Snowshoeing allows people of all ages to enjoy the winter scenery up-close. This is because access to unapproachable places in the summer, due to grown bamboo and bushes, bugs and possible bear encounters, water bodies, etc., can be made easy by snow and ice.

The Tausubetsu River Bridge is one such example.

This bridge is located in Lake Nukabira in Kamishihoro town (in Tokachi area) and is one of about 50 bridges on the former Japan National Railways’ Shihoro Line, which was abolished in 1987.
It is a 130m long concrete bridge with 11 arch-shaped piers.

It begins to sink into the lake around June and is almost completely submerged by October. However, it begins to reappear between December and January after the lake gets frozen, for which the bridge is called “Phantom Bridge.” The concrete body looks quite brittle and in danger of collapsing due to deterioration caused by fast river water and erosions from repeated “freezing and thawing” of the water permeated through concrete during the cold months of the year. However, many people go there on snowshoes to take a glimpse of it up close and personal, as if going to see ruins of the ancient Rome.

During hikes, you must also come across some mushroom-shaped object d’art made of ice, which is usually formed on tree roots left abandoned after felling large trees took place in the old days.

Winter in east Hokkaido like this Tokachi area IS cold, but as long as you’re fully geared for the purpose, you’ll surely be welcomed by its sunny blue sky and clean crisp air.

 
K Mina