【Chichibu Drive】Exploring a Loop Bridge and Dam Surrounded by Nature – Touring the Clear Stream of Nakatsugawa Gorge

Driving towards the clear stream of Nakatsugawa Gorge in the Okuchichibu area. Along the way, I look forward to the massive loop bridge and dam as I drive my Jimny. Once I get out of the car, I find a point where nature and man-made structures intersect.

The thrilling fusion of artificial structures and nature can be seen in the gigantic loop bridge and the massive dam

As you head towards the Nakatsugawa Valley along National Route 140, a huge structure comes into view. It is the Raiden Todorokibashi (雷電廿六木橋), a massive loop bridge, and the Takizawa Dam.

Raiden Todorokibashi is highly regarded for its design among loop bridges in the country, and the sight of this loop bridge adjacent to the Takizawa Dam is truly spectacular.

There is a parking lot beneath the Takizawa Dam, so I walked to see the dam. Seeing it up close, I was overwhelmed by its scale. The Takizawa Dam was constructed for flood control, securing drinking water, and hydropower generation, and it plays a significant role for residents of Saitama Prefecture, including Chichibu.

On the short distance from the parking lot to the dam, I noticed many traces of birds and animals. It is clear that this is a gigantic artificial structure built amidst nature.

From the viewpoint at the parking lot near Raiden Todorokibashi, you can see the gently curved, long bridge spanning the valley. This bridge was reportedly built as a bypass road to adapt to the road that was submerged due to the construction of the dam.

Generally, loop bridges are constructed to accommodate changes in elevation, and Raiden Todorokibashi connects an elevation difference of about 125 meters upstream and downstream of the dam.

While driving over the bridge, you can see the upper part of the dam in parallel. Having just seen the dam's enormous scale up close allowed me to truly feel the height of the bridge.

The clear stream of Okuchichibu, Nakatsukawa Gorge, and the lonely forest road

a little further ahead, we arrived at the beautiful Nakatsukawa Gorge with its flowing waters. Nakatsukawa showcases a landscape dominated by reddish-brown stones, creating a stunning contrast with the emerald green color of the water. It is a famous spot that attracts many tourists during the autumn foliage season, but on weekdays during the rainy season, there are no people around.

This area retains a rich natural environment, and the forest road (walking path) alongside the river that we visited this time, which is not marked on the map, was covered in moss and had many fallen trees. It is necessary to walk with caution, but there is something appealing about places that are unpopulated and rich in nature.

While walking this forest road, I often came across fallen rocks. There were huge boulders lying on the path, which was quite frightening. Fallen rocks are generally said to be more common in spring and autumn, and particularly in spring, melting snow tends to cause rock falls.

Furthermore, the Nakatsukawa Forest Road upstream (currently closed to traffic) should offer even more natural scenery. There seems to be a campsite as well, so I look forward to returning to this place for stream fishing camping next time.

Interview/Article by Kazuma Tanaka

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