Jomo Electric Railway Watarase River Bridge: A Living Monument of Early Showa Engineering
Stretching 157 meters across the Watarase River in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, the Jomo Electric Railway Watarase River Bridge (上毛電気鉄道渡良瀬川橋梁) stands as a remarkable testament to Japan's early 20th-century railway engineering. Built in 1928 as part of the Jomo Line connecting Chuo-Maebashi and Nishi-Kiryu stations, this single-track railway bridge has served continuously for nearly a century, carrying passengers across one of the Kanto region's most storied rivers while preserving its original form from the dawn of the Showa era.
Historical Background: The Birth of the Jomo Line
The Jomo Electric Railway was established in 1926 with the ambitious goal of directly connecting Maebashi, the capital of Gunma Prefecture, with Kiryu, a thriving textile center to the east. At the time, the only rail link between these two important cities was the JR Ryomo Line, which took a lengthy detour through Isesaki to the south. The Jomo Line was conceived as a more direct route, cutting across the southern foothills of Mount Akagi.
Construction began on February 11, 1928, with the civil engineering work contracted to the Kajima Corporation. The entire line from Chuo-Maebashi to Nishi-Kiryu was completed in just nine months—an impressive feat for the era. The Watarase River crossing presented the most significant engineering challenge of the project. The bridge pier construction was complicated by flooding, but engineers persevered, and the bridge was completed by October 1928. The full line opened on November 10, 1928, timed to coincide with the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Showa.
Why It Was Designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property
The Watarase River Bridge was registered as a national Registered Tangible Cultural Property (登録有形文化財) on October 2, 2007. This designation recognizes its significance as the largest structure on the Jomo Line and one of the most notable surviving examples of early Showa-period railway bridge construction in the Kanto region.
The bridge retains its original configuration from the line's opening, making it an invaluable resource for understanding 1920s Japanese civil engineering. Its designation also reflects its role as part of a broader collection of culturally significant Jomo Electric Railway facilities, which collectively illustrate the development of regional railway infrastructure during Japan's rapid modernization period.
Engineering and Structural Features
The Watarase River Bridge is a single-track, deck-type railway bridge with a total length of 157.28 meters. The superstructure consists of eight spans of 60-foot steel plate girders, while the substructure comprises seven reinforced concrete piers and two abutments.
Each pier features a distinctive elongated hexagonal (diamond-shaped) cross-section, with the sharp angle pointing upstream to efficiently divert the river current. The foundations are rectangular in plan, aligned with the direction of flow, with the notable exception of Pier No. 6, which has an elliptical foundation. The lower portions of the piers have been reinforced since the original construction, but the overall structural form remains faithful to the 1928 design.
This bridge is the largest of the 47 bridges still in service on the Jomo Line, followed by the Momonoki River Bridge (96.1 m), Arato River Bridge (47.3 m), and Kasukawa Bridge (42.1 m)—several of which are also registered cultural properties.
Highlights and Viewing Experience
One of the most rewarding ways to experience the Watarase River Bridge is simply to ride the Jomo Line train across it. The bridge is located between Fujiyamashita Station and Maruyamashita Station, just 1.5 kilometers west of Nishi-Kiryu Station. As the train crosses the river, passengers are treated to panoramic views of the Watarase River valley, with the distant peaks of the surrounding mountains framing the landscape.
For a closer look at the bridge's structure, visitors can walk along the riverbanks in the Tsutsumichō and Aioi-chō neighborhoods of Kiryu City. From the riverside paths, the elegant silhouette of the bridge—its evenly spaced concrete piers rising from the water—can be appreciated in full. The view is particularly striking in autumn, when the surrounding foliage creates a vivid backdrop, and in early morning light when the bridge casts long reflections on the river's surface.
The Jomo Line also offers a unique "Cycle Train" service, allowing passengers to bring their bicycles on board without disassembly. This makes it easy to combine a train ride across the historic bridge with a leisurely cycling tour of Kiryu's heritage sites along the riverbank.
The Jomo Electric Railway: A Charming Heritage Line
The Jomo Line itself is a 25.4-kilometer single-track railway that offers a wonderfully nostalgic travel experience. Running every 30 minutes, the line passes through peaceful farming communities and small towns nestled beneath Mount Akagi. The railway operates colorful trains—originally from Tokyo's Keio Inokashira Line—each painted in a different hue, making every ride a visual delight.
Several other facilities along the Jomo Line have also been designated as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties, including the Nishi-Kiryu Station building, a beautiful early Showa-era Western-style structure with a distinctive Mansard roof that is also listed among the "Top 100 Stations of Kanto." The Ogo Rail Yard, dating from 1928, preserves historic rolling stock including the DeHa 101, one of the oldest surviving electric railcars in Japan. Since January 2026, the Jomo Line accepts IC transit cards including Suica and PASMO, making it more convenient than ever for international visitors.
Nearby Attractions
Kiryu City is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, and the area around the Watarase River Bridge offers plenty of opportunities for further exploration.
- Kiryu Textile Memorial Hall (桐生織物記念館) — Learn about Kiryu's 1,300-year-old textile tradition at this museum dedicated to the art of Kiryu-ori weaving.
