Nakabashi Bridge and the Miyagawa river

Nakabashi is the red-lacquered bridge that carries the old town across the Miyagawa, Takayama's clear, shallow river. With the wooden houses and the hills behind, it is the town's postcard view, and it changes with every season.

In spring the cherry trees along the banks bloom later than in Tokyo; in winter snow lines the railings and the river runs dark between white banks. The riverside paths on both sides give space to frame the bridge whole, with a couple on the bank or crossing.

The bridge is on a busy pedestrian route, so the quiet moments are early in the morning and around dusk, when the street lamps come on.