加賀須野橋, Movable bridge in Tokushima, Japan
Kagasuno Bridge is a movable bridge spanning approximately 237 meters across the Imakiri River in Tokushima Prefecture, connecting Kawauchi district with Matsushige town. It operates as a vertical lift structure, allowing vehicle traffic above and maritime vessels below through a coordinated scheduling system.
The first bridge at this location opened during the Meiji period, undergoing major reconstructions in 1923, 1954, and most recently in 2014. These successive rebuildings reflect evolving transportation needs and engineering advances across more than a century.
The bridge displays a distinctive two-tone color scheme with deep indigo blue representing the traditional Awa indigo dye, combined with metallic silver and black accents. This color choice connects modern engineering with local craftsmanship heritage.
To view this structure, you can photograph it from the river or along the access paths on both sides of the crossing. Daytime visits with good visibility are ideal if you want to observe the lifting mechanisms in operation.
The span rises 16 meters above the water to accommodate passing vessels, a sight that occurs only on occasion. This remains Tokushima Prefecture's sole movable bridge and employs Japan's largest lifting mechanism for this type of structure.
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