Takatsudo Bridge is a beautiful arch bridge spanning the Watarase River in Ōmama Town, Midori City, Gunma Prefecture. It stands within Takatsudo Gorge, one of the area’s most scenic natural attractions, and connects the Ōmama and Takatsudo districts as part of Gunma Prefectural Route 338, Komagata-Ōmama Line.
The bridge’s distinctive vermilion color stands out beautifully against the greenery of the gorge and the vivid colors of the autumn foliage. It has become one of the characteristic landscapes of Midori City.
The history of Takatsudo Bridge dates back to the Meiji Period. The first bridge was completed in 1884 as a wooden suspension-style bridge known as a hanebashi. It was replaced by a suspension bridge in 1911, followed by a third-generation arch bridge completed in 1934.
The present bridge is the fourth generation and opened on October 26, 2009. While retaining the elegant appearance associated with the previous bridge, it uses a through-arch bridge design that combines structural safety with visual harmony with the surrounding landscape.
Having evolved alongside the local community for more than a century, Takatsudo Bridge is an important symbol of the area’s history.
From the bridge, visitors can look down into the deep gorge carved by the Watarase River and admire the surrounding rock walls. The distinctive white Hanetaki Bridge can also be seen from Takatsudo Bridge.
The scenery is particularly beautiful during the fresh-green season and in autumn, when the surrounding mountains turn vivid shades of red and yellow. Because the bridge is located close to Nagame Park, it is easy to visit while exploring the surrounding area on foot.
Nearby Hanetaki Bridge is a pedestrian-only bridge measuring approximately 120 meters long and 3.5 meters wide.
Its name comes from the appearance of water striking the rocks below and splashing upward like a waterfall. The bridge’s distinctive white triangular form has made it one of the symbols of Takatsudo Gorge.
From Hanetaki Bridge, visitors can enjoy dramatic views of the gorge at close range, making it a popular spot for photography.
A walking trail of approximately 500 meters runs along the left bank from Hanetaki Bridge toward Takatsudo Bridge, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace.
Takatsudo Gorge stretches along the middle reaches of the Watarase River, which rises in the Ashio Mountains. It is sometimes described as the “Yabakei of the Kanto region” or the “Little Akahibi of Eastern Gunma,” expressions that reflect the dramatic beauty of its cliffs and unusual rock formations.
The gorge presents a different appearance in every season, with rugged rock walls, unusual geological formations, clear water, and changing vegetation creating a constantly evolving landscape.
Among the attractions along the gorge are Isega-fuchi, Hanetaki Waterfall, and natural potholes formed by the erosive action of the river.
More recently, distinctive rock formations known as Gorilla Rock and Skeleton Rock have also become popular points of interest.
The approximately 500-meter walking trail is well maintained, making it possible to walk safely between Hanetaki Bridge and Takatsudo Bridge while enjoying the natural scenery.
Takatsudo Gorge has long attracted artists and literary figures. In 1831, the painter and scholar Watanabe Kazan visited the area and described the gorge in his travel account Mōbu Yūki.
In 1941, the renowned woodblock print artist Kawase Hasui also captured the scenery in a work titled Jōshū Takatsudo.
These records show how the distinctive landscape of Takatsudo Gorge has inspired visitors and artists for generations.
The gorge is especially popular during the autumn foliage season, from late October to early November. The surrounding mountains and trees turn brilliant shades of red and yellow, creating striking views from both bridges and the walking trail.
The fresh greenery of spring and early summer is equally attractive, when the contrast between the vermilion Takatsudo Bridge, white Hanetaki Bridge, and lush gorge creates a refreshing landscape.
Takatsudo Bridge is conveniently located about a 5-minute walk from Ōmama Station on the Watarase Keikoku Railway. It is also approximately a 20-minute walk from Akagi Station on the Jōmō Line and Tōbu Kiryū Line.
Other attractions in the surrounding area include the former Takatsudo Castle site, Mount Yōgai, and Ōmama Shinmeigū Shrine, making it easy to combine the gorge with a walk through the area’s history and culture.
Takatsudo Bridge and Takatsudo Gorge form one of Midori City’s most memorable combinations of architecture, history, and natural scenery. A visit offers the chance to admire the gorge from the bridge and then explore its rugged landscape on foot.