Venice of Japan! A 50-minute tour of the Uchikawa River and 12 bridges [Shinminato Sightseeing Boat].

  • Toyama
  • Experience Gifu
Toyama Tourism Promotion Organization
Facing the Sea of Japan, the Uchigawa River in Imizu City, Toyama Prefecture, prospered as a port of call for Kitamae-bune (ships sailing in front of the Kitamae Line). The Uchigawa River, full of port town atmosphere, is a canal that connects Toyama Shinko (new port) to the east and west for approximately 3,420 meters, making it an unusual river that connects from sea to sea. With houses lining the riverbank and fishing boats moored in a row on both banks, it is called the "Venice of Japan" for its nostalgic scenery.
The eye-catching Bengalla-colored East Bridge!
One of the most fun parts of sightseeing along the Uchikawa River is visiting the 12 bridges that span the river, each with its own unique character.
Each bridge has its own unique features, including the "Higashi-bashi" bridge with a gable roof for pedestrians, which was commissioned to Spanish architect Cesar Portela for its basic design and is rare in Japan; the "Sanno-bashi" bridge with four marble hand sculptures made by local native Mitsuyuki Takeda; and the "Shinminato-bashi" bridge with stained glass windows by local craft artist Nisanya Otomo. The "Kagura Bridge," with its bright stained glass windows, and many other unusual bridges can be enjoyed.

There are a number of interesting stores along the Uchigawa River, so you can take a leisurely stroll...but what we recommend is to take the Shinminato sightseeing boat that departs from Kaioumaru Park and enjoy the view from the boat! When the boat goes under the bridge, it passes just above your head, so you can enjoy it as an attraction by squatting down each time you go out on the rear deck of the boat. You can also get on and off at the "River Station Shinminato" on the way.
After completing the boarding procedures, it is time to depart!
The bridge is just above the boat, so it's a thrilling experience!
Not only the scenery on the inland river, but also the scenery at sea is an enjoyable part of the boat trip. Immediately after departure, the boat passes right next to the sailing ship "Kaiwomaru," the symbol of Kaiwomaru Park, and passes under the large, white Shin-Minato Ohashi Bridge, which can be viewed from an angle directly below. Visitors can even experience feeding the seagulls when they are flying around the ship.
On a fine day, we recommend driving over the Shin-Minato Ohashi Bridge.
Even without bait, the seagulls come pretty close!
The Uchikawa cruise offers a nostalgic nostalgic atmosphere, the scent of the sea, and the history and culture of the port town. For those who want to enjoy the scenery and time passing by slowly, how about taking a 50-minute cruise?
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