Former JNR Shihoro Line Fifth Otofuke River Bridge

The Longest Bridge Among the Nine

The Former JNR Shihoro Line Fifth Otofuke River Bridge (旧国鉄士幌線第五音更川橋梁) is a concrete arch bridge of 1938 in Kamishihoro, Kato District, Hokkaido, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on August 23, 1999 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).

The Agency records a concrete arch bridge 109 metres long overall; registration number 01-0012.

Eight Arches

The Former JNR Shihoro Line Fifth Otofuke River Bridge carries the line 109 metres across the Otofuke River between the old Horoka and Tokachi-Mitsumata stations, in what was the fourth works section of the Otofuke Line (Agency for Cultural Affairs). It is the longest of the nine registered Shihoro Line structures.

It has eight arches: six of 10 metres, one of 23 metres over the river, and one more of 10 metres (Agency for Cultural Affairs).

Why It Was Registered

The Agency counts it among the Higashi-Taisetsu railway arch bridges and notes its large scale, 109 metres overall. It was registered for its contribution to the historic landscape.

The pattern of repeated 10-metre arches with a single wider span over the river is shared with the Sixth Otofuke River Bridge to the north.

What to Look For

Look for the contrast between the regular row of identical 10-metre arches and the 23-metre arch that opens over the river.

Hokkaido Fan Magazine says the bridge sits at about the same height as the highway bridge beside it, which makes it easy to see, and that it is especially fine against the mountains in the autumn colours.

Visiting

It can be seen from the highway. Hokkaido Fan Magazine notes that the deck itself is closed to visitors.