Yodogawa Bridge is a railway bridge spanning the Yodo River between Higashiawaji 1-chome in Higashiyodogawa Ward and Daitocho 3-chome in Miyakojima Ward, Osaka City. It forms part of the Osaka Higashi Line operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West).
Locally, the bridge is known as the Akagawa Railway Bridge, or “Akagawa Tekkyō,” as well as “Jūhachimon Tekkyō,” a name referring to its distinctive 18-span structure.
The bridge was originally built as part of the Joto Freight Line in 1929. Although it was designed to accommodate two railway tracks, only the downstream track was initially installed because of transportation demand at the time.
The unused space was later adapted by Osaka City into a wooden pedestrian walkway known as the Akagawa Temporary Bridge. For many years, the structure functioned as a combined railway and pedestrian bridge, allowing local residents to cross the Yodo River alongside trains.
The Akagawa Temporary Bridge was more than just a convenient route for local residents. It was also a popular place to observe wild birds along the Yodo River and the river’s natural pools, where extensive reed beds provided habitat for wildlife.
In the 21st century, improvements were made to the pedestrian section, including the installation of steel plates. These changes made the walkway easier to use and helped maintain its role as an important local crossing.
With the opening of the Osaka Higashi Line between Shin-Osaka and Hanaten on March 16, 2019, the railway was upgraded to a double-track system. To accommodate the additional track, the Akagawa Temporary Bridge was closed on October 31, 2013, ending its long history as a combined railway and pedestrian crossing.
The bridge was subsequently redeveloped by installing a new railway track in the former pedestrian area and relocating the existing track. The structure therefore returned to its original role as a railway-only bridge.
Type: Double-track through Warren truss bridge
Total length: 610.739 meters, with a bridge extension of approximately 597 meters and a width of 8.5 meters
Span length: 31.619 meters
Distance between pier centers: 34.058 meters
Number of spans: 18
Completed: March 15, 1929
Designer: Ministry of Railways
The Yodogawa Bridge also preserves physical traces of the history of World War II. Bullet marks from strafing attacks by U.S. P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft remain on some of the bridge piers.
Nearby, a crater created by a B-29 air raid remains as a feature known as the “Bomb Pond.” It has since become part of one of the natural pools along the river.
A level crossing known as the Kameoka Kaido Crossing once stood on the northern side of the bridge. It was closed on September 1, 2018, and replaced by a grade-separated crossing.
As a result, trains on the Osaka Higashi Line now pass over the road, improving both traffic safety and convenience in the area.
Today, the Yodogawa Bridge is painted a pale bluish-white color. In the past, it was painted reddish brown as a protective measure against rust.
The changes in color reflect the bridge’s long history of maintenance as it has continued to withstand weather, aging, and changing railway requirements.
The distinctive appearance of the Yodogawa Bridge, also known as the Akagawa Railway Bridge, has made it a recognizable location for film and television productions.
It has appeared in NHK television dramas including the morning serials Yanchakure and Manten, as well as the Saturday drama Fuwaku no Scrum. The bridge also appears in the promotional video for GARNET CROW’s song “Wasurezaki.”
Hankyu Railway, Kyoto Line and Senri Line: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Awaji Station.
Osaka City Bus: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from the Higashiawaji 1-chome stop on Routes 37 and 93.
The Yodogawa Bridge has played an important role in Osaka’s transportation history. For many decades, it served not only as a railway bridge but also as a daily pedestrian route for people living in the surrounding communities.
Today, the bridge continues to carry trains on the Osaka Higashi Line while preserving traces of its earlier history, including the memory of the Akagawa Temporary Bridge and physical evidence of wartime air raids. Its changing role reflects the development of Osaka’s railway network and the transformation of the surrounding urban landscape.