Tsujun Bridge

Tsujun Bridge in Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a stone arch aqueduct bridge built in the Edo period. To draw water to the water-poor Shiraito Plateau, it was constructed in 1854 by the head village official Futa Yasunosuke. The bridge is about 78 meters long, over 20 meters high, and about 6.3 meters wide, and it is known for the dramatic sight of water bursting from the center of the bridge during sightseeing discharges. A crystallization of the wisdom and skill of past generations, in 2023 it became the first civil engineering structure in the country to be designated a National Treasure.

Highlights

• The powerful sightseeing discharge that releases water vigorously from the center of the bridge. The scene woven by spray and rainbows is spectacular.
• The stone arch drawing a beautiful curve, conveying the advanced stonework of the Edo period to this day.
• The peaceful views of farmland and the Shiraito Plateau seen from atop the bridge.
• A time to reflect on the resolve of past generations who saved people suffering from water shortage.

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring, the surrounding fields grow fresh and lush and peaceful scenery spreads out. In summer, amid fresh greenery, the spray of the sightseeing discharge brings coolness. In autumn, under clear skies, you can enjoy a calm mood with the farmland around harvest time, and in winter, in the crisp air, the imposing form of the stone bridge stands out all the more. The discharge follows set periods and schedules, so check before you visit.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Nagahara, Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture
• By car: About 1.6 kilometers from the Yamato Tsujunkyo Interchange on the Kyushu Central Expressway
• By bus: Access by bus from the Sakuramachi Bus Terminal in central Kumamoto City (roughly 1.5 hours as a guide)
• Sightseeing discharge: Mainly in the off-farming season when water is not used for irrigation, it is carried out in set time slots for about 15 minutes each time. Days are limited, so confirm in advance

Practical Travel Notes

• The discharge is not carried out every day and follows set days and times, so always confirm at the Yamato Town tourist information before your visit
• Looking up from the foot of the bridge conveys the power of the discharge well and is a good position for photos
• There are roadside stations and parking nearby where you can rest and buy local products
• Visiting together with Heitate Jingu makes it easier to enjoy the Yamato Town area in a single day

A Word of Advice

If you want to see the discharge, always check the days and times in advance. The discharge seen looking up from the foot of the bridge is full of power. On a fine day a rainbow may appear, so do not miss it.

📚 Sources

This article was edited as general sightseeing information based on the guidance on the dates and times of the tourist water discharge issued by Yamato Town and the local tourism association that manage Tsujun Bridge, public information on the national-treasure designation, and public information on the nearby roadside station. The tourist water discharge is not held every day and has set dates and times, which may change. Before you set out, please confirm the latest discharge schedule through official sources such as the Yamato Town tourism guidance.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 30 minutes to 1 hour for viewing the bridge and the tourist water discharge
• What to bring: Looking up from the foot of the bridge conveys the power of the discharge, and a rainbow may appear on clear days, so bring a camera
• Check the discharge: The discharge has set dates and times, so always confirm with the Yamato Town tourism guidance before visiting
• Suggested route: View the stone arch and water discharge from the foot of the bridge, look out over the Shiraito Plateau fields from atop the bridge, and rest or buy local products at the nearby roadside station
• Combine your visit: Pairing it with Heitate Jingu makes it easy to enjoy the Yamato Town area in a single day