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Megane Bridge (Spectacles Bridge)

The tasteful oldest arch-shaped stone bridge in Japan is a landmark in Nagasaki.

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More than ten stone bridges were built over Nakajima river running across the central Nagasaki City, the Megane bridge is one of them and the oldest in Japan. In 1634, a monk, Mokusu-nyojo who was in the second generation of Kohfukuji Temple was said to build this bridge, 22m long and 3.65m wide, and the bridge has been designated as a national important cultural property.

The bridge was designated as Japan’s three famous bridges and said to be a model of the Double Bridge of the Imperial Palace. The origin of the name is that the shadows of two circles of the bridge reflected in the river look like glasses.

Megane Bridge was built of processed stones from the local ground without using cement and just simply piling stones up to build. The stones push against each other, which has kept the bridge strong. When the bridge was attacked by the 1982 Nagasaki Flood, just some parts were damaged and the bridge was rebuilt the next year.

Another walking route is that from the path along the Nakajima river and go down the stone stairs to reach the riverside. The stepping stones are located down the stream, it is a good spot to take some pictures against the background of Megane Bridge. This area is believed to be a power spot because heart-shaped stones are embedded in revetment and if you find them, you will get lucky.

Highlights

  • The bridge is lit up until 10:00 pm at night, which creates a different atmosphere from the daytime.
  • The path along the Nakajima river is recommended to walk.
  • On the bridge down the stream before Megane Bridge, the full view can be seen.
  • The embedded heart stones are around 20.

Photos

  • The full view of Megane Bridge
©Nagasaki Prefecture Convention and Tourism Association

    The full view of Megane Bridge ©Nagasaki Prefecture Convention and Tourism Association

  • A history with 400 years.

    A history with 400 years.

  • A heart shaped stone can be seen at the left side from the center.

    A heart shaped stone can be seen at the left side from the center.

  • Clean water in Nakajima river.

    Clean water in Nakajima river.

  • The statue of Mokusu-nyojo, the second generation of Kohfukuji Temple, was built near the bridge.

    The statue of Mokusu-nyojo, the second generation of Kohfukuji Temple, was built near the bridge.

Reviews

2
  • Robert Chen

    被譽為日本最古老最有名石拱橋之一,因為橋在水中的倒影很像眼睛又稱為眼鏡橋,橋面建築多年感覺還是很牢固。

  • Lurk0901

    從電車站走過來大概5分鐘,水質很乾淨很清澈還有鯉魚在游來游去,但要拍水中倒影不是很好拍。

Details

Name in Japanese
眼鏡橋
Postal Code
850-0874
Address
Uonomachi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki
Telephone
095-822-8888 (Nagasaki City Ajisai Call)
Hours
Free to walk
Direction
A minute walk from Tram station “Megane-bashi”.
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)