Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
40 mm ISO 200 for 1/100 sec. at ƒ/9.0
Elevated Railway above Lake Sesso in Japan
Location: Lake Sesso, Kawanehoncho Town, Shizuoka Prefecture
Timestamp: 8:44 on August 23, 2023
Elevation: 530.7 m
This view is one-half of the elevated railway near Okuoikojo Station on the Ikawa Line of Ōigawa Railway, Shizuoka Prefecture.
This portion of the elevated railway lies southwest of Okuoikojo Station, a station that is serviced by the Ikawa Line operated by Ōigawa Railway in Shizuoka Prefecture. If you continue on your journey heading southwest, you will reach the terminal Senzu Station.
The vantage point for this shot is the Okuoikojo Station Observation Point, which is actually a paved automotive street that has been closed to vehicular traffic. Accessible within a short 10-minute stroll from the Okuoikojo Station parking lot or a 15-minute walk from Okuoikojo Station itself (depending on your fitness level and assuming you are wearing proper footwear).
Completed in 1935, construction of this railway line was undertaken by the Ōigawa Electric Company as a private line. Its primary purpose was to transport workers and materials upstream, facilitating dam construction, which resulted in the creation of Lake Sesso.
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
28 mm ISO 200 for 1/100 sec. at ƒ/9.0
Panoramic view of Two Railway Bridges High Above Lake Sesso in Japan.
Location: Lake Sesso, Kawanehoncho Town, Shizuoka Prefecture
Timestamp: 8:45 on August 23, 2023
Elevation: 535.4 m
In this captivating vista, the railway bridge divides the scene – the southwestern section to the right, and the northeastern expanse to the left. Standing tall in the midst of this panorama is the unmanned Okuoikojo Station and a simple cafe, perched above the glistening lake giving the illusion of an island.
Originally constructed in 1935, this railway ferried both workers and construction materials upstream during construction of a dam, which led to the birth of Lake Sesso, a calm emerald body of water beneath the arches of the bridge.
By the year 1990, the dam's construction was completed, prompting the Oigawa Railway to assume control of the railway line. It transformed into a tourist attraction to diverse vantage points, onsen retreats, and other scenic marvels along the enchanting Ikawa Line.
If visiting by train, make sure to peruse the train schedule (linked in the Pix4Japan blog) well in advance, preventing any possibility of finding yourself stranded amidst the mountains. The service interval is an hour, commencing with the train's arrival at 11:08 and culminating in the last arrival at 16:12.
For those opting to journey by car, the Pix4Japan blog also furnishes a Google Maps link to the conveniently located parking area.
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
28 mm ISO 400 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/9.0
Northern Half of Railway Bridge Crossing Lake Sesso in Japan
Location: Lake Sesso, Kawanehoncho Town, Shizuoka Prefecture
Timestamp: 8:48 on August 23, 2023
Elevation: 536.8 m
This shot captures a view of the northeastern stretch of the Okuoi Rainbow Bridge. This railway bridge traverses the waters of Lake Sesso, a reservoir formed by the placement of two dams–one upstream and the other downstream of the Oigawa River.
This bridge is part of the Ikawa Line that traverses the remote mountainous landscape of central Shizuoka Prefecture, serving the northern segment of the Oigawa Railway network.
Originally used to haul workers and materials for construction of the dams, the railway line now operates to the benefit of tourists, taking them through the heart of a rugged terrain characterized by crystal clear rivers, emerald green bodies of water, and pristine woodlands. The Ikawa Line closely follows the winding and rugged path carved by the Oigawa River, giving passengers a front row seat to the natural beauty of the region.
My own visit to this location occurred during a rainstorm, soon after the passage of a typhoon. While the conditions were less than ideal for a brief mountain hike, I was pleased with how the surroundings were transformed into a lush and vibrant landscape that was further enriched by low-lying clouds and a mountain mist hugging the steep forested slopes.
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
40 mm ISO 400 for 1/100 sec. at ƒ/11
Oku-Oi Rainbow Bridge over Lake Sesso in Japan
Location: Lake Sesso, Kawanehoncho Town, Shizuoka Prefecture
Timestamp: 9:15 on August 23, 2023
Elevation: 519.0 m
Nestled in the heart of Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, the Oku-Oi Rainbow Bridge is a captivating marvel that graces the serene waters of Lake Sesso. Join us on a journey to discover the allure of this bridge, as we explore its intricate details and the magic it bestows upon its surroundings.
Behold the northern half of the Okuo-Oi Rainbow Bridge on the Oigawa Railway's Ikawa Line. This span of the bridge connects the Okuōikojō Station (center of photo) with a tunnel (to the right and below the photographer’s feet).
