These sinking bridges are submerged when the river rises due to rain. They are characterized by a lower suspension position and lack railings (such as handrails) to avoid blocking the water. The "railing-free" design provides an open feeling, making it ideal for riding motorcycles or bicycles.
The Shimanto River, known as the "last pristine river in Japan," is the longest river in Shikoku and is famous for its numerous sinking bridges. These bridges are a prominent feature and have gained attention, notably in the Japanese drama "Late Blooming Sunflower." Let's explore some of the sinking bridges scattered along the Shimanto River.
Sada Sinking Bridge / Shimanto City
Officially named "Imanarashi Bridge," this bridge is located at the lowest point among the 48 sinking bridges spanning the Shimanto River.
The bright blue bridge is 291.6 meters long and 4.2 meters wide, making it the longest sinking bridge on the Shimanto River. It is approximately a 15-minute drive or a 40-minute bicycle ride from Nakamura Station on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway. Due to its proximity, it is popular not only among locals but also among tourists.
Chosei Sinking Bridge / Shimanto City Nishitosa Chosei
Located in the middle reaches of the Shimanto River, Chosei Sinking Bridge is 120 meters long and 3.1 meters wide. It is about a 5-minute drive from JR Ekawasaki Station. This area becomes lively during summer camping and activities such as canoeing.
Sanri Sinking Bridge / Shimanto City Sanri
Situated upstream from Sada Sinking Bridge, Sanri Sinking Bridge is 145.8 meters long and 3.3 meters wide. The boarding point for the boat house "Shimanto no Aoi," which offers tours of the Shimanto River, is nearby, passing under the sinking bridge.
On social media, it is known as one of the picturesque spots featuring "sinking bridges and traditional boat houses."
Takase Sinking Bridge / Shimanto City Takase
Takase Sinking Bridge is located upstream from Sanri Sinking Bridge, with a length of 232.3 meters and a width of 3.4 meters. It is the third-longest sinking bridge on the Shimanto River. From late May to early June, it attracts visitors who come to see Genji fireflies and engage in summer camping.
Kachima Sinking Bridge / Shimanto City Uwa
This sinking bridge features an unusual structure with three piers. The sinking bridge is 171.4 meters long and 4.4 meters wide.
It is spacious, so you don't have to worry about attempting to cross it by car. The location gained fame as a filming site for the 2003 movie "Tsuribaka Nisshi 14: Ohenro Dai-Panikku." During the summer, you can also see people camping on the riverbed.
Iwama Sinking Bridge / Shimanto City Nishitosa Iwama
Located upstream from Kachima Sinking Bridge, it is 120.0 meters long and 3.5 meters wide. It is one of the representative sinking bridges on the Shimanto River and has been covered by the media.
Unfortunately, due to pier corrosion, the bridge has been closed to traffic since 2017. Restoration work was completed in February 2020.
If you wish to tour all the sinking bridges of the Shimanto River at once, we recommend the "Shimanto River Rinrin Cycle."
Bicycles can be rented at seven points in the Shimanto River basin and returned at any of these points. The bikes are 26-inch mountain bikes, perfect for cycling.
For more details, please visit the website: https://www.canoekan.com/rinrin.html
