Mugenkyo Ferry & Daiichi Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint
The Mugenkyo-no-Watashi (Mugenkyo Ferry) is a small hand-rowed boat that crosses the Tadami River in Oku-Aizu, Fukushima. It operates from late April to mid-November and takes visitors to the abandoned Mitsunashi settlement in Kaneyama Town, which was deserted around 50 years ago.From June to August, early mornings and evenings are often covered in thick mist, creating a dreamlike scene that feels as if you have stepped into another world.
This traditional ferry, once used as everyday transportation by local villagers, has been revived for visitors. The slow journey across the calm river—without engine noise—offers a rare chance to experience the untouched rural beauty of Japan.
Daiichi Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint
In contrast, the Daiichi Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint is a scenic spot where you can watch trains on the JR Tadami Line crossing the first iron bridge over the Tadami River. The Tadami Line stretches 135.2 km between Aizu-Wakamatsu Station (Fukushima) and Koide Station (Niigata). From this viewpoint, you can see a breathtaking scene: the river winding through the mountains, a steel arch bridge surrounded by deep forests, and a train gently rattling across—like a painting created by nature and railways together.
Although still relatively quiet and not overly developed as a tourist site, its beauty has made it popular among railway fans, photographers, and even international travelers in recent years.
In spring the mountains are covered in fresh green, in summer they turn deep green, in autumn they blaze with red and orange leaves, and in winter they are covered in pure white snow. Because the scenery changes so much throughout the year, every visit feels new and memorable.
A deserted village floating in the mist and a breathtaking railway landscape
The greatest charm of the Mugenkyo Ferry is the mystical scenery of the valley wrapped in mist. From early summer to mid-summer, especially in the early mornings and evenings, a thick white mist rises over the Tadami River and the surrounding mountains, creating a dreamlike landscape. As the hand-rowed boat gently glides across the river—without any engine noise—the only sounds you hear are the oars touching the water, the wind over the river’s surface, and birds singing. It feels as if time has completely stopped.
After a peaceful 45-minute ride, the boat arrives at the remains of an old settlement where people lived for over 300 years. Here, traces of the past still remain:
・Abandoned traditional houses, stone walls, and ruins of the former Tamatsukuri sulfur mine that once supported the village’s economy
・Oyamazumi Shrine, dedicated to the mountain deity
・Koyasu Kannon Hall, once worshipped for safe childbirth and child-rearing
In recent years, the statues of Jizō (guardian deities) and small shrines in this area have been attracting attention as spiritual “power spots.” Combined with the natural mist and silence of Mugenkyo, the atmosphere feels sacred and otherworldly. The area also became famous as a filming location for the live-action drama Rohan Kishibe Goes Nowhere, based on Hirohiko Araki’s manga. The thatched-roof house “Mugen-an,” floating in the mist, looks as if it were taken straight from the world of the drama—making it a must-visit for fans.
Highlights of the Daiichi Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint
The JR Tadami Line connects Fukushima and Niigata and is often called “the most beautiful local railway in Japan”because of its stunning scenery along the route. Among all the views, the scenery around the Daiichi Tadami River Bridge is especially famous and loved by many railway fans and photographers.
From the viewpoint, you can look down at the deep Tadami River valley, see the arch-shaped bridge stretching over the river, and behind it, mountains painted with seasonal colors.
The viewpoint is only about a 5-minute walk from the parking area at Michi-no-Eki Oze Kaido Mishima-juku, making it very easy to access. Despite this convenience, it is usually not crowded, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery in peace. It is truly a hidden gem where nature and railway scenery come together in perfect harmony.
Mugenkyo Ferry & Daiichi Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint
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Jizo statue
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Mugenkyo Gorge Ferry Crossing
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Koyasu Kannon Hall
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scenic photo spot
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boat cruise
Best Ways to Enjoy the Area
To enjoy the beautiful views of Mugenkyo Gorge and the Tadami Line, it’s best to start your day early. In summer (June to August), try to leave before sunrise. The morning air in Oku-Aizu is very fresh, and sometimes you can see a beautiful red sky as the sun comes up.
