Nusamai Bridge
Admission | Free |
Opening Hours | 24 hours |
Contact | 015-431-1993 |
Notes | Sightseeing spot |
Location / Getting There | The bridge is located in central Kushiro. It is along the main road, Kitadori 113. It is a 15 minute walk, south from Kushiro station. Kitaodori, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0015 |
Located not far from Fisherman’s Wharf (MOO), the Nusamai Bridge measures 124 m in length and was completed in 1976. The current bridge is the fifth after others were destroyed by floods or replaced due to age. The bridge has sculptures representing the four seasons adorning its handrails along the way and is considered one of the most beautiful bridges in Hokkaido. It spans across the lower section of Kushiro River which flows into the North Pacific Ocean. It is one of the three major bridges in Hokkaido, along with Toyohira Bridge in Sapporo and Asahibashi in Asahikawa.
The sculptures were produced by well known Japanese artists Shin Hongo and Churyo Sato. It is also lit by old style lamps which gives the bridge a romantic European feel at night. The bridge is particularly popular at sunrise and sunset when the lighting and mist combine to create the most romantic feel. At this time, the bridge makes fro a perfect spot to get some great photos. The bridge being by the waterfront makes for a nice area to include as a jogging spot, for those keeping fit.