Adventure Tourism

77 years old, writer of this blog, 100 meter bungee jump toward tomorrow

Hi how are you? A Big Welcome to an Adventure Tourism here which would give you exciting thrills while staying in Japan.

I hope you enjoyed reading the previous blog about adventure tourism. While it can be extremely thrilling and fun, it’s important to remember that it also comes with risks, so please be cautious and enjoy it responsibly.

So, let’s get started on our exciting adventure.

First of all, I would like to share with you a bungee jump that I made my first try in May 2023, when I was 77 years old.

I bungee jumped from the Ryujin Suspension Bridge, the jumping distance is 100 meters which is the second highest in Japan.


 

 

 

 
The name of place: Ryujin Big Suspension Bridge

Address: 2133-6 Kegano-cho Hitachioota-shi, Ibaraki-ken(Prefecture)

Access: From Tokyo to Mito by Joban Line as shown No.1 on the map below, from Mito to Hitachiota by local train, No.2 from Hitachiota Station to Ryujin Grand Suspension Bridge by bus (only 4 services a day) or cab, No.3.

From my other personal experiences

While these may not be considered traditional adventures, I had two unique experiences in Japan that I’d like to share.

The first one dates back to about 55 years ago when I was in my early twenties. I climbed Mount Fuji, the tallest mountain in Japan, bare-chested and wearing sandals.

Nowadays, mountain climbing in Japan has strict clothing requirements, and it’s impossible to climb even lower mountains dressed like that.

The second experience is called “takigyo” , which translates to “waterfall training/ascerticism.”

Takigyo involves practicing meditation while standing under a waterfall’s flow. During this practice, one endures the cold water and water pressure while attempting to purify the mind and achieve inner serenity.

In Shintoism, it’s part of rituals for purification and cleansing (misogi and harai), while in Buddhism, it has been a traditional form of ascetic training for centuries.

As a result, takigyo has become a popular activity for those seeking mental refreshment, mental health support, and relaxation, as it helps refresh both the mind and body.

What about next try?

The next challenge will be the 215-meter Gifu Bungee Jump, the highest in Japan and the fifth highest in the world.

Sad news

Finally, I’m afraid to inform you of very sad news that in early December 2023, a 56-year-old Japanese man died on the Macau Tower, the third tallest bungee jumping tower in the world.


 
 

Courageous jump

Anyway, it is important to remember that before jumping, you should do a comprehensive physical checkup and make sure that you are in good health, especially with regard to your heart.

So please enjoy adventurous Paradise in Bungee Jamp!

About the author

古林 茂樹(Shigeki Furubayashi )