Meganebashi Bridge

Megane Bridge is a historic stone bridge built in 1634 (Kan’ei 11) by Zen master Mokusunyo? (Nyojo Zenji) of Kofuku-ji, Japan’s oldest Chinese temple. Measuring 22 meters long and 3.65 meters wide, with a height of 5.46 meters from the river surface of the Nakashima River, it is famous as Japan’s first arch-style stone bridge. It is also said to have been the model for the Imperial Palace’s Nijubashi bridge, and together with Nihonbashi in Tokyo (Edo) and Kintaikyo Bridge in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi, it is counted as one of Japan’s Three Great Bridges. In the major flood disaster of 1982 (Showa 57), part of the bridge collapsed, but it was repaired and restored, and today it is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The origin of the name “Megane Bridge” comes from how the bridge reflects on the surface of the river, forming a shape like eyeglasses. In the Nakashima River flowing below, you can see pigeons, carp, herons, ducks, and even, unusually, soft-shelled turtles. You may also spot ayu sweetfish, which can only live in clean water. Access to Megane Bridge is by taking the tram bound for Hotarujaya from the “Nagasaki Station-mae” stop, riding 4 minutes, getting off at “Megane-bashi,” then walking about 3 minutes.