The Sumita Matsubi Bridge – Where Tradition and Tranquilly Intersect

One of the things I’ve learned to appreciate the most about the Kesen area is the number of hidden gems of traditional culture that often hide in plain sight. These unique features provide us with a glimpse into a more tradition way of life in Japan. In Sumita, one such spot would be the Matsubi Bridge in Shimoarisu. One could be forgiven when driving on route 340 through Sumita for not noticing this small, wooden bridge spanning the Kesen River. With only a wooden sign at the side of the road to indicate its location, it’s the kind of thing many people wouldn’t realize it was there if they weren’t looking for it specifically. It’s even possible that it may not even be standing during the time you drop by for a visit. But I think I may be getting a little ahead of myself.

The Matsubi Bridge, Sumita records show dates back from the late 1600s, and indicate that it was originally built to provide access to the rice fields on the eastern side of the river in the neighborhood of Nakayama. Japan has heavy snowfall in the mountains in winter, a spring runoff of melting snow and a heavy typhoon season in summer, which means that any Edo-era bridge not built of heavy stone would be at risk of being washed away during high water levels. But in this case, the Matsubi Bridge was constructed with this specifically in mind.

Made with strong bridge piles of both chestnut and walnut branches, these natural supports provide the stabilization for the heavy, flat boards on top from being washed away with the river current. Thick wire is attached to each piece of the bridge and anchored to the shoreline. Several times each year when flood waters spill over top of the bridge, the heavy planks float up with the river, and the piles simply fall over and wash to the side. Then, once the water levels subside a few days later, the members of the community come together to gather the pieces of the bridge and hoist everything back together by hand. A simple, but efficient way to provide a safe place to cross a river that blends well with the beautiful nature of the surrounding area.

The Matsubi Bridge is located on Highway 340 in Shimoarisu in central Sumita, about 4 kilometers north of the intersection of Routes 107 and 340. It’s just south of the Sumita Town Sports Center facility on the east side of the road. I encourage people to make the visit to see this one-of-a-kind attraction as part of a day trip in the Kesen area. Feel confident to park your car on the small parking area on the side of the road and take a stroll across the 40-meter bridge, unless, of course the water is particularly high. You are also welcome to sample a famous local confection, the ‘Kakko’ almond cookie from the nearby Imano Family Cake Shop. Named after the local wild Sumita flower, more commonly known as ‘atsumoriso’, or lady’s slipper in English, it’s a delightful crunchy treat to enjoy with some tea.