かりこぼうず大橋, Rigid frame bridge in Sakaiminato, Japan.
The Karikobouzu Bridge is a rigid frame bridge that spans Lake Nakaumi, connecting Sakaiminato in Tottori Prefecture with Eshima in Shimane Prefecture across approximately 1.7 kilometers. The structure uses a steel frame design that allows large vessels to pass underneath through the lake's navigation channel.
The bridge was completed in 2004 and replaced an older drawbridge that caused significant traffic interruptions whenever ships passed through. This new structure provided continuous traffic flow between the two regions without regular stoppages.
The bridge structure appears in Japanese media, including a Daihatsu automobile commercial that increased its presence in national advertising campaigns.
The best access point is Sakaiminato Station, located about two kilometers away, from where you can reach the bridge. Telescopes are available at the station for viewing the lake and surrounding landscape, making it a good spot for observations.
The bridge features different slopes on each side: 6.1% on the Shimane side and 5.1% on the Tottori side, making the inclines noticeably uneven. This asymmetrical design reflects careful engineering choices made to accommodate the lake's geographical conditions while maintaining navigable clearance for vessels.
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