Chichibu Bridge

Chichibu Bridge is a steel structure spanning the Arakawa River with a single-span cable-stayed design that carries modern traffic across the water. The bridge stretches 153 meters and serves as a main route for vehicles traveling through the city.

The first bridge was built here in 1885, followed by a second version in 1930, before the current structure was completed in 1985. This progression reflects how the location adapted to growing transportation needs across more than a century.

The bridge earned the prestigious Tanaka Award from the Japan Society of Civil Engineers, recognizing its engineering excellence and structural design.

The bridge sits near Ohnohara Station and carries vehicle traffic today, while older sections are also open to people on foot. The area is easy to explore on foot, and several viewpoints let you observe the structure from different angles.

Two original piers from the first bridge remain standing along the riverbank, serving as silent reminders of the 19th-century structure. These stone remains tell the story of early engineering work that preceded the modern construction by generations.

GPS coordinates: 36.01811,139.08597

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:02