Mishima Skywalk is the 400m long suspension bridge, what makes it the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Japan. Mishima City of Shizuoka Prefecture is the neighboring city of Hakone, very popular tourist place in Japan. Here you can see 3 of Japan’s best attractions at once: the Mishima Skywalk- the longest in Japan, Mt. Fuji- the highest in Japan, and Suruga Bay- the deepest bay in Japan. On a good weather day you’ll get to see Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay, completing all 3 at once. This is something you can rarely experience elsewhere.

When I was entering the bridge, I really hoped to see the full view of the Mt. Fuji. This is probably the most recognizable symbol of Japan and you can see it on many postcards, company’s symbols, shop’s banners and so on. Because of its commonness, symbol of Mt. Fuji lost its uniqueness, but the view of real Mt. Fuji is definitely one of the most beautiful views in the world. Every time I see it in real, I’m impressed of its majesty, symmetry and big size. Unfortunately, despite of a clear and sunny weather, it was’t visible at the day of my trip on the Mishima Skywalk. Anyway, crossing the bridge was very interesting, even if Mt. Fuji was hided behind clouds. Bridge is 70,6m high and it’s not surrounded by any high buildings. Open, large space makes, that wind becomes faster and colder here. The further I came, the colder and faster it was. In spite of warm clothes, winter beanie and gloves, it was pretty cold. When I reached to the middle part of the bridge, I couldn’t keep balance because of a strong wind, so I would even say, that it was kind of extreme challenge!

On the other site of the bridge, there are some stalls with local specialities and rest room, when you can get warm after exhausting and cold bridge’s walking. In the rear part of the square there is a platform, where photographer takes a pictures of tourists and then, you can get the mini version of the photo for free. Also, there is vantage point, from where you can admire a full view of suspension bridge and Mt. Fuji. When I came back to the entrance, I went to the ‘Sky Garden’. It’s one of the attractions of Mishima Skywalk object. Mishima is a town famous for tourism and agriculture. That’s why Sky Garden link those both things by selling souvenirs and exhibit a flowers. You can buy souvenirs, eat a light meal and enjoy flowers in the same place. The Sky Garden has flowers that bloom all year.

Close to the Mishima Skyline there is Yamanaka Castle, built by Hōjō Ujiyasu in the 16th century to guard the western approaches to the clan’s primary castle in Odawara. The site was also chosen for its strategic location overlooking the Tōkaidō, the main highway connecting the eastern provinces of Japan with the capital at Kyoto. Despite the growing tension between the Late Hōjō clan and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, only a modest attempt was made to strength the defenses of the castle. In 2006, the site of Yamanaka Castle was listed as one of the 100 Fine Castles of Japan by the Japan Castle Foundation, primarily due to its historical significance. It’s really worth seeing because of historic and artistic value.

Summary

Mishima Skywalk was built as an original vantage point of Mt. Fuji. Unfortunately, you can’t predict if it will be visible or not. However, it’s worth visiting anytime. If you go there in a winter, be sure to dress appropriately and let’s go to the Yamanaka Castle, where you can get by bus or by 30 minutes walking.

Weronika Golubska

Information

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* This article was written by a trainee from overseas. Please note that there might be spelling and grammar mistakes.