The splendid Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An is undoubtedly one of the area’s most significant sightseeing attractions. Considered to be a symbol of Hoi An, this small but attractive bridge was initially constructed in the 16th century by the local Japanese community as a means of linking their residential area with the residential quarters of the Chinese community. The bridge may be considered to be a lovely example of typical Japanese style architecture of this time period. If you are planning a visit to such local attractions and are looking for a well placed Hoi An River resort an ideal option to consider would be Anantara Hoi An Resort.
Over the course of centuries the bridge’s Japanese style of ornamentation has been retained so that even now it displays the original style. The simplicity of the design stands out greatly from the Chinese and Vietnamese penchant for elaborate decoration. You will find that the bridge has been designed with a convenient roof which provides shelter from the sun as well as the rain. French colonialists modified the bridge to make it accessible for motorcars, but the iconic earlier arched form was recreated in the 1980s.
Visitors will see that the bridge has been designed and constructed in a very robust manner so as to withstand the possibility of earthquakes. You will notice that the entrance to the bridge is seemingly guarded by several statues; these include a couple of dogs on one of the sides and a couple of monkeys on the opposite side. It is believed that these statues are linked to the fact that many Japanese emperors were born in the astrological years of the monkey and the dog. Another explanation suggests that the construction work on this bridge concluded in a year of the dog after having been commenced in a year of the monkey. Visitors will notice stelae mentioning all of those, Chinese as well as Vietnamese, who contributed to a later refurbishment of the bridge, inscribed in Chinese characters.
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+