My lens captured this striking image from a vantage point just above and to the left of the tunnel's entrance. Upon closer inspection, the discerning eye can trace the contours of the station platform and the rail tracks as they gracefully curve to the right, guiding the way to the southern expanse of the Okuo-Oi Rainbow Bridge.
Within this frame, the shot includes a narrow pedestrian promenade next to the train tracks (left), thoughtfully shielded by sturdy fencing on both sides. This protective barrier ensures the safety of pedestrians, preventing any accidental slips into the azure waters below or precarious encounters with the train tracks.
The Oku-Oi Rainbow Bridge, an impressive Warren truss bridge, stretches across the serene waters of Lake Sesso for a grand total of 474 meters. This magnificent structure elegantly spans the the waters to reach the simple, unmanned Okuoi-Kojo Station (center of shot). It's worth noting that the southern counterpart lacks a pedestrian promenade.
The Oku-Oi Rainbow Bridge stands as a testament to human engineering and the beauty of nature's creations. As you gaze upon its splendid form and admire the tranquil vistas of Lake Sesso, you can't help but appreciate the harmonious blend of man-made ingenuity and the natural world.
If you ever find yourself in the Shizuoka Prefecture, make sure to pay a visit to this extraordinary gem. For more details and insights, explore the Pix4Japan blog (https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20230823-lake-sesso), where we've compiled all the essential information for your journey. We look forward to sharing more adventures with you in the future!
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
28 mm ISO 400 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/11
Hourglass Reflections on Mountain Lake in Japan
Location: Lake Sesso, Kawanehoncho Town, Shizuoka Prefecture
Timestamp: 9:29 on August 23, 2023
Elevation: 498.4 m
Nestled within the Oi River system in Shizuoka Prefecture lies a hidden gem: Lake Sesso. This serene body of water, born from the river's transformation by upstream and downstream dams, holds both civil project significance and natural beauty.
The two dams along the Oi River serve a dual purpose of meeting the water needs of homes and industries in Shizuoka Prefecture, and are instrumental in curbing the frequent and destructive floods that often followed typhoons in the region.
Lake Sesso, a result of the damming, exudes tranquility. Its waters lazily flow downstream, barely disturbed by a ripple. A close observer can catch glimpses of fish swimming just beneath the water's surface, their movements graceful as they search for nearby prey to catch.
What truly captivates visitors to Lake Sesso is its ability to create mirror-like reflections on its surface. In this narrow river valley, the reflections take on unique forms, like the hourglass-shaped mirage that graces the water's surface. For photographers, these captivating scenes offer an endless source of inspiration and the perfect subjects to capture.
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
28 mm ISO 400 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/6.3
Northbound Train Crossing Lake Sesso in Japan
Location: Lake Sesso, Kawanehoncho Town, Shizuoka Prefecture
Timestamp: 10:26 on August 23, 2023
Elevation: 496.4 m
The Oigawa Railway's Ikawa Line, established in 1935, originally served as the primary transport route of construction materials and workers involved in dam and hydroelectric power plant projects along the Oigawa River.
As dam construction concluded, the railway's role shifted. The Forestry Ministry then took charge of the railway, repurposing it for the transportation of harvested timber from logging sites close to Oigawa River.
In 1959, Oigawa Railways assumed operations, marking a significant turning point for the Ikawa Line. They began focusing on transporting tourists to the hot spring resorts along the line, as well as catering to alpinists and hikers heading for the peaks of the Southern Alps National Park.
The current rolling stock, as shown in this photo, consists of a low-height diesel locomotive positioned at the rear, which propels five small passenger coaches. These unusually small coaches were specially designed to navigate the small, narrow tunnels along the line that were originally constructed to accommodate construction materials and timber.
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
28 mm ISO 400 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/11
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
31 mm ISO 400 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/9.0
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
28 mm ISO 400 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/9.0
Unmanned Remote Train Station in Shizuoka Mountains of Japan
Location: Lake Sesso, Kawanehoncho Town, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 9:42, 9:43, and 9:45 on August 23, 2023
Elevation: 495.7 m
Most visitors reach Okuoi-Kojo Station by train, but since I traveled with my dog, we drove to the nearby Okuoi-Koji Station Parking Lot. From the parking lot, we followed the signs and trail uphill and then descended on the other side. We crossed the Okuoi Rainbow Railway Bridge using the pedestrian walkway alongside the tracks.
If you plan to access the station by train, it's important to note that the train runs only once an hour, with a total of five runs per day. Having arrived early in the morning by car, my dog and I explored the station on foot, taking our time to savor the lush, verdant forests, the breathtaking view of the lake from the bridge, and the serene movement of low-lying clouds and mountain mist.
