The First Tadami River Bridge stands as one of Japan's most photographed railway bridges, located in the mountainous region between Fukushima and Niigata prefectures. This steel arch bridge carries the Tadami Line, a scenic rural railway operated by JR East that runs approximately 135 kilometers through some of Japan's most remote and beautiful landscapes. The bridge gained international recognition after appearing in promotional materials and subsequently becoming a social media sensation, drawing photographers and travelers from around the world.
The bridge's significance lies in its dramatic setting where the Tadami River flows through a steep valley surrounded by mountains. The view is particularly stunning during autumn when the surrounding forests transform into vibrant red and gold hues, and in winter when heavy snowfall blankets the landscape in white. The bridge itself, completed as part of the Tadami Line's construction between 1963 and 1971, represents the engineering challenges of connecting isolated mountain communities. The railway line suffered significant damage during heavy rains in 2011, with full service only restored in 2022 after extensive reconstruction efforts.
Visitors typically experience the First Tadami River Bridge from designated viewpoints rather than from the bridge itself. The most popular vantage point is the Miharashi Hiroba observation deck, located on the opposite hillside, which offers an unobstructed view of the bridge with the river and mountains as backdrop. The best photographic opportunities occur when trains cross the bridge, which happens several times daily as local services operate along the line. Many photographers time their visits to capture trains crossing at specific moments, particularly during golden hour or when morning mist rises from the valley.
Access to the bridge and viewpoint requires traveling to Okuaizu, a remote region with limited public transportation. The nearest major access point is Aizuwakamatsu Station, from where visitors can take the Tadami Line itself to Okuaizu Station or Tagokura Dam Station, both within proximity to the viewpoint. The journey takes approximately two hours from Aizuwakamatsu. Alternatively, rental cars provide more flexibility for reaching the observation deck, though winter driving requires experience with snowy mountain roads. There is no admission fee to access the observation deck or viewpoint areas. The remote location means limited dining and accommodation options exist nearby, with most visitors either day-tripping from Aizuwakamatsu or staying in small guesthouses in the surrounding villages.
