Enjoy the experience of walking across the bridge

Tsurunomai Bridge - Night view (front) — Tsurunomai Bridge – Night view (front)

Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge is about a 10-minute drive from Mutsu-Tsuruta Station on the JR Gono Line, and about 30 to 40 minutes from Hirosaki city. The park has a paid parking lot and walking trails, and you can enjoy picturesque beauty in any season, from cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, autumn leaves, and snowscapes

Tsurunomai Bridge - Night view — Tsurunomai Bridge – Night view

On sunny days, Mount Iwaki is reflected on the water's surface, and at times Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge looks like a staircase stretching into the sky. If you visit, be sure to visit twice, in the morning and in the evening. The impression of the bridge will be completely different just because the angle of the light changes

The Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge illumination event is also held regularly, usually around October to November

Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge <Information>

Name: Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge
Address: 〒038-3542 Aomori Prefecture, Kitatsugaru District, Tsurutamachi, Mawari-Osawa (Fujimi Lake Park)
Phone number: 0173-22-6211 (Fujimi Lake Park Administration Building)
Official URL:Medetai Tsuruta (Tsuruta Town Tourism Site) – Tsuru no Maibashi Bridge