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Taushubetsu River Bridge Ruins (Former JNR Shihoro Line)
A hauntingly beautiful, crumbling bridge that appears only from winter to early summer—an ephemeral sight emerging from the lake.
Located in Kamishihoro Town in northern Tokachi, the Taushubetsu River Bridge Ruins is a remnant of the former Japan National Railways’ Shihoro Line, which was decommissioned during privatization. Spanning Lake Nukabira—a reservoir for hydroelectric power—the bridge is submerged for much of the year, only emerging when water levels drop from winter to early summer. This fleeting appearance has earned it the nickname “phantom bridge.”
Made of concrete and stretching 130 meters with 11 graceful arches, the bridge begins to reappear around January when the lake freezes over, evoking the image of an ancient Roman aqueduct. During winter, guided snowshoe tours (fee required) allow visitors to walk across the frozen lake and approach the bridge up close. In spring, as water levels continue to recede, the entire structure comes into view, and by June, the bridge appears to float atop the reflective surface of the lake—an enchanting and photogenic scene.
Though the bridge can be seen from an observation point along National Route 273, the viewpoint is about 750 meters away. To get closer, visitors must either join a paid guided tour or borrow a gate key (fee and advance online reservation required) at the nearby roadside station to access the forest road by car. Given the bridge’s ongoing deterioration and increasing risk of collapse, it's a rare and compelling sight that’s best seen while you still can.
Highlights
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A former Japan National Railways bridge submerged in a dam lake in Kamishihoro Town.
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The bridge appears only from winter to early summer, depending on the dam’s water level.
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It can be viewed from a nearby observation point or through popular guided tours (fee required).
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The structure is deteriorating and faces an increasing risk of collapse.
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Access roads to the site are restricted to authorized vehicles only.
Photos
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The stunning arches, visible only during a limited season, are a must-see.
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In winter, guided tours across the frozen Lake Nukabira—wearing snowshoes—are especially popular.
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The roadside observation deck along Route 273 offers an easy viewing spot with parking available.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
Sorry, we don’t.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
No free Wi-Fi available.
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Are coin lockers available in the area?
No, there are no coin lockers.
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Are there restrooms in the area?
No, there are not.
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Are there any smoking areas?
Not available.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 旧国鉄 士幌線タウシュベツ川橋梁跡
- Postal Code
- 080-1403
- Address
- Nukabiragensenkyo, Kamishihorocho, Katogun, Hokkaido
- Telephone
- 01564-7-7272(Kamishihorocho Tourist Association)
- Closed
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Free to walk
Note: The bridge is submerged from around August to December, making it impossible to view with the naked eye during that period. - Business Hours
- Walk anytime (Taushubetsu Observation Deck)
- Admission
- Free ※guided tours are charged
- Access
- About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from Hokkaido Transversal Expressway Otofuke-Obihiro Interchange.
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)