The video footage taken in Kami-Shihoro in Hokkaido on Oct. 3 shows the series of arches of the Taushubetsugawa river bridge that are in danger of collapsing. The bridge decays rapidly in the winter and the concrete is damaged in many places, exposing the iron framework. This winter will be a challenge to see if the arches can remain standing.

Photo/Illutration The Taushubetsugawa river bridge is reflected on the surface of the dam water. The photo was taken in Kami-Shihoro, Hokkaido, on Oct. 3. (Sayuri Ide)

KAMI-SHIHORO, Hokkaido—The ethereal Taushubetsugawa river bridge here, known as the "phantom bridge" because it disappears under the water, remains in danger of collapsing with the harsh winter season just around the corner.

The 11 arches of the bridge, on which the Shihoro Line trains of the former Japanese National Railways once ran, have been rapidly deteriorating over the past several years. But the decaying structure remains a popular site for tourists and photographers. 

Asahi Shimbun reporters were granted permission to film the bridge and did so with a drone on the morning of Oct. 3.

About 60 percent of the 10-meter-tall bridge was submerged in water, and the footage confirmed that the 11 arches are barely connected.

The concrete is damaged in many places, exposing the iron framework beneath.

According to the Higashitaisetsu Nature Guide Center, which conducts guided tours to the bridge almost every day, parts of the bridge have been collapsing every few years for the last seven years.

A large part of the bridge’s center collapsed in June this year and only a thin layer of concrete remains in that section.

Construction of the 130-meter-long bridge was completed in 1937. However, the area was submerged due to the construction of a hydroelectric dam, after which the bridge was no longer used in 1955.

Every year, the bridge slowly disappears beneath the water starting around May, when snowmelt and other factors cause the water level of the dam to rise. The bridge begins to reappear around January, as the water level recedes.

The condition of the bridge deteriorates at a much faster rate in winter because water seeps deep inside the concrete, freezes and then expands, cracking it apart.

Standing alone surrounded by vast nature, the bridge has the otherworldly appearance of an ancient ruin, and has become a popular tourist destination featured on company posters.

This year, the bridge is expected to be completely submerged in the first half of November.

“It will be no surprise no matter when the arches collapse. This winter will be a significant challenge to see whether the arches can survive the year,” said Mitsuru Kawada, 64, head of the guide center.

Related News