Chikugo River Lift Bridge

This bridge goes over Chikugo River, connects Saga City in Saga Prefecture and Morodomi Town Ookawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture. This bridge is also a national culturally significant heritage and is a machine heritage.

This rail bridge opened in 1935 by the former Japanese National Railway Saga Line. It goes across 507m. Its base is 15-18m in depth. The center section goes up and down like an elevator to allow large ships to cross under the bridge. A truly impressive idea at the time.

Nowadays, the bridge is open to pedestrians. For tourists, the bridge rises 8 times per day, connecting Saga and Fukuoka. With the bridge lowered, visitors can access the center via the coasts on the side.

During the day, the bridge gleams with its red color beneath the blue skies. At night, the bridge is illuminated, painting itself across the water. In the New Year, the bridge is open early in the morning to allow visitors to see the sunrise. During May to July in the fishing season of Etsu (Japanese tapertail anchovy), the Etsu Flag is raised to commemorate the fish available only in the Chikugo River. Seasonal events are available.