Special feature on submersible bridges in Mie Prefecture: An unexplored region that is surprisingly nearby? Enjoy the spectacular underwater bridge! We bring you the "coolness" to help you spend this hot summer comfortably! [First part]

◆Article creation: MAMMY #Mie Travel Camera Club
A monk and a photographer, a monk photographer wearing two sandals
Lives in SuzukaCity Camera experience: 13 years dedicated to Nikon
This interview made me want a Jimny and a motorcycle even more...



This time, instead of temples and shrines, which is my area of expertise, I would like to introduce ``diving bridges'', which are full of summer vibes. I feel like I'm a bit of a maniac, but I'd be happy if you were interested. There may be a lot of similar photos, but I would be happy if I could bring some coolness to everyone!
Although sunken bridges are collectively referred to as sunken bridges, there seem to be many different shapes and types, and I would like to introduce them to you, including explanations, based on what I know.

Kizugawa Kasabe Sunken Bridge (IgaCity)

It's summer, with blue skies, white clouds, and green plants! (Laughs) Of course I'm sweating while shooting, but the sound of the river and the occasional breeze are soothing. At the back of this area, there is a dam called a dam, which is used to draw river water to others, slow the flow, and create a fishing spot. There were a few people fishing, but I was so absorbed in taking pictures that I forgot to ask what they could catch. (Sweat)

There are tire tracks that look like a car may have driven past, but looking at the bushes ahead, it doesn't look like it will be possible to cross. There was a fair amount of water, the bridge girder was high, and grass was growing in the back part where there was dirt, so I gave up on going down.

Furukoori Sunken Bridge (IgaCity)

Here too, the width of the water flowing is less than half of the length of the bridge, and the grass is so thick that you can't see the dirt...

Well, I forgot to explain what a submersible bridge is in the first place. (Sweat)

A submersible bridge is a bridge built at a lower level than the embankments on both banks so that it can be submerged in water during heavy rains or other times of rising water. For this reason, the bridge is unique in that there are no handrails to prevent driftwood, etc. from getting caught and putting stress on the bridge.

It's wide enough for a light truck to pass through, and you can see some tire marks. There are fewer bushes than Kasabe, so it seems easier to pass through.

Hido Sunken Bridge (IgaCity)

This place was the sturdiest structure so far, and was wide enough for a regular car to pass through easily. There is also a reflective plate on the end of the bridge girder, so it is safe even at night. (lol)

I often saw dragonflies while touring the submersible bridge. Are aquatic plants swaying in the crystal clear water, resting on them and spawning? This time, I decided to take pictures with just a 24-70mm lens, but when I came across such a subject, I ended up regretting that I should have brought a telephoto lens as well. (tears)

It was possible to go down to the river, but it looked slippery due to the algae. The car passed in a timely manner. Of course, my monk also crossed this bridge when going to the next point!

Nabari River Natsumi Nagarebashi (NabariCity)

When I headed to Navi Road, I came across a very narrow place. As I continued walking towards the bridge, there was a slope that seemed to pass between private houses in front of the bridge, so I got excited as soon as I passed through and saw the bridge! (lol)

This is my first wooden bridge girder! And they are connected by wires.
A bridge where wooden bridge girders are purposely installed on piers like this without being fixed is called a ``flowing bridge''. As the name suggests, the bridge girders are designed to be washed away when the water rises. When the water level returns to normal, if you return the remaining bridge girder that was washed away by the wire to its original location, the bridge will be restored in no time!

It might have been better to access Natsumi Nagarebashi from the opposite bank, but considering how the tension was rising, this time might have been the better choice. (lol)

The view upstream from the Nagare Bridge is also spectacular. Being able to take photos from a location close to the river like this is unique to submersible bridges and nagari bridges.

Sunset Bridge (NabariCity)

The sunken bridge on this side was quite long. Grass grows only on the opposite bank, and the river is wide enough. The shape of the piers is also different from before. The edges are triangularly pointed, perhaps to reduce water resistance.

The width of the bridge girder is reasonable, but the foot of the mountain on the opposite bank is so overgrown that it seems impossible for a car to pass through. I walked a little downstream along this road, pushed through the thick grass, and finally reached the riverbank where I was able to take a picture of the bridge in its entirety.

As the evening approached, the sun hid behind the mountains, making it look a little dark, but I was able to take some good photos of the river flowing through the area, with no man-made structures other than the bridge.

Oyado Sunken Bridge (NabariCity)

Is the length of this bridge the longest? The opposite bank was quite overgrown, but the river was still wide. I didn't have time to go to the other side...

The bridge is not too high and you can easily get off. Some people went down to fish and others were walking their dogs.

The piers were of the pointed type. You can also see a white windmill in the mountains in the background. I was walking my dog on a moped, so I snapped! (lol) It definitely feels good to cross this bridge on a bike!

Uda River Inoshiri Sunken Bridge (NabariCity)

The approach to the edge was steep on this side, perhaps because the river was narrow.

The river water is clear and beautiful. The water current is calm and the riverbed is sandy, so it is relatively safe.

When I finished taking pictures of this panoramic view, a local asked me, ``What are you taking photos of?'' I replied, ``I came to take pictures of the sunken bridge.'' I said, ``Oh, that's right,'' and left with a laugh. I went. (lol)

kumozu River Ishibashi Sunken Bridge (TsuCity)

This bridge can be approached safely from either side. The entire length of the bridge is long, but most of it is sandbar and the grass is overgrown, so we couldn't get off.

The Kintetsu line runs behind the bridge here, so it's a must-see composition for railway enthusiasts. (lol) Next time, I would like to take a photo with Hitotori, the limited express train, under the blue sky!

There was a fair amount of traffic coming and going. You can't pass by oncoming cars, but normal cars can also pass. Since the overall length is long, if you don't check what's ahead, you'll be in trouble if you get stuck in the middle of the bridge. (Sweat)

A white line is also drawn on the bridge girder. There were several spaces near Nakasu where about two people could evacuate, but it would be difficult to do so on a motorcycle.

This is the bridge that takes you to River Park Mami, a long-stay farm facility where you can also enjoy BBQ. Unlike previous bridges, it is paved with asphalt. This is a wide type that even regular cars can easily pass through!

It looks sturdier than previous bridges, and resembles a dam. Perhaps because of this, the bridge has never been washed away since the early Showa era. There is also a parking lot at River Park Mami, where you can safely get down to the river and play.

There is also a dam a little upstream of the bridge, and the water surface is calm, so you can enjoy the reflections. There are cherry blossom trees in the back, so it must be beautiful in spring.

Of course, you are at your own risk, but this area, including River Park Mami, seems to be relatively safe to play in.


summary

how was it? Did you feel even a little cooler?

We would like you to actually go and have fun, but there are some things that we want you to be careful about. It goes without saying, but please never do anything that will disturb the locals. Many of the spaces are narrow, so please do not park on the street in a way that obstructs traffic or enter the premises without permission.