Meganebashi (眼鏡橋), sometimes known as “Spectacles Bridge”, gets this name from the distinctive double arches that, when reflected in the calm water of the Nakashima River, forms two circles that looks from a distance like a pair of glasses. The bridge was built in 1634 under the eye of a Chinese monk who would go on to become resident priest of Kofukuji Temple. Flooding damaged the bridge in 1982, washing away some of the stones, but it was restored to its original appearance thereafter. Today it is a designated Important Cultural Property.

While the bridge is the highlight, it is worth making a stroll up and down either side of the river. The other bridges are also worth seeing and the surroundings are peacefully away from the main road.

You May Also Like

Ryogoku Kokugikan

Ryogoku Kokugikan is an indoor sporting arena that hosts the three sumo tournaments that take place in Tokyo each year (in January, May, and September).

Glover Garden

Garden in Nagasaki housing the former home of Thomas Glover

Kanazawa Castle

Home of the powerful Maeda family who governed the region for 280 years from the late 16th century up until the end of the Edo period. Since its early days, the castle has been pivotal to Kanazawa and the city has developed around it.

Osanbashi Pier & Passenger Terminal

Osanbashi Pier was built in the late 19th century to facilitate the loading and unloading of the ships that came into the Yokohama port. Today boarding gates and shops can be found beneath the modern wooden walkway, but many on the pier are just there for the view looking back onto Yokohama.