Megane Bridge (Usui No. 3 Bridge)
Megane Bridge (Usui No. 3 Bridge) things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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An impressive railway bridge completed in 1892 (the description that it is a 17th-century stone bridge is incorrect; see below). In Edo period, Nakasen-do (中仙道 or 中山道) was an important road connecting the capital Edo (present-day Tokyo) to Western Japan through the mountainous region in Central Japan. (The other major road was Tokai-do along the Pacific Ocean.) The climb from the Kanto plain to Usui-Toge (pass) at the edge of the high plateau was one of the most difficult part of the journey. After the "Meiji Restoration", the new Meiji government was keen to modernize Japan, and railways are an important part of the modernization. After railways were built from Tokyo to Yokokawa (bottom of the slope), and from Karuizawa to Nagano and beyond, the steep Usui-Toge section between Yokokawa and Karuizawa was left unfinished. Since It was difficult to build the track with a sufficiently low grade for regular trains, they decided to adopt the "Abt system" (rack railway system developed by a German engineer Carl Roman Abt). Still they had to construct many tunnels and bridges, this "Megane-bashi" (eyeglass bridge) officially named Usui No. 3 bridge being one of them. In 1963, new tracks bypassing this bridge were built and the Abt system was discontinued. After that, this bridge has not been used by trains. (And after the Shinkansen bullet train line was constructed, the conventional railway service between Yokokawa and Karuizawa was discontinued in 1997.) Now the former "Abt system railway track" was converted to a footpath; you can not only walk on the bridge but continue walking into tunnels on both sides of the bridge and beyond. A short and easy access (although with some climbing on stairs) from the nearby parking or the bus stop.
Masaki OshikawaMasaki Oshikawa
20
really nice place to visit. You can walk both sides to rail road many kilometers. When u go to top of the bridge area you can see two caves of your both sides. the one in bridge side tunnel is small but if you go that side around 1km and you see nice nice lake with red bridge. Good view. But main part is other tunnel in the opposite side of the bridge. It more than 1km and really nice to go through it. You must go there. Inside is too cold. I went there in summer and inside is awesome. Leaches may be there. So be careful. Of course they have sign board about leaches and Bear. Few years ago thwre were some bear attack. So better be careful that too. Access road is really narrow. Within 12 kilometers there 179 bends. Each bwnd they habe numbered it.
Gayashan Jayasinghe (Channel D)Gayashan Jayasinghe (Channel D)
00
Very cool place to visit if you enjoy history or feel like taking a walk somewhere different. Some temporary side-of-the-road parking very close by. You can walk through a lot of short, old tunnels that take you back into the past. You can also enjoy a few scenic spots along the way. On the south side is a lake which also has a walkway. It's not too far from Karuizawa and the mountain road is a lovely drive. You can access this bridge right from the road. You can spend 20 minutes here or walk farther and spend a good 90 minutes.
Kelly PettitKelly Pettit
60
I visited the Megane Bridge in Gunma during the autumn, and it was a fantastic experience! Although it took me about 30 minutes to find a parking spot, the visit was absolutely worth it. The view of the bridge and the surrounding landscape was stunning, especially with the vibrant fall colors. Another great thing is that both parking and admission are free! I highly recommend visiting, especially if you enjoy nature and tranquil spots. A true gem in Gunma!
Ryusei HosonoRyusei Hosono
00
『歴史のアーチが描く、時を越えた美しさ』 碓氷第三橋梁、通称「めがね橋」は、明治の職人技が今もなお息づくレンガ造りのアーチ橋です。31メートルの高さから見る風景は圧巻で、季節ごとに異なる自然の彩りと、重厚な赤レンガの調和が美しく、特に秋の紅葉シーズンは息を呑むほどの美しさを誇ります。橋に使用された200万個以上のレンガが、時代を超えてもその存在感を失うことなく、訪れる人々を魅了します。 この橋が建設された1892年当時、碓氷峠を越える鉄道建設は「交通の難所」と呼ばれるほど困難なものでした。しかし、アプト式という当時最先端の技術と職人の手によって、見事に完成したこの橋は、日本で最大のレンガアーチ橋として歴史に名を残しました。廃線後も、「アプトの道」として遊歩道が整備され、橋の上を歩きながらその歴史を肌で感じることができます。 めがね橋は、ただの観光スポットではありません。その背後には、日本の鉄道史と技術者たちの努力が刻まれており、その一部に触れることで、橋が持つ深い歴史的価値を改めて感じることができるでしょう。また、アクセスも良く、横川駅から「アプトの道」を5kmほど歩いて行くことができるので、ゆったりとしたハイキング気分で訪れるのもおすすめです。駐車場からは徒歩5分程度で橋にたどり着けますので、短時間の観光にも最適です。 その雄大なアーチを見上げながら、遠い昔、蒸気機関車がこの橋を走り抜けていた時代に思いを馳せてみるのも一興です。 The Usui Third Bridge, also known as “Megane Bridge,” is an impressive red-brick arch bridge built during the Meiji era. It stands 31 meters tall, and the stunning view it offers changes with the seasons, especially during autumn when vibrant foliage surrounds the heavy arches. Built using over two million bricks, the bridge remains a symbol of Japan’s industrial history. Constructed in 1892 as part of the railway over Usui Pass, it was a technological marvel of its time. Today, the disused railway path has become a hiking trail, allowing visitors to walk on the historic bridge and appreciate both its engineering and scenic beauty. A short walk from the parking lot, the bridge is accessible and a must-see for those visiting the region.
クリス栗村クリス栗村
30
Beautiful historical bridge which used to be part of a railway line. When you're up there, you can walk the disused rail line (Aputo no Michi trail) which passes through this bridge and several tunnels. During our visit in summer, we were the only ones on the trail, and being surrounded by nature was so refreshing. If you are short on time, I highly recommend walking only the portion of the trail from Megane Bridge to Usui Lake.
MariaMaria
10
Nearby Restaurants Of Megane Bridge (Usui No. 3 Bridge)
Coffee House Mini Mini.
Coffee House Mini Mini.
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Matsuidamachi Sakamoto, Annaka, Gunma 379-0307, Japan
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Usui Bridge is the largest brick-masonry arched bridge in Japan, located over Usui river in Gunma prefecture. The bridge was built in 1892 for Usui railway line to travel between Yokokawa in Gunma prefecture and Karuizawa in Nagano prefecture.
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