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The Chikugo River Rising Bridge stands over the Chikugo River, connecting Saga City in Saga Prefecture with Morotomi Town in Okawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture. It is recognized as a nationally designated important cultural asset and mechanical heritage.
Opened in 1935 during the Showa era, this railway bridge of the former national railway Saga Line spans approximately 507 meters, with impressive piers that reach depths of about 15 to 18 meters. To allow large ships to pass beneath, the central section features a bold design that rises to a height of 23 meters, functioning like an elevator.
Currently, it serves as a pedestrian bridge, with the lift section descending eight times a day for tourists, connecting Saga and Fukuoka. When the central section is not lowered, visitors can walk from both riverbanks to the middle of the bridge.
Whether viewed during the day against a backdrop of blue skies or at night when illuminated, reflecting beautifully on the river surface, the bridge is definitely worth seeing. On New Year's Day, it opens early in the morning to allow people to witness the first sunrise of the year from the bridge. Additionally, during the unique season of the stingray (鱭魚) from May to July around the Chikugo River in Japan, instead of the traditional carp streamers, "stingray streamers" are hung, and various seasonal activities are held.
