Lake Nukabira
With a perimeter of 34m, Lake Nukabira (糠平湖) is an artificial water body formed from the construction of a nearby hydropower dam in 1953. Despite being man-made, the lake boasts uniquely fascinating phenomena such as air bubbles being visibly frozen underneath the water surface and a bridge that disappears on the regular.
Air bubbles trapped beneath ice
Every winter, Lake Nukabira begins to freeze over amid drastically dropping temperatures, slowing the movement of air particles dissolved underwater. As gases with different freezing points rise to the surface at different rates, air bubbles get trapped and frozen at non-uniform depths underwater.
Once the entire lake is completely frozen over, you’ll see several layers of air bubbles artistically stacked atop one another
Image credit: @hokkaidolove.tw
Those who know of this unique phenomena flock to Lake Nukabira in winter in order to witness the spectacle in person. Some have even described the view as otherworldly. Twitter user @MarieYsd commented, “Lake Nukabira looks like something out of a post-transmigration world.”
Image adapted from: @MarieYsd.
Taushubetsu River Bridge
Spanning across Lake Nukabira, Taushubetsu River Bridge is a concrete bridge that was primarily used by trains transporting lumber during World War II. It fell into disuse after the Nukabira Dam was constructed, which artificially introduced more water to the area and transformed Taushubetsu River into Lake Nukabira.
As temperatures soar in the summer and the water level around Taushubetsu River Bridge rises, the bridge eventually becomes submerged and disappears from view.
Image credit: @aki_westwood
Come autumn, the water level of Lake Nukabira recedes and the bridge re-emerges. Incidentally, you’ll get the best photos of the bridges from September to October, when the water surface perfectly reflects the bridge and the clear, blue sky.
Image credit: @guidecentre
To get a closeup view of Lake Nukabira’s icy landscape and learn more about the Taushubetsu River Bridge, we recommend signing up for tours on the NPO Higashi Taisetsu Nature Guide Centre website.
The Lake Nukabira and Taushubetsu River Bridge tours each cost ¥4,500 (~USD30.28) for adults and ¥3,000 (~USD20.19) for elementary school students, and the price is inclusive of the rental of waterproof boots. Slots open as early as 3 months before the scheduled tour date, so be sure to sign up as early as possible to secure a spot.
Getting to Lake Nukabira
Located in Hokkaido Prefecture, Lake Nukabira has one of the most splendid winter views caused by the natural freezing of gas-infused water. Sadly, while the lake also boasts the history-rich Taushubetsu Bridge, the gradually eroding infrastructure might not last much longer without preservation efforts. So pay a visit to Lake Nukabira to check out the bridge for yourself before it’s too late.
Lake Nukabira is accessible via a 1h 43min bus ride from Obihiro Station. First, head to the Nishi 2-jō 9-chōme (西2条9丁目) bus stop that’s a 5-minute walk from Obihiro Station. Then, board the yellow Nukabira Gensenkyo-bound Tokachi bus. The bus schedule can be found via the Tokachi Bus website.
Image adapted from: Computer Business Co.,Ltd
Take a numbered ticket from the dispenser at the boarding area and freely pick a seat.
Image adapted from: 十勝バス
Upon reaching the Nukabira Onsen Kōenmae (ぬかびら温泉公園前) bus stop, press the bell by the seats to let the driver know that you want to alight. Compare the number shown on your ticket to the fare table at the front of the bus to see how much you have to pay. Travelling from the Nishi 2-jō 9-chōme bus stop to the Nukabira Onsen Kōenmae bus stop costs approximately ¥1,330 (~USD8.95)
Image adapted from: 十勝バス
Before alighting, place both your numbered ticket and the exact bus fare into the transparent box by the driver’s seat.
Image adapted from: 十勝バス
If you don’t have the exact fare, obtain small change from the money exchange machine attached to the transparent box. The machine exchanges any amount from ¥50 (~USD0.34) to ¥1,000 (~USD6.73).
It’s a little complicate to explain with just words, so watch the Tokachi bus-riding tutorial here:
Video credit: 十勝バス
As the lake is situated near a forested area, you are advised to bring along bear bells just in case.
Lake Nukabira
Address: Nukabiragensenkyo, Kamishihoro, Kato District, 080-1403 Hokkaido
NPO Higashi Taisetsu Nature Guide Centre
Address: 44-3 Nukabira Gensenkyo, Kamishihoro Town, Kato District, Kita Ward, 080-1403 Hokkaido
Opening hours: 9am-6pm, Daily
Contact: 0156-44-2261 | NPO Higashi Taisetsu Nature Guide Centre website
Also check out:
- Cave with the deepest underground lake in Japan
- Lake Biwa-inspired dishes
- Aquarium with relationship charts between penguins & feeding staff
- Ryokan with scenic river views & flowing noodles
- Bridge in Kyoto with view best enjoyed upside down
Cover image adapted from: @hokkaidolove.tw, @guidecentre
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