A phantom bridge that floats and sinks in Lake Nukabira

This 130m long concrete arch bridge was completed in 1937. It appears on the frozen lake surface around January when the dam water level is low, begins to sink around May when the water level rises, and sinks to the bottom of the lake around summer. This is the only arch bridge in Japan whose appearance changes with the seasons, which is why it is called the "phantom bridge.

Late spring, when the bridge is a spectacle bridge
After May, the water level of the Tausubetsu River Bridge rises as melted snow flows into Lake Nukabira. Especially in the early morning, when there is less wind and no waves compared to the daytime, the bridge is reflected on the lake surface, making the arch look circular like a pair of glasses, hence the name "Megane-bashi" (glasses bridge).

Severe winter appears in the snowfield
Lake Nukabira begins to freeze over in December, and the thick ice breaks through to reappear in January. From that time, you can go across Lake Nukabira with snowshoes to see them. The Tausubetsu River Bridge stands out against the blue of the clear winter sky and the white of the snowfield.

■Early spring, when it shows its great power.
Before Golden Week, the Tausubetsu River Bridge is in its full glory. This is also the time when the water level of Lake Nukabira is the lowest of the year. The entire image is revealed on the rough ground at the bottom of the lake. If you look at the view from the south shore, Mt. Nipesotsu with lingering snow in the background adds even more color to the scene.