The Taushubetsu River Bridge!!
The Taushubetsu River Bridge (Taushubetsu-gawa Kyouryou) is a concrete arch bridge of the former National Railway Shihoro Line located in Kamishihoro Town, Hokkaido. Currently, it is submerged in Lake Nukabira, a dam lake, and is called the 'phantom bridge' because it appears depending on the season and the water level of the lake.
Main Features
Construction Year: 1937 (Showa 12)
Structure: Concrete arch bridge
Length: Approximately 130 meters
Usage: It was once used as a railway bridge for the Shihoro Line, but the line was closed in 1987.
Highlights
Winter: The bridge is often fully visible as the lake surface freezes.
Summer: When the water level of the lake rises, only the arch part may be visible as some parts are submerged.
Autumn when the water level drops: The entire bridge often appears clearly.
Preservation Efforts
The Taushubetsu River Bridge is weathering in the natural environment and may completely collapse in the future. Therefore, efforts for preservation and recording are being promoted by local organizations and tourism associations.
When visiting, it is important to enjoy while respecting the surrounding natural environment.