A Stroll Around Innai's Bridges
There are 75 of them. When it comes to towns with stone bridges, Innai-machi is the pride of Japan. These stone bridges were built from the end of the Edo period to the beginning of the Showa period.
The reason why there are so many stone arch bridges in Innai Town is because of the topography of the villages, which are dotted with many deep valleys, and also because the rivers are rapids and stone bridges were needed because wooden bridges would be washed away. The heart of Innai where the skills of the craftsmen are still alive today! Let's go see Ishibashi!
The reason why there are so many stone arch bridges in Innai Town is because of the topography of the villages, which are dotted with many deep valleys, and also because the rivers are rapids and stone bridges were needed because wooden bridges would be washed away. The heart of Innai where the skills of the craftsmen are still alive today! Let's go see Ishibashi!
Innai Course - Stone Bridges
Transportation mode: car
Time required: 2 hours
1. Torii Bridge
《Prefecturally designated tangible cultural property》
Torii Bridge is a 5-arch stone bridge that represents the 75 stone bridges in Innai Town. 5 arches rhythmically connect the villages scattered in the deep valley. It is also called the "Lady of Stone Bridges'' because of its graceful piers that extend smoothly into the sky, giving it a sense of elegance. It was completed in July 1916 by master craftsman Shinnosuke Matsuda, and the fact that it has withstood many major floods is a testament to the accuracy of its design and technology. It is illuminated until 10pm, giving it a mysterious appearance that is different from the daytime.
Torii Bridge is a 5-arch stone bridge that represents the 75 stone bridges in Innai Town. 5 arches rhythmically connect the villages scattered in the deep valley. It is also called the "Lady of Stone Bridges'' because of its graceful piers that extend smoothly into the sky, giving it a sense of elegance. It was completed in July 1916 by master craftsman Shinnosuke Matsuda, and the fact that it has withstood many major floods is a testament to the accuracy of its design and technology. It is illuminated until 10pm, giving it a mysterious appearance that is different from the daytime.
2. Mikutsubashi Bridge
《Prefecturally designated tangible cultural property》
With a length of 59m, this 3 arch bridge is the longest in the town. Built in 1925, this bridge stands firmly on the Era River, which flows north-south through the town and has been heavily eroded, giving it a reliable feel and demonstrating the modern sensibilities of the time. The reflection on the river surface is also fantastic.
[Lit up at night]
With a length of 59m, this 3 arch bridge is the longest in the town. Built in 1925, this bridge stands firmly on the Era River, which flows north-south through the town and has been heavily eroded, giving it a reliable feel and demonstrating the modern sensibilities of the time. The reflection on the river surface is also fantastic.
[Lit up at night]
3. Arase Bridge
《City-designated tangible cultural property》
Megane Bridge is the most beautiful of the double arches in the town. It is also the tallest in the town, and if you look up at the stone bridge from the park at the base of the bridge, you can see the gentle mountain range through your glasses.
[Lit up at night]
Megane Bridge is the most beautiful of the double arches in the town. It is also the tallest in the town, and if you look up at the stone bridge from the park at the base of the bridge, you can see the gentle mountain range through your glasses.
[Lit up at night]
4. Roadside Station Innai Ishibashi Station
Innai, a roadside station located in Kamizoe along National Route 387, opened in November 1998. Ishibashi Station is the center of tourism information for Innaimachi, Usa City, and is fully equipped with toilets, rest areas, and parking. Ishibashi Station is divided into three areas: an information exhibition hall, a specialty product sales corner, and a restaurant.
5. Fujimi Bridge
《City-designated tangible cultural property》
It was named Fujimi Bridge because when you stand on the bridge, you can see Mt. Yufu, also known as "Bungo Fuji." There is an anecdote that this bridge collapsed midway through construction, but the master builder, Shinnosuke Matsuda, took on the challenge of building it again with the willpower and faith of a master craftsman, spending his own money to successfully complete it the following year.
It was named Fujimi Bridge because when you stand on the bridge, you can see Mt. Yufu, also known as "Bungo Fuji." There is an anecdote that this bridge collapsed midway through construction, but the master builder, Shinnosuke Matsuda, took on the challenge of building it again with the willpower and faith of a master craftsman, spending his own money to successfully complete it the following year.
6. Bunji Bridge
《City-designated tangible cultural property》
It is a relatively new three-arch bridge in the town, built in 1945. Even though it was built at the height of the war, the stones are carefully stacked with evenly carved stones.
[Lit up at night]
It is a relatively new three-arch bridge in the town, built in 1945. Even though it was built at the height of the war, the stones are carefully stacked with evenly carved stones.
[Lit up at night]