Momosuke Bridge is a beautiful wooden suspension bridge spanning the Kiso River in the Yomikaki district of Nagiso Town, Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture. Completed in 1922, during Japan’s Taisho era, the bridge was built under the direction of Fukuzawa Momosuke, then president of Daido Electric Power Company.
The bridge was originally constructed to transport materials needed for the development of hydroelectric power facilities. Measuring approximately 248 meters in length, it is one of Japan’s notable wooden suspension bridges of its kind and remains an impressive example of early modern engineering.
Momosuke Bridge is highly regarded for both its architectural design and engineering significance. As part of the Yomikaki Power Station facilities, it has been designated a National Important Cultural Property.
In 2007, the bridge was also recognized as part of the Modern Industrial Heritage Sites Telling the Story of Power Development in the Central Mountain Region. Together with the nearby power-generation facilities, it provides an important link to the history of industrial development in the Kiso Valley.
After decades of use, the bridge was closed to traffic in 1978 because of deterioration and damage caused by flooding. It was carefully restored in 1993 as part of Nagiso Town’s project to create Momosuke Memorial Park, celebrating the atmosphere of the Taisho era.
The restoration sought to balance safety with historical authenticity. The original structural design was faithfully reproduced while modern reinforcement techniques were introduced where necessary. Today, Momosuke Bridge is used exclusively by pedestrians, allowing visitors to experience both the historic structure and the magnificent natural scenery of the Kiso River.
The bridge features a four-span suspension structure, combining wooden trusses with supporting wires. Stone steps at the central pier lead down toward the river, creating an opportunity for visitors to get closer to the surrounding natural environment.
Traces of the rail tracks once used by small construction carts have also been preserved from the restoration. These details provide a vivid reminder that the bridge was originally built as part of the infrastructure supporting the development of hydroelectric power in the Kiso Valley.
The name Momosuke Bridge comes from its builder, Fukuzawa Momosuke. The bridge was originally known as Momono Bridge, but it was officially given its present name when it was restored in 1993.
Its location also makes it an easy addition to a trip through the Kiso Valley. The bridge is approximately 10 minutes on foot from JR Nagiso Station, and several other attractions are located nearby, including the Momosuke Memorial Museum and Yomikaki Power Station.
After sunset, the bridge can also be illuminated with LED lighting, creating a completely different atmosphere from its daytime appearance. The illuminated wooden structure against the surrounding darkness makes for a particularly atmospheric view along the Kiso River.
Momosuke Bridge is more than a beautiful historic bridge. It represents the meeting point of the natural landscape of the Kiso River, the engineering ambitions of Japan’s Taisho era, and the determination of local communities to preserve their heritage.
Today, visitors can walk across the same bridge that once carried materials for major power-development projects and appreciate the scenery of the Kiso Valley from a unique perspective. As one of Nagiso’s most distinctive landmarks, Momosuke Bridge offers a memorable encounter with both Japan’s industrial history and its timeless mountain landscapes.