Niihama City and Shikokuchuo City, Ehime Prefecture
The Besshi-Suiha Hana Road Following the mountain road as it loops through the greenery
The Besshi-Suiha Hana Road in Ehime links the Kokuryō and Dōzan rivers. On a spring morning in late April, I crossed Seiryū Bridge near Shikamori Dam, taking the sweeping loop I’d been wanting to drive for myself.
I pulled on a jacket, got into my red car, and followed the road as it looped above the valley, with fresh spring greenery all around.
SpringA morning in late April
I wanted to drive the loop I’d spotted on the map for myself
On a sunny morning in late April, I left Niihama and headed into the mountains. The sky was clear, and sunlight caught the leaves. I couldn’t wait to drive across Seiryū Bridge on the Besshi-Suiha Hana Road. The map showed the road curling into a big loop, and I’d been wondering how it fit into the mountains. I straightened the sleeves of my jacket, then headed along the valley road in my red car.
As I drove onto Seiryū Bridge, the road ahead curved in a gentle arc. I held the wheel, eyes on the road, and followed the bend. A photo shows the whole bridge at once, but behind the wheel, each new curve comes into view a little at a time. I didn’t need to see the whole bridge to feel its long loop unfolding. With each bend, the drive I’d imagined began to feel real.
As I followed the bends, the view of the trees ahead kept changing. In some places, I could see the sky beyond the outer edge of the road; in others, the forest felt close. I didn’t want to hurry through; I wanted to savour the drive itself. Spring air drifted into the open-top car, and I eased the wheel towards the next bend.
I’d heard this route links the Kokuryō and Dōzan rivers. When I learned there were so many places to stop around the mountains, I decided to start with Seiryū Bridge. Minetopia Besshi and Yuragi no Mori Forest Park are also along the route. I was already looking forward to choosing where to go next after the drive.
Even after I left the loop, I could still remember how the steering felt through those turns. I hadn’t set out to memorize the road, but I know I won’t forget that long curve. I’d been curious about the bridge’s height, but what stays with me most is the road winding on through all that green. Watching the trees ahead, I felt glad I’d come in spring.
After the mountain drive, I want to look for a Niihama treat, too. Besshi Ame is a traditional sweet made with starch syrup and fresh cream, and it comes in flavours such as mandarin orange and matcha. Once I’m done driving, choosing a flavour to take home sounds like fun. What started as a plan to drive the Seiryū Bridge loop is growing into a trip full of mountain stops and local sweets. I still have plenty to look forward to before I head home.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
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Niihama City and Shikokuchuo City, Ehime Prefecture · Spring
Local specialty
Besshi Ame
Besshi Ame is a famous local sweet from Niihama, traditionally made with starch syrup and fresh cream. It comes in flavours such as mandarin orange and matcha. After a mountain drive, I’d love to choose a box to take home and savour each piece one by one.
Highlights
Seiryū Bridge, the valley loop
This loop bridge beside Shikamori Dam curves over the valley. I want to remember both its striking shape from the outside and the feeling of following its curve from behind the wheel.
A route linking two rivers
The route links the Kokuryō and Dōzan rivers as it winds around the Akaishi and Hōō mountain ranges. With forests, gorges, flowers and stops along the route to choose from, you can decide how far you feel like driving.
The Seiryū Bridge loop
Seiryū Bridge on the Besshi Line
- Bridge length
- 444m
- Maximum pier height
- 37.5m
These figures describe Seiryū Bridge itself: the length of the loop over the valley and the height of its supporting piers. They’re separate from the length of the whole route, giving you a sense of the bridge’s scale.
These are Seiryū Bridge’s dimensions as listed by the prefecture. For my spring drive, I started with this stretch of the route, crossing the bridge.
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