“Is this bridge haunted?” a tourist asks. Let’s uncover the story of the \u5357\u90e8\u6a4b. This bridge in Yamanashi Prefecture has a tale to tell.
The \u5357\u90e8\u6a4b spans the Fuji River. It connects the neighboring areas. This bridge is not just steel and concrete. It is a landmark.
Before the bridge existed, people used ferries. These ferries linked the two regions. Then the Minobu Line opened. Talk of building a bridge began.
In 1932, the first wooden \u5357\u90e8\u6a4b was erected. But this early structure had issues. Its bridge piers were too low. The Fuji River often floods due to heavy rain. The wooden bridge frequently washed away. The Fuji River is one of Japan’s three most rapid rivers.
In 1941, a more permanent bridge replaced it. However, wartime shortages loomed. Steel was scarce. The new bridge was rebuilt as a wooden structure.
Post-war in 1948 disaster struck again. The bridge suffered severe damage. From 1950, a steel truss bridge construction started. The new \u5357\u90e8\u6a4b was completed in 1957. It survived without major incidents for many years.
By the 21st century, the \u5357\u90e8\u6a4b was aging. Over 50 years passed. Parts of the bridge were deteriorating. In 1970, pedestrian walkways were added. But the roadway was narrow. It was only 5.5 meters wide. Weight restrictions were also in place at 14 tons.
Construction of a new bridge began in 2003. It was built 460 meters downstream. The new \u5357\u90e8\u6a4b opened on August 4, 2011. The old bridge closed. It was later dismantled.
The new bridge measures 352 meters. Its width is 10 meters. The roadway is 7 meters wide. It accommodates two lanes.
The \u5357\u90e8\u6a4b is part of Yamanashi Prefecture Route 803. This route connects to the Minobu Parking Area Line.
Every August 15, the Nanbu Fire Festival takes place. The \u5357\u90e8\u6a4b becomes crowded. It is the only route from Nanbu Station to the main venue. The bridge offers a great view of the fireworks. Traffic restrictions are enforced for safety.
The \u5357\u90e8\u6a4b even appeared in anime. The first episode of “Yuru Camp” features it. A character crosses the bridge by bicycle. She heads to Minobu Station. The anime shows the Nanbu area in the background.
From a shaky start as a wooden bridge, often washed away by floods, the \u5357\u90e8\u6a4b has transformed over the years into the modern bridge before you.