The defining characteristic of Okuoi-Kojo Station lies in its enduring simplicity. The station has remained largely unchanged for the past 33 years, offering visitors a nostalgic journey back in time, away from the glitz and glamor of Tokyo's modern train stations.
Perched on a bluff behind the station, you'll find the Kojo Station Cafe (湖上駅カフェ, lit. “station-above-the-lake cafe”). This charming cafe offers ample seating and tables, providing weary travelers with a delightful opportunity to relax, rejuvenate, and savor a variety of drinks and delectable sweet snacks.
① Captured amidst the rain, my faithful border collie takes a well-deserved break. (And yes, I made sure to thoroughly wipe down the bench after her rest!)
② A rain puddle reflects the station signboard: “Okuoi-Kojo Station.” “Okuoi” is the name of the narrow river valley that was submerged to create Sesso Lake, while “kojo” means “above the lake.”
③ Standing at the platform's end, facing northeast, we have a view of the railway as it disappears into a tunnel. Along the right side of the tracks is the narrow pedestrian path that guides us to the opposite side of the lake and back to the parking lot.
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
105 mm ISO 400 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/9.0
Japanese Crow Resting on Railroad Bridge in Japan
Location: Lake Sesso, Kawanehoncho Town, Shizuoka Prefecture
Timestamp: 9:46 on August 23, 2023
Elevation: 495.0 m
A handheld telephoto shot of a Japanese jungle crow perched on the handrail of the Okuoi Rainbow Bridge, which runs parallel to the tracks of the Oigawa Railways’ Ikawa Line in Japan.
There are approximately five species of crows in the Corvidae family commonly found in Japan. Among these, the carrion crow and jungle crow are year-round residents throughout most of the country.
In this shot, the distinctive size and color of the beak, along with the slightly dark blue and purple hues of the plumage, suggest that it is a jungle crow.
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
28 mm ISO 400 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/13
Southern Half of Oku-Oi Rainbow Bridge over Lake Sesso in Japan
Location: Lake Sesso, Kawanehoncho Town, Shizuoka Prefecture
Timestamp: 10:01 on August 23, 2023
Elevation: 525.5 m
Nestled in the heart of Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, the Oku-Oi Rainbow Bridge is a captivating marvel that graces the serene waters of Lake Sesso. This picturesque region is known for its natural beauty and historical significance, making the bridge an intriguing point of interest.
The Oku-Oi Rainbow Bridge, an impressive Warren truss bridge, stretches across the serene waters of Lake Sesso for a grand total of 474 meters. This magnificent structure elegantly spans the waters to reach the simple, unmanned Okuoi-Kojo Station located in the middle of the lake.
The southern half of the Okuo-Oi Rainbow Bridge on the Oigawa Railways’ Ikawa Line is its design featuring three support columns instead of one like its northern counterpart. The best vantage point to appreciate this difference is from atop a small hill right behind the Okuōikojō Station located in the middle of Lake Sesso.
The Oku-Oi Rainbow Bridge offers not only a remarkable engineering feat but also a serene and captivating experience. Whether you're a fan of architecture, natural beauty, or simply looking for a unique place to explore in Shizuoka Prefecture, this bridge and its surroundings are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
28 mm ISO 400 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/6.3
Fog and Eddies in Remote Lake in Japan
Location: Lake Sesso, Kawanehoncho Town, Shizuoka Prefecture
Timestamp: 10:28 on August 23, 2023
Elevation: 498.3 m
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Shizuoka Prefecture lies the serene Oi River system. This beautiful body of water, known as Lake Sesso, is a reservoir that was born from strategic damming both upstream and downstream. Its primary purpose? To safeguard the villages and towns downstream from the threat of flooding.
Lake Sesso is a hidden gem that I recently had the pleasure of exploring. My journey took me to the Oku-Oi Rainbow Railroad Bridge, which soars high above the lake, offering a pedestrian path alongside the train tracks. From this vantage point, I was treated to panoramic views of the lake below.
As I gazed down upon Lake Sesso, I couldn't help but notice something fascinating: eddies forming on its surface. These mesmerizing patterns appeared as a result of varying water currents beneath the tranquil surface, or perhaps even variations in water temperatures. What struck me most was how clearly visible these eddies were, despite their slow, almost hypnotic motion and gradual formation.
Exploring the Oi River system was not only a visual delight but also a reminder of the importance of preserving these serene landscapes for generations to come. If you ever find yourself in Shizuoka Prefecture, I highly recommend taking the time to discover the hidden treasures of the Oi River system, and perhaps, like me, you'll be enchanted by the magic it has to offer.
For necessary Google Maps links and helpful references for further reading, visit the Pix4Japan blog (https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20230823-lake-sesso). I've curated all the necessary details on accessing this location and have provided source references.
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