A Picturesque Bridge in Hanno

Last week, I introduced real-life scenery from Encouragement of Climb at Tove Jansson's Akebono Children's Forest Park in Hanno City, Saitama. Many fans of the anime visit the park as part of a wider tour of the area, taking in some of the region's best-known locations along the way. One route frequently suggested to visitors passes through neighboring Hidaka City and across AiAi Bridge (あいあい橋).

Even without an anime connection, AiAi Bridge is worth seeking out in its own right. Located within Kinchakuda, the bridge is recognized by Saitama Prefecture as one of the area's tourist attractions and has become a symbol of the famous riverside park. The bridge was completed in 1996 and stretches 91.2 meters. It is regarded as one of Japan's longest wooden truss bridges and was designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.

During my visit, stunning red spider lilies were blooming beneath the bridge, adding a dramatic contrast to an already picturesque scene. But the bridge attracts photographers all year round. Whether you're visiting during Kinchakuda's famous higanbana season or simply exploring the area's walking trails, AiAi Bridge is a peaceful spot from which to appreciate one of Saitama's most beautiful natural settings.