Megane Bridge

Background

Megane Bridge spans the Nakashima River in Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture. Its twin stone arches, reflected in the water, look like a pair of spectacles, which gives the bridge its name; it is also one of the first group of bridges built over the Nakashima River. Vehicles are prohibited, and the bridge is for pedestrians only. Megane Bridge was built in 1634 by Mokusu Nyojo, one of the second generation of Chinese monks at Kofukuji Temple. It is said to be one of Japan's oldest stone arch bridges and has been designated a national Important Cultural Property. A flood in 1647 destroyed the bridge, and it was rebuilt the following year, in 1648; in the great flood of 23 July 1982 it was again badly damaged, and was later restored to its original appearance using its recovered original stones.

Local customs

• Stand by the bridge and watch the twin arches and their reflection form the spectacles shape
• stroll along the Nakashima River, linking the stone bridges along its banks
• look for the heart-shaped stones in the embankment
• rest at the cafes and souvenir shops on both banks, and try Nagasaki's famous castella sponge cake.

Travel tips

• The Megane Bridge area is best explored on foot: take a tram from central Nagasaki to a nearby stop and walk from there, or come by tram or bus from the Nagasaki Station direction, and please check the officially published routes before you set out
• the banks of the Nakashima River have many restaurants and shops, suiting a half-day stroll
• the stone deck is slippery when wet, so wear non-slip shoes and walk slowly.
• The area suits strolling all year round, with the greenery and flowers along the banks at their most pleasant in spring and autumn
• the reflection is clearest when the water is calm
• winter is quiet with few visitors.