Tipped to be one of the must-see points of interest on a tour of Hoi An, the Japanese Covered bridge is no ordinary landmark in Quang Nam Province. Believed to have been constructed during the first half of the 1600’s, this centuries old bridge has literally stood the test of time. Equally well known as a potent reminder of the Japanese influence in Vietnam’s history, the bridge serves as a historic point of interest as well as a functional overpass that is renowned for its stunning design elements.
Believed to have been constructed to serve as a bridge that connected Hoi An’s Japanese community with the town’s Chinese populace, the overpass crosses a relatively small brook of water. Despite its popularity and rich history the builder who completed the architectural and engineering feat is still unknown although the individual is credited with creating a lasting peace between the two ethnic groups on either side of the stream, which transported walkers from Tran Phu Street to Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street for centuries.
A majority of the Japanese populace that made up the Japanese community in Hoi An however had to leave the area 40 years after the bridge’s construction as per the Sakoku order issued by the Tokugawa Shogunate. Often described as a work of art, the Pagoda Bridge as it is called in Hoi An has gone through many a refurbishment project in its long history. French colonialists even set up motorized vehicle lanes on the bride that were later dismantled and converted back to a pedestrian only overpass by the local government in 1986. Christened with various names throughout the annals of time, the Japanese Covered Bridge was called Bridge for Travellers from Afar, Lai Vien Kieu (Japanese pagoda) and Chua Cau or Cau Nhat Ban at various periods.
The Japanese Covered Bride also features a quaint temple within its confines that is dedicated to Tran Vo Bac De who is the patron deity of weather conditions. Sculptures of a monkey and a dog are also found on opposite ends of the bridge and guides believe the idols are reminders of the Chinese years in which the bridge’s construction began (the year of the dog) and concluded (the year of the monkey).
Travellers on the lookout for a well-situated Hoi An spa resort should look no further than the Anantara Hoi An Resort. Offering guests the best in contemporary hospitality this stylish Hoi An hotel is perfect for both holidaymakers and corporate clients.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+
