Iwai Bridge (Katsunuma)

Katsunuma's "Spectacles Bridge"

The Iwai Bridge (Katsunuma) (祝橋) is a concrete arch bridge over the gorge of the Hikawa River at Katsunuma-cho, Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, built in 1931 and registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on May 7, 1997. Its distinctive shape has earned it the nickname Meganebashi, the "spectacles bridge" (Agency for Cultural Affairs).

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records a concrete arch bridge 58.6 metres long and 6.6 metres wide; registration number 19-0006, owned by Koshu City. It is also a component of the Japan Heritage story "140 Years of Japanese Wine" (Japan Heritage Portal).

A Bridge for Grapes

According to the Yamanashi Infrastructure Guide, after Katsunuma Station opened on the Chuo Line in 1913, a suspension bridge called Iwai was built in 1914. As it aged it was replaced by the present concrete arch, at a total cost of 40,458 yen.

The Koshu tourism association says the Iwai Bridge (Katsunuma) was planned so that grapes could be shipped by motor vehicle from Katsunuma Station. The Japan Heritage Portal notes that replacing the wooden suspension bridge with concrete allowed grapes and wine to be carried to the station in quantity. The Agency for Cultural Affairs records that it is the third bridge to bear the Iwai name.

Value as a Registered Cultural Property

The Iwai Bridge (Katsunuma) was registered as a structure contributing to the historic landscape of the country. The Agency for Cultural Affairs notes that it spans a gorge where no piers could be built and is widely loved as a symbol of Katsunuma. The Infrastructure Guide adds that it is one of only three concrete arch bridges left in the prefecture, the second oldest and the largest.

What to Look For

The single arch leaping across the gorge sits well in its natural setting and looks fine from afar (Yamanashi Infrastructure Guide). The tourism association notes that it has long been presented to visitors coming for grape picking and winery tours as a symbol of Katsunuma.

In 1985 the 153-metre New Iwai Bridge took over road traffic, and the Iwai Bridge (Katsunuma) is now preserved as a footbridge (Yamanashi Infrastructure Guide).

Visiting

The Iwai Bridge (Katsunuma) is at Katsunuma, Katsunuma-cho, Koshu City, and can be crossed on foot. According to the Koshu tourism association, take the city bus from JR Katsunuma-budokyo Station to the Iwaibashi stop, or walk about 30 minutes from the station. There is no dedicated parking.

Enquiries go to Koshu City Hall (0553-32-2111).