First Tadami River Bridge: Picturesque Rail Bridge With Only 9 Passing Trains Per Day

First Tadami River Bridge viewpoint

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There’s no shortage of stunning views in Japan, but believe us when we say no place could possibly top this spot. With an arch bridge that stretches over a glistening river, backdropped by the ever changing seasonal hues of its surrounding landscape, the First Tadami River Bridge should be your next go-to spot when Japan opens up.

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Stunning seasonal landscape all year round

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Image credit: @hananokiroku614

Trainspotting is a huge thing in Japan, which is not surprising given that Japanese trains and its railway system are in a league of their own. Despite the long list of locations for railway photography, the First Tadami River Bridge has built a small but loyal fanbase in recent years.

Image credit: @luckhill_78

It’s not hard to see why – the views look like they came straight out of a postcard. Spanning across the calm river, the First Tadami River Bridge is situated right smack in the middle of a luscious mountainous landscape. 

On exceptionally clear days, visitors can even see the reflection of the man-made bridge on the water. 

Image credit: @mai_y718

Depending on the season, its surrounding landscape takes on different but nonetheless picturesque views. But whether it’s the warm amber hues of autumn foliage or a snowy winter wonderland, the panoramic view of the bridge is a sight to behold. 

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Limited passing trains daily

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Image credit: @lupin0333

Thanks to its stunning views, First Tadami River Bridge has attracted many train enthusiasts and photographers, who visit to snap a shot of the iconic bridge. For the picture-perfect shot, many wait in anticipation for the passing train, which only makes 12 trips per day.

Image credit: @aug4_ackey_x8i

Do take note that out of the 12 trips, only nine are made in the day. To get the best daytime view, we recommend going early or checking the sunset time before you make the trip down.  

Image credit: @eiji0321s

To make things easier for visitors, train schedules indicating exactly when the train will pass by are available at various viewpoints. Alternatively, you can plan ahead by referencing the timetables on their official website.

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Getting to First Tadami River Bridge

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Image credit: National Michi no Eki Association

In total, there are five designated spots where visitors can get a glimpse of the fabled spot. But the easiest and most accessible way is through the No. 1 Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint. To get there by public transport, hop on the JR Tadami Line from Aizu Wakamatsu Station, and alight when you reach Aizu-Miyashita Station.

Image credit: @miyan.maron

From there, a 10-minute bus ride will take you to Michi no Eki Ozekaido Mishimajuku, a roadside station that doubles as a pit stop for visitors of the bridge. 

Take a short walk and you’ll reach a signboard that outlines observatory points along the way. All you have to do now is to follow the signs and enjoy the splendid views of the bridge. 

Michi no Eki Ozekaido Mishimajuku
Address: Kawai, Mishima, Onuma District, Fukushima 969-7515
Opening hours: 8AM-6PM, Daily (Closed on New Year Holidays)
Telephone: 0241-48-5677

First Tadami River Bridge
Address: Kawai, Mishima, Onuma District, Fukushima 969-7515
Website

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• Kirby cafe in Japan spring menu

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Cover image adapted from (clockwise from left): @hananokiroku614, @luckhill_78 and @mai_y718