The Chikugo River Lift Bridge, which connects Okawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, and Saga City, Saga Prefecture. This bridge, also designated as a National Important Cultural Property, is a rare “lift-type movable bridge” in which the central part of the bridge is raised when a ship passes. Its retro appearance and the way it shines when illuminated by the setting sun captivate visitors.
History and Mechanism of the Chikugo River Lift Bridge
The Chikugo River Lift Bridge was built in 1935 as a railway bridge for the former Japanese National Railways Saga Line. At that time, this lift-type system was adopted to solve the difficult problem of allowing trains to pass without obstructing the navigation of ships traveling on the Chikugo River.
Two huge steel towers stand in the center of the bridge, and movable girders connect between them. When a ship passes, these movable girders rise to a height of about 23 meters, allowing the ship to pass.
Enjoying the Superb View of the Lift Bridge and the Sunset
The greatest charm of the Chikugo River Lift Bridge is, without a doubt, the time around sunset. With the red-dyed sky in the background, the silhouette of the bridge emerges, creating a fantastic atmosphere.
- Best Time: From about 30 minutes before sunset, the sky gradually begins to color, and the bridge is beautifully illuminated.
- Photography Spots: Observation parks and promenades are maintained on both banks of the bridge, making them excellent spots for photography.
- Light Up: At night, the bridge is illuminated, showing an appearance that is different from the daytime.
Points to Fully Enjoy the Chikugo River Lift Bridge
- Lift Time: You can observe the bridge being lifted and lowered several times a day. The timetable can be found on the official website of the Chikugo River Lift Bridge.
- Promenade: The top of the bridge is open as a promenade and can be crossed on foot.
- Nearby Sightseeing: There are also many tourist spots in the surrounding area, such as the furniture town in Okawa City and the historical townscape in Saga City.
Basic Information About the Chikugo River Lift Bridge
| Item | Information |
| Address | Sakami, Okawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture – Morotomi Town, Saga City, Saga Prefecture |
| Access | About a 20-minute walk from JR Chikugo-Okawa Station, or about 30 minutes by bus from JR Saga Station |
| Viewing Hours | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (until 4:00 PM from December to February) |
| Closed | None |
| Parking | Available |
| Highlights | Lifting and lowering scenes, sunset view, light up |
The Chikugo River Lift Bridge is a superb scenic spot created by history, technology, and nature. Please visit and experience its charm.