The Mugenkyo hand-rowed ferry can run even before 7:00 a.m., but you cannot book early rides online. You need to call and make a reservation. Riding the small boat through the misty Tadami River in the quiet morning is a very special experience. On the boat, listen to the sound of the oar in the water, the wind, and the birds. Feel the cool fog on your skin and enjoy the silence.After arriving at the old village, the boatman will tell you stories about the people who used to live there. You can walk around, visit small shrines and stone statues, and feel the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. Thinking about the lives of the people who once lived there makes the scenery even more meaningful.
After the boat ride, drive about 15 minutes to Michi-no-Eki Oze Kaido Mishima-juku. It opens at 8:00 a.m. You can buy local vegetables and souvenirs, eat soba noodles or rice bowls at the restaurant Kirika-tei, and see traditional paulownia wood crafts from the town.
From the parking lot, walk for 3–5 minutes on the path next to the small tunnel. This will take you to the viewpoint of the Daiichi Tadami River Bridge. If you want to see or take photos of the train crossing the bridge, check the JR Tadami Line timetable first. Trains only come about once every 1–2 hours. You can see the train slowly crossing the bridge, and if the river is calm, you may also see its reflection in the water.The viewpoint is on a natural slope without any fences. So please wear comfortable shoes and be careful, especially near the edge.
Plans
Mugenkyo also offers seasonal experience programs. One of the most popular is the “Luxury Morning on the Water”plan, available from early May to mid-October. Guests can enjoy a private boat ride with freshly brewed local coffee and a special breakfast made with seasonal ingredients from Oku-Aizu, all while floating on the misty Tadami River at sunrise. This extended 75-minute cruise offers a truly calming and luxurious start to the day.
There are also unique tour experiences, such as a two-day, one-night “Oku-Aizu Yokai Legend Tour.” Participants listen to local storytellers share traditional ghost tales, stay at a hot spring inn known for its kappa (water spirit) legends, and on the following morning, meet the mist-covered stone statues along the river during the ferry ride. These special programs allow visitors to experience the deeper, mysterious charm of the Mugenkyo area.
Spot Information
Spot Name：Mugenkyo Ferry (Hayato Boarding Point) 霧幻峡の渡し（早戸船着き場）
Operating Period：Late April – Mid November (Closed in winter)
Operating Time：7:00 a.m. – Sunset
(For rides before 7:00 a.m., advance phone reservation is required)
Fee:
・Round-trip Plan (boat ride only, approx. 45 min): Up to 2 people ¥6,000, 3 or more people ¥3,000 per person
・Exploration Plan (includes landing, approx. 90 min): Up to 2 people ¥12,000, 3 or more people ¥6,000 per person
Capacity: 1Up to 6 people per boat (3 boats available)
Boats are generally operated as private charters.
Contact/Reservation：Kaneyama Town Tourism & Products Association
Weekdays: +81-241-42-7211
Weekends & Holidays: +81-241-54-2855
Access
Address：19 Do-no-Mae, Hayato, Mishima Town, Onuma District, Fukushima Prefecture 969-7406, Japan (near JR Hayato Station)
- By Car: About 35 minutes via Route 252 from Aizu-Bange IC (or Aizu-Yanaizu IC) on the Ban-etsu Expressway.
- By Public Transport: Get off at JR Hayato Station on the JR Tadami Line, then a 3-minute walk.
- Spot Name：Daiichi Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint
- Opening hours：Open all day (No lighting at night)
- Fee：Free
- Notes: The walking path to the viewpoint is paved but has some slopes. Access may be difficult in winter due to snow.
- Contact：Mishima Town Tourism Association +81-241-48-5000
- Official website：https://www.town.mishima.fukushima.jp/site/kankou/4242.html
Amayahara, Kawai, Mishima Town, Onuma District,969-7402-610
- By Car: About 20 minutes from Aizu-Bange IC on the Ban-etsu Expressway (parking available at Michi-no-Eki Oze Kaido Mishima-juku, approx. 130 spaces)
- By Public Transport: About 45-minute walk from JR Aizu-Miyashita Station on the JR Tadami Line (taxi or seasonal town bus also available)
- About 5-minute walk from Michi-no-Eki to the viewpoint entrance
experience plan