Registered Tangible Cultural Properties · Kumamoto

Kumagawa Railway Iguchigawa Bridge

Kumagawa Railway Iguchigawa Bridge: Two Eras of Girder Side by Side

A 30-metre steel railway bridge of 1923 in Asagiri, built with one span and later given a second whose flanges were welded for heavier loads: two eras side by side.

Designation Registered Tangible Cultural Properties

Location Kumamoto

One Span That Became Two

The Kumagawa Railway Iguchigawa Bridge (くま川鉄道井口川橋梁, Iguchigawa Kyōryō) is a steel railway bridge in Menda-higashi, Asagiri Town, Kuma District, Kumamoto Prefecture, completed in 1923 and registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 19 December 2014. It carries the single track over the Iguchi River in two steel spans, 30 metres in all, and was altered in 1970.

It stands about 2.6 kilometres north-east of the Mendagawa Bridge in eastern Asagiri. According to the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the bridge was first built with a single span; the second was added later.

Different Panels and Welded Reinforcement

Look carefully and the two girders of the Kumagawa Railway Iguchigawa Bridge are not twins. The sections of a girder web divided by stiffeners are called panels, and the two girders have different numbers of them, because an original Taisho girder sits beside one added later.

The added girder has flanges reinforced by welding, a response to heavier trains and higher design loads. Riveted Taisho steel next to later welded work: the Agency for Cultural Affairs sees in these parts and repairs the evolution of railway engineering from the Taisho era to the post-war Showa years. The bridge was registered as a structure that contributes to the historic landscape of the country.

What to Look For

Take the two girders one at a time. Count the stiffeners on each and the difference in panels becomes obvious. On the added girder, look for the welded build-up along the flanges.

No other registered bridge on the line holds girders of two different periods side by side. Within these 30 metres you can see how a standard bridge was patched and adapted to stay in service.

Visiting

The Kumagawa Railway Iguchigawa Bridge is in daily service, and the track is off limits. View it from nearby roads and the riverside, free of charge. It is in the same Menda-higashi district as Higashi-Menda Station, 530 yen from Hitoyoshi Onsen for adults.

Keep an eye on the water level near the river, and stay out of fields and private land.

📍 Plan Your Visit to Kumamoto: Find tours, activities & transport passes near Kumagawa Railway Iguchigawa Bridge; [ Kumamoto Castle & Mt. Aso Volcano Tours ]

Q&A

QWhere is the Kumagawa Railway Iguchigawa Bridge and what is the nearest station?: AIt is in Menda-higashi, Asagiri Town, the same district as Higashi-Menda Station, about 2.6 kilometres north-east of the Mendagawa Bridge.

QWhat kind of bridge is the Kumagawa Railway Iguchigawa Bridge?: AA single-track steel girder bridge of 1923, 30 metres long, now with two spans. It was originally built with one.

QWhat should I look for at the Kumagawa Railway Iguchigawa Bridge?: AThe two girders with different numbers of panels, and the added girder whose flanges were strengthened by welding for heavier loads.

QHas the Kumagawa Railway Iguchigawa Bridge been altered?: AThe national database records an alteration in 1970.

QCan I take photographs of the Kumagawa Railway Iguchigawa Bridge?: ANo specific restriction on photography from public roads and other permitted places has been announced. Do not enter the track, fields or private land. Commercial filming and press coverage go through the Kumagawa Railway's filming and coverage request page.

Basic Information

Name	Kumagawa Railway Iguchigawa Bridge (くま川鉄道井口川橋梁)
Location	Menda-higashi, Asagiri Town, Kuma District, Kumamoto Prefecture
Designation	Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure), registration No. 43-0142
Year Designated	Registered 2014/12/19 (Heisei 26)
Quantity	1 structure
Dimensions	Steel 2-span girder bridge, 30 metres long, with abutments, pier and wing walls
Owner	Kumagawa Railway Co., Ltd.
Public Access	In railway service; no access to the track, exterior visible from nearby roads