Destination Earth Presents: The Ancient Bridges of Nagasaki Japan | Meganebashi Bridge by Josh B.
Nagasaki, Japan, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and rich cultural heritage, which includes several old bridges that hold significant historical and architectural importance.
One notable example is the Spectacles Bridge, also known as Meganebashi, which is one of the most iconic landmarks in Nagasaki. Built in 1634 during the Edo period, Meganebashi is recognized for its unique double-arched design, resembling a pair of spectacles when reflected in the water. The bridge spans the Nakashima River in the heart of Nagasaki’s historic district and served as a vital link connecting the city’s bustling commercial areas. Despite enduring natural disasters and conflicts over the centuries, Meganebashi has been meticulously preserved and remains a symbol of Nagasaki’s resilience and enduring charm.
Another historic bridge in Nagasaki is the Kaminaribashi, or “Thunder Gate Bridge,” which crosses the Nakashima River near Nagasaki Station. Constructed in 1890, Kaminaribashi is characterized by its distinctive red arches and elegant ironwork, reflecting the architectural style of the Meiji period. The bridge derived its name from the rumbling sound produced by passing trains, reminiscent of thunder, as it was originally built to accommodate both pedestrians and railway tracks. Today, Kaminaribashi stands as a testament to Nagasaki’s industrial heritage and serves as a beloved symbol of the city’s modernization and progress.
These old bridges not only serve as functional infrastructure but also hold cultural and historical significance, contributing to the unique character and identity of Nagasaki. Visitors to the city can admire their architectural beauty, stroll across their weathered planks, and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of history that surrounds these enduring landmarks.
On this season of destination Earth akane and I head back to her home country of Japan to explore the southern reaches of the island join us as we make our way across Nagasaki prefecture as we learn about its Atomic past discover its incredible Countryside and Hike some of Japan’s
Most scenic trails where are we off to today let’s find out landmarks no trip to a city is really complete until you see them in Nagasaki there are really no skyscrapers or other unique buildings that really stand out instead in its place magani Bashe bridge that takes the spotlight
Without knowing the history you may just see a beautiful stone bridge crossing over a lazy river in the middle of the city you likely won’t know that it was built 388 years ago in 1634 by a Chinese Monk as you gaze over chances are you wouldn’t even know this lovely little
Water source runs from a dam inland through the city as Nakashima River and then empties further into the Nagasaki Harbor which is in the East China Sea you wouldn’t know the bridge itself is also called spectacle Bridge any guesses why well it’s due to the double arched
Design the reflection of the bridge in the water can create the image of spectacles or glasses as the half arches now make a complete circle looking at the bridge you would probably gather the bridges old but may not guess it’s one of the three oldest bridges in all of Japan
It looks just as fresh as it did the day that it was built with that in mind without knowing the history you would have thought this bridge had lived a happy happy life enjoying his time in the city as it grew around it that’s not the case however in
1648 and then again in 1982 flooding had broken damaged the bridge thankfully all the original pieces were found and reused to build a bridge so the same stones that have been used as a walkway for this bridge for almost 400 years are still there today carrying on you’ll notice that this
Bridge is one of ten different Bridges that cross over the river each bridge is different than the last allowing you to experience the same river crossing in completely different ways in fact at The River’s Edge you can pop down Waterside and use the Stepping Stones to make your way across
Nagasaki is full of wonderful Treasures like this before our time in Nagasaki is done and we move west to sasebo we wanted to spend one last day exploring the city we invite you to join us again in the next video as we recap all the amazing places
To visit within the city and our top picks for things to do in Nagasaki Japan