By: Alex
The Tadami Line, running from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station in Aizu-Wakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, to Koide Station in Niigata Prefecture’s Minamiaizu, is famed for its snowy landscapes and has long been a pilgrimage site for railfans and photographers. But in spring and summer, the Tadami Line offers a different kind of beauty—trains emerging and disappearing within thick fog create an ethereal, otherworldly effect that rivals the splendor of snow scenes.
The Tadami Line shots I took today were the best. pic.twitter.com/FwS73l1vPk
— しふぉん (@shiifoncake) July 26, 2020
College student and photography enthusiast @shiifoncake recently captured a series of photos featuring four railway bridges along the Tadami Line. As trains glide across these bridges, the Tadami River below is veiled in dense fog, while surrounding green mountains frame the scene like something out of a fairy tale.
▲ First Tadami River Bridge (Photo by shiifoncake @Twitter)
These four railway bridges are among the most popular spots on the Tadami Line and can even be considered iconic. However, they are spaced apart, and the best vantage points aren’t always near train stations—often requiring a hike up mountain paths. Adding to the challenge, the line has infrequent service, with just about six daily round trips (meaning 12 trains pass through each spot daily). Even for drivers, catching the perfect shot before the mist clears can be quite difficult.
▲ Second Tadami River Bridge
Photographing the Tadami Line in winter means braving frigid weather and navigating snowy mountain trails. In summer, you must contend with swarms of insects. @shiifoncake reminds fellow photographers planning summer shoots to wear long sleeves and pants, minimize exposed skin, and apply plenty of insect repellent—otherwise, you might end up like her, with nearly 100 mosquito bites on your hands and feet combined. Though not serious, it’s incredibly itchy!
?Thanks so much for the retweets and likes from everyone on the mountain!
— しふぉん (@shiifoncake) July 27, 2020
?I got nearly 100 mosquito bites on my hands and ankles, so if you’re heading out in summer, be sure to spray repellent generously, wear long sleeves to cover your skin, and maybe bring some bug spray too, haha.
It’s itchy, but I’m okay, so no worries!
▲ “I got nearly 100 mosquito bites on my hands and feet combined, so if you’re heading out in summer, be sure to spray repellent generously, wear long sleeves to cover your skin, and maybe bring some bug spray too, haha.”
▲ Third Tadami River Bridge
▲ Fourth Tadami River Bridge
Source: @shiifoncake