HOME Tokyo and Surroundings Ibaraki Ibaraki Suburbs Enjoy Bungy Jumping in Autumn: Dive into a Breathtaking Landscape Only Available in the Fall!
Enjoy Bungy Jumping in Autumn: Dive into a Breathtaking Landscape Only Available in the Fall!

Enjoy Bungy Jumping in Autumn: Dive into a Breathtaking Landscape Only Available in the Fall!

Date published: 20 November 2021
Last updated: 6 December 2021

Going to see fall foliage is a part of Japanese tradition. During this time of the year, beautiful natural landscapes stand out like a painting. Although fall foliage is beautiful on its own, there are also some unique ways to enjoy them!

A prime example of this is the experience offered at Ryujin Bungy. This bungy jumping facility is located in Ibaraki Prefecture’s Ryujinkyo Gorge - one of Japan's best fall foliage spots. In addition to the gorge, we will introduce the alluring experience of jumping into a scenery of fiery fall leaves.

Top Photo Provided By: Bungy Japan

Japan’s Fall Foliage is Amazing!

Photo Provided By: PIXTA
Photo Provided By: PIXTA

Most fall leaves in Japan come from deciduous trees. As days get shorter in the fall and the temperature decreases, the leaves slowly change their color. We recognize this change as fall foliage and is a sign that the trees will soon lose their leaves.

Starting from the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido, leaves in Japan start to change in color from around September. This transformation first begins in the Daisetsuzan Volcanic Group.

Little by little, fall leaves also start to pop up south of Hokkaido and eventually make their way throughout Japan. Fall leaves are quick to change their color in colder climates, so the first regions to welcome fall foliage usually are areas with a high altitude.

In the Kanto region and areas surrounding Tokyo, there are even some regions where you can enjoy the leaves from November to early December!

In Japanese, there is a word to describe the act of going to see fall leaves called momiji-gari. This roughly translates to leaf peeping in English.

The word momiji-gari is said to have originated from Japanese nobles who didn’t hunt in the Heian Period (8th century to 12th century). These nobles would call the act of gazing out at nature kari (gari) or hunting. The custom of enjoying fall leaves has existed in Japan ever since.

Enjoy Fall Colors While Bungy Jumping in Japan!

Photo Provided By: Bungy Japan
Photo Provided By: Bungy Japan

The allure of bungy jumping in Japan during the fall is that you can enjoy feeling exhilarated as you jump into a colorful landscape. Additionally, the view you get during the jump is one of a kind!

Since the spread of Covid-19, it has been difficult to talk in a loud voice or get together with large groups of people.

For those looking for a release, bungy jumping is a highly recommended activity! Because you’re alone when you jump, it's an opportunity to let loose and let go of some stress by shouting to your heart’s content.

Also, this alluring activity enables you to have a natural panoramic view all to yourself, making you feel completely refreshed. This collaboration between fall leaves and bungy jumping can be enjoyed at Ibaraki Prefecture’s Ryujin Bungy, which we will be introduced later in this article.

A Popular Fall Foliage Spot: What Does Ryujinkyo Gorge Have to Offer?

Photo Provided By: Bungy Japan
Photo Provided By: Bungy Japan

Located in Ibaraki Prefecture’s Hitachiota City, Ryujinkyo Gorge can be found in Okukuji Prefectural Nature Park. This gorge was made by the surrounding land being eroded by the Ryujin River. It’s known as a mystical place where, according to legend, a Japanese dragon has lived for centuries.

Photo Provided By: PIXTA
Photo Provided By: PIXTA

Ryujinkyo Gorge offers beautiful and seasonal views throughout the year, but we especially recommend taking a trip in the fall! Here, Japanese maple leaves, maple leaves, and sawtooth oak leaves paint the entire gorge in a range of colors.

The beauty of this site will take your breath away. Also, walking over the suspension bridge while taking in the view of fall leaves will make you feel like you’re walking on air. No matter where you look, you will find a fantastic 360-degree view of this awe-evoking landscape.

Every year, the best time to see the fall leaves is from around mid to late November. What’s more, Ryujinkyo Gorge’s Fall Foliage Festival is held in time when these leaves change color.

You can enjoy collecting stamps at various tourist spots and trying the region’s specialties available at the local food fare at the festival. Many people travel from outside of Ibaraki Prefecture to enjoy this fun festival!

(*The 2021 Ryujinkyo Gorge Fall Foliage Festival has been canceled. )

How to get to Ryujinkyo Gorge
・By Car
Take the Misato Interchange on the Joban Expressway to the Naka Interchange (approximately 80 minutes). Then, take the National Route 349 to Ryujin Suspension Bridge (approximately 50 minutes).

・By Train
On the JR Joban Line, take the train from Ueno Station to Mito Station (around a 70-minute train ride when taking the limited express Hitachi). Then, take the JR Suigun Line to Hitachiota Station (around 50 minutes).

Ryujinkyo Gorge’s Ryujin Suspension Bridge: One of the Largest Bridges in Japan!

Photo Provided By: Bungy Japan
Photo Provided By: Bungy Japan

Above the impressive Ryujinkyo Gorge and its dam is the Ryujin Suspension Bridge. Rising 100 meters above the river’s surface, the entire bridge stretches out to a whopping 375 meters in length. This is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in all of Japan.

