A shout of victory echoes in the air. That shout is embodied in the Kachidoki Bridge. This bridge is more than just steel and concrete. It is a symbol of triumph and engineering prowess along the Sumida River.
The Kachidoki Bridge stands as the most unique of the 27 bridges that cross the Sumida River. It is the closest bridge to Tokyo Bay. The Kachidoki Bridge was built in 1940. It commemorates Japan’s victory in the battle of Lushun during the Russo-Japanese War. Kachidoki means “a shout of victory” in Japanese.
Stretching 246 meters long and 22 meters wide, the Kachidoki Bridge has a unique design. It is a double-leaf bascule bridge. Each leaf weighs about 900 tons. Each is lifted to a 70-degree angle by 1100-ton counterweights. This allows swift rotation and opens the bridge’s center for passing vessels.
Until 1953 the river was Tokyo’s major transportation route. The Kachidoki Bridge opened five times a day for 20 minutes each time. This allowed ships to pass. As highways were built overland traffic increased. The use of freight ships decreased. The bridge opened less and less. In 1970, it opened only once. That was the last time.
The Kachidoki Bridge has not opened since 1970. But its beauty remains undiminished.
The Kachidoki Bridge is illuminated at night. It makes a beautiful sight from Sumidagawa Terrace. Sumidagawa Terrace is a popular riverside walkway.
Adjacent to the Kachidoki Bridge is the Kachidoki Bridge Museum. It holds memories of when the Kachidoki Bridge opened several times a day.
The Kachidoki Bridge Museum is in a building that once powered the bridge’s bascules. After the bridge stopped opening the substation became a storage facility. In 2005, it was reborn as a museum.
Inside are authentic equipment from the bridge. Intricate models show how the bridge works. The museum also shares information about other Sumida River bridges. A video presentation shows the bridge’s structure. Upstairs are original control panels, weather logs and vintage traffic lights. A diorama shows a ship passing under the raised bridge.
The Kachidoki Bridge Museum is open every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Entry is free.
The Kachidoki Bridge may no longer open. However, it remains a proud landmark. It reminds us of Tokyo’s history and engineering. The Kachidoki Bridge is a testament to innovation.