Melody Bridge - Hokkaido

Melody Bridge (メロディー橋) is one of the bridges over the Osarappe River and is a symbol of Takasu Town. It is also the first of its kind in Japan. The bridge is located on the outskirts of the southern part of Takasu town in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

メロディー橋
Melody Bridge

Melody Bridge details

The history of Melody Bridge dates back to 1981. To make the old Kitano Bridge a permanent bridge and a memorial at the same time, the mayor of the time instructed that it be "a bridge with something special." With a total length of about 100 meters, a metallophone is built in the center of the railing of the bridge which can play the melody of the nursery rhyme "Yuyake Koyake".

Melody Bridge - Takasu town, Hokkaido Prefecture

This endeavor was well received which made it famous across Japan. In 1986 the Ministry of Construction (now the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) gave it the "Tezukuri Local Award."

Osarappe River Walking Path

Osarappe River

To make the melody even easier to play, the bridge was modified in early 2013 by adopting a chime-like method instead of a clapping method like a metallophone.

Melody Bridge pictures

メロディー橋

メロディー橋

メロディー橋

メロディー橋

メロディー橋

Apart from the bridge's musicality, the Melody Bridge offers stunning views of the fields and the distant mountains as its backdrop.

Team Nicerio visits Melody Bridge




My family and I visited Melody Bridge for the first time last September 17, 2022, which was the first day of our 3-day Respect for the Aged Day Road Trip which is also my 46th weekend as an ALT under the JET Programme. Being a music lover, my daughter made sure she experienced Melody Bridge. It was a fun experience for us and given a chance, we’d love to revisit it someday. Before we did, we would make sure we mastered a song to play. Now, that would surely be one for the books.

Melody Bridge Fees

It’s FREE to visit and play the musical instrument in Melody Bridge.

Melody Bridge Operating Hours

Melody Bridge is open 24/7. However, it is advised that you visit in the morning as it is safer for you and motorists alike.

Why visit Melody Bridge?

The Melody Bridge is a nice stopover destination for anyone traveling in Takasu. It offers a unique and memorable experience. The combination of scenic beauty and musicality makes it a memorable destination that visitors are sure to remember for years to come.


Getting to Melody Bridge

 

The best way to visit Melody Bridge is by car as it gives flexibility in schedule. Melody Bridge is about 25 minutes by car from Asahikawa Station and about 10 minutes from Hokkaido Expressway Asahikawa Takasu.

If you would visit it by bus then ride bus #34-10 Route 10 (via Shunko) from Asahikawa Station bus stop in Asahikawa City to 9-Sen 5-Go bus stop. From there, you need to walk for about 8 minutes to reach Melody Bridge


Travel time: 43 minutes
Fare: 410 yen

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Location: Melody Bridge, 11 Sen, Takasu, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-1251, Japan

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