Just walking across is thrilling, but there are even observation windows to enjoy at three different points on the bridge. Since these windows are placed on the ground, you can take in the expansive scenery that spreads out beneath you.

A 100 Meter Bungy Jump in Japan: What is Ryujin Bungy?

Photo Provided By: Bungy Japan
Photo Provided By: Bungy Japan

Ryujin Bungy is a bungy jumping experience with a drop that’s 100 meters long. Participants leap from the famous Ryujin Suspension Bridge, known for towering above Ryujinkyo Gorge. It boasts being the highest bungy jumping spot in Japan and the second-longest.

The higher the jumping point, the faster the fall! The exhilaration you feel as you get closer to the river’s surface can’t be matched. With over 10,000 brave people attempting the jump every year, many are enticed by the extraordinary experience of diving into nature!

Bungy Japan: We Asked the Operators of Ryujin Bungy About its Charm!

Photo Provided By: Bungy Japan
Photo Provided By: Bungy Japan

Bungy Japan is the only professional bungy jumping company in Japan. Starting with Ryujin Bungy, it operates eight bungy jumping facilities throughout the country.

Photo Provided By: Bungy Japan
Photo Provided By: Bungy Japan

Q. Please tell us the about charm of Ryujin Bungy.
-Bungy jumping from Ryujin Suspension Bridge, which towers above Ryujinkyo Gorge, is one of our most popular jumps available. This particular jump's biggest charm is that you can enjoy the colorful scenery of fall foliage offered by the gorge.

Q. What is the process of getting ready to jump?
-The bungy jumping process is generally checking-in, attaching a harness, taking part in a lecture, the actual jump, and finally receiving a jump certificate. Then you’re done!

Q. How long are you in the air for, and what is the duration of the entire activity?
-You’re in the air for about four seconds. As for the duration, checking in, putting on your harness, and taking part in the lecture takes about 30 minutes. Getting to the bridge, attaching the harness, receiving final instructions takes another 30 minutes to an hour (this may vary depending on the number of participants).

Q. Is it really safe to jump?
-Ryujin Bungy follows Bungy Japan’s safety standards, so it is extremely safe, and there is nothing to worry about.

Q. Are there any precautions you should take specifically during fall foliage season?
-Because the jump takes place on top of a mountain, it’s colder than you might expect. We recommend bringing a jacket.

Q. What kind of feedback do you receive from people who’ve jumped?
-We often receive comments such as “I was scared before I jumped, but once I did, it felt amazing!” or some people can’t help but to laugh and simply say, “It was just incredible!”

Q. If you have anyone you would recommend this experience to, please let us know!
-To anyone looking for an extraordinary experience or those who want to test their courage and face their fears, please come and enjoy this fun activity!

How to Take Part in Ryujin Bungy!

Photo Provided By: Bungy Japan
Photo Provided By: Bungy Japan

How to make a reservation
Please make a reservation from the following website.

You can also make a reservation through the call center (0278-72-8133/English guidance available)
*Although it’s possible to sign up the day of, reserved slots are prioritized, so there may be a chance you won’t be able to participate.
*Up to six people can make a reservation every 30-minute time slot.

Itinerary for the Day of the Bungy Jump
① Check-in (20 minutes before your jump time)
② Take your jump ticket after checking in and proceed to the jump area.
③ Attach your harness and get ready for the lecture.
④ Head to the bridge and bungy jump!
⑤ After the jump, head back to the check-in counter to receive your certificate.

Eligible Participants
・Age: 15 years or older
・Weight: 40 kilograms to 105 kilograms
・State of Health: You may need to submit a medical certificate depending on your state of health or age. If you have any questions or worrying symptoms, please inquire during the application/reservation process.

Photo Provided By: Bungy Japan
Photo Provided By: Bungy Japan

Supported Languages
・Japanese/English 
*English speaking staff and an English website are available.

Health & Safety Measures
・Installation of hand sanitizer - Staff and guests wash hands/undergo temperature checks - Original Covid-19 health check sheets - All participants must wear a mask

  • Ryujin Bungy
    竜神バンジー
    • Address 2133-6 Amagono-cho, Hitachiota-shi, Ibaraki 313-0351, Japan
    • Phone Number 0278-72-8133
    • ・Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last check-ins are at 4:30 p.m.)
      ・Fee: 17,000 yen per person, 8,000 yen for two jumps in the same day, more than two jumps in the same day are 11,000 yen per jump (must have a certificate and identification )
      *Getting your photo taken costs another 4,000 yen.
      ・Closed: Irregularly

The Ultimate Way to Enjoy Fall Foliage: Only Those Who’ve Experienced It Will Understand!

Only those who’ve experienced this jump can understand the initial nerves and fear followed by the feeling of absolute freedom!

At Ryujin Bungy, you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind spectacular view of fall foliage. Once you get a glimpse of the view from the bridge, any fear you had will melt away, making the leap super easy! Please try challenging yourself to bungy jumping in Japan - and enjoying fall colors in a totally new way!

Written by:

Miyuki Yajima

Miyuki Yajima

After working in planning, editing, and business development/sales at a continuing education business, she is currently working as a writer, yoga instructor, and traveler in pursuit of a multi-career lifestyle that combines hobbies and work. She also likes fashion, Japanese culture, and music.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

Share this article.

Limited time offer: 10% discount coupons available now!

Recommended places for you

Recommended articles for first-time visitors to Tokyo
Search