- 2020.03.12
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Kochi Culture: Chinkabashi
Kochi Culture: Chinkabashi
The Shimanto River in Kochi Prefecture, known as one of the last clear streams in Japan, is no stranger to bouts of seasonal flooding. Yet engineers in Kochi have taken a rather enlightened approach – rather than attempting to stop the floods, the Shimanto is littered with nearly 50 chinkabashi, bridges without parapets that are designed to – ahem – weather almost any storm. Although submerged in high waters, the design of these bridges allows them to emerge unscathed.
The rest of the year, chinkabashi serve as normal river crossings for vehicles unbothered by the extremely narrow roadway, as well as pedestrian bridges. They even function as the perfect photo spot for those looking for a picturesque view of the Shimanto.
by Mandy
Read more about the Shimanto River and its chinkabashi here: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/shimantoriver
