Raiden Todoroki Bridge

The Raiden Todoroki Bridge is a spiral bridge crossing the Nakatsu River in the Chichibu gorge, notable for its distinctive double crossing design that curves dramatically through the landscape. It was engineered to handle the steep elevation changes of the river valley, with two separate spans that spiral upward to connect different sections of the valley floor and rim.

The bridge was completed in 1998 and introduced an innovative spiral design that solved the engineering challenge of the steep valley terrain. This solution received national recognition for its novel approach to overcoming significant elevation differences in a mountainous region.

The bridge represents modern Japanese engineering principles through its structural design, connecting the upper edge of the river valley to the bottom.

The bridge is accessible via National Route 140, which provides good access from the surrounding Chichibu area and neighboring communities. The best views of the spiral structure can be seen from the valley floor, particularly from nearby vantage points that overlook the gorge.

The structure employs two intersecting spans that create a striking visual pattern when viewed from certain angles. This geometric arrangement emerged from the need to adapt to the valley's extreme topography and produces an unusually compelling silhouette against the surrounding peaks.

Location: Chichibu

Inception: 1998

GPS coordinates: 35.95611,138.90333

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:40