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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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

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 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.

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

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!