- Kiryu Tenmangu Shrine (桐生天満宮) — A historic Shinto shrine known for its antique market and beautiful woodcarvings.
- Okawa Museum of Art (大川美術館) — A charming gallery housing Japanese modern paintings and works by Picasso, Rouault, and Chagall.
- Houtokuji Temple (宝徳寺) — Famous for its "floor maple" reflections, where autumn leaves and fresh greenery are mirrored on polished floors.
- Kiryu Meijikan (桐生明治館) — An 1878 Western-style building originally used as the prefectural health office, now a museum with a café.
- Watarase Keikoku Railway — Connect at nearby Kiryu or Sōrō Station for a scenic ride through the Watarase Valley gorge, with its own collection of registered cultural properties.
- Kiryugaoka Zoo and Amusement Park — A free-admission zoo and amusement park perfect for families, located on a hillside with panoramic views.
Access Information
The Watarase River Bridge is most easily accessed via the Jomo Electric Railway. Ride the Jomo Line to either Fujiyamashita Station or Maruyamashita Station—the bridge spans the river between these two stops. From Nishi-Kiryu Station, the bridge is approximately a 20-minute walk westward along the river.
To reach the Jomo Line from Tokyo, take the Tobu Railway limited express "Ryōmō" from Asakusa Station to Akagi Station (approximately 2 hours), then transfer to the Jomo Line. Alternatively, take the JR Shinkansen to Takasaki, transfer to the Ryomo Line to Maebashi, and walk or take the shuttle bus to Chuo-Maebashi Station.
The Jomo Line's "Akagi Nanroku 1-Day Free Pass" (1,300 yen for adults) is an economical option for exploring the entire line at a leisurely pace.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Gunma
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Jomo Electric Railway Watarase River Bridge
- [ Kusatsu Onsen & Tomioka Silk Mill Heritage Tours ]
Q＆A
- Can I see the Watarase River Bridge from the train?
- Yes! Riding the Jomo Line between Fujiyamashita and Maruyamashita stations takes you directly across the bridge. You can enjoy views of the river and surrounding landscape from the train windows. For an exterior view of the bridge itself, walk along the riverbanks in the Tsutsumichō or Aioi-chō areas of Kiryu City.
- Is the Jomo Line easy to use for visitors who don't speak Japanese?
- The Jomo Line is straightforward to navigate. Since January 2026, it accepts Suica, PASMO, and other nationwide IC transit cards, so you don't need to worry about buying paper tickets. Station names are displayed in English, and the line runs at regular 30-minute intervals.
- What is the best season to visit?
- The bridge is accessible year-round. Autumn (late October to November) offers beautiful foliage along the Watarase River, and spring brings cherry blossoms to the surrounding area. Summer provides lush green scenery, while winter days offer clear views of the distant mountains.
- Can I bring a bicycle on the Jomo Line?
- Yes! The Jomo Line operates a "Cycle Train" service. On weekdays (after the morning rush) and all day on weekends and holidays, you can bring your bicycle on board without disassembling it, at no additional charge. Simply board the rear car with your bicycle.
- Are there other registered cultural properties nearby on the Jomo Line?
- Yes, several other Jomo Line structures are also registered cultural properties, including the Nishi-Kiryu Station building, the Kasukawa Bridge, and the Ogo Rail Yard. The Jomo Electric Railway's collection of heritage facilities has also been recognized as a Civil Engineering Heritage site by the Japan Society of Civil Engineers.
Basic Information
| Name | Jomo Electric Railway Watarase River Bridge (上毛電気鉄道渡良瀬川橋梁) |
|---|---|
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) |
| Date of Registration | October 2, 2007 |
| Year of Construction | 1928 (Showa 3) |
| Structure | Steel 8-span plate girder bridge; total length 157.28 m; 7 reinforced concrete piers and 2 abutments |
| Type | Single-track, deck-type railway bridge |
| Location | Tsutsumichō to Aioi-chō, Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture |
| Owner | Jomo Electric Railway Co., Ltd. |
| Nearest Stations | Fujiyamashita Station / Maruyamashita Station (Jomo Line) |
| Access from Tokyo | Tobu "Ryōmō" limited express to Akagi Station (~2 hours), then transfer to Jomo Line |
References
- 文化遺産オンライン — 上毛電気鉄道渡良瀬川橋梁
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/182526
- 桐生市ホームページ — 上毛電気鉄道渡良瀬川橋梁
- https://www.city.kiryu.lg.jp/kankou/bunkazai/1010700/kunitouroku/1008969.html
- 上毛電気鉄道公式サイト — 登録有形文化財
- https://jomorailway.com/assets.html
- 群馬県建設技術センター — 上毛電気鉄道関連施設群
- https://gunma-ctc.jp/recommended-heritage/h30/
- Wikipedia — 上毛電気鉄道上毛線
- https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E4%B8%8A%E6%AF%9B%E9%9B%BB%E6%B0%97%E9%89%84%E9%81%93%E4%B8%8A%E6%AF%9B%E7%B7%9A
- 高崎経済大学論集 — 上毛電気鉄道の創立経緯と開業後の運行事情の変遷
- https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/krev/42/0/42_49/_pdf/-char/ja
Last verified: 2026.03.24