It is a former Japan National Railways bridge located deep in the mountains of Kamishihoro Town. The area, now known as Lake Nukabira, was originally a river called the Taushubetsu River. When the hydroelectric power station was built, the bridge was submerged, and the railway had to be rerouted. Subsequently, the rails were removed, but the concrete bridge piers were left intact. This happened in 1955.
The bridge piers have since attracted quiet attention. In summer, the rising water levels of the lake submerge the bridge, while in winter, the water levels drop, revealing it once again. During winter, when the lake surface freezes, it is possible to walk up to the bridge. In spring, before the bridge is submerged again, it reflects in the lake against the backdrop of the snow-covered Daisetsuzan mountain range, making it look like a pair of spectacles, adding to the unique presence of the Taushubetsu River Bridge. Resembling ancient Roman aqueduct ruins, it was selected in 2001 as one of the first Hokkaido Heritage Sites, part of the “Former Japan National Railways Shihoro Line Concrete Arch Bridge Group.”
The concrete piers are gradually deteriorating due to repeated cycles of freezing and thawing, and it is expected to collapse in the near future. Although it is one of the main piers of the arch bridge group selected as a Hokkaido Heritage Site, its remote location has excluded it from preservation efforts.
To see the bridge piers in summer, you can view them from a lakeside observatory accessible from the parking lot along National Route 273 running alongside Lake Nukabira. However, the piers are quite a distance away, so a telephoto lens is recommended for taking photos. There is also a forest road leading directly to the Taushubetsu River Bridge, but permission is currently required to use it, and it is safer not to go by rental or private car. Moreover, the area is inhabited by bears, so it is advisable to join a tour organized by the Higashi Daisetsu Nature Guide Center.
In January, when the lake is frozen, you can walk up to the bridge. Lake Nukabira experiences a phenomenon called ice bubbles, caused by gas emissions from the lakebed being trapped in the ice during winter. It can be an enjoyable activity to hike across the lake surface while looking for these ice bubbles.
Access
The Higashi Daisetsu Nature Guide Center
Higashitaisetsu Nature center
providing information about the nature surrounding Lake Nukabira.
The Taushubetsu River Bridge Observatory
You can park along the roadside, so it’s best to follow the example of other cars when parking.
Lake Nukabira Observatory
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