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Megane Bridge (Spectacles Bridge)

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Megane Bridge (Spectacles Bridge)

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

3.28 8

Last update :
Supervised by :  Nagasaki Prefecture

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

8

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Linda Liao
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    This stone arch bridge was built during the Edo period. It got its name because the arches reflected on the water form two circles that look like a pair of glasses. When visiting, you can take a leisurely walk along the riverbank and admire the old stone bridge and surrounding streets from different angles. The reflection is especially beautiful on clear days.

  • 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人
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    I’ve been to Nagasaki twice, both times thanks to riding the TWO STARS 4047, which gave me the chance to visit this city again. The iconic Megane Bridge was included in my itinerary both times. My first visit was in the evening, when the stone arch bridge was reflected on the water in the setting sun, joining with the bridge piers to form a dreamlike pair of glasses. You can also look for the hidden heart-shaped stone in the nearby stone wall, which is a lot of fun. The second time, I went during the day and experienced a different kind of refreshing scenery, with the clear river water and old stone bridge complementing each other.

    Although Megane Bridge itself is a small attraction, the surrounding area has an excellent selection of food. Besides stopping by the nearby Nagasaki castella shop Shooken to enjoy my favorite dessert, don’t miss Yossou, known for its century-old chawanmushi tradition and its quaint building that looks like the bathhouse from Spirited Away. This area perfectly combines strolling around the city with classic local food, making it a double treat not to be missed in Nagasaki.

  • 王小鈞
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    After eating in Chinatown, I slowly walked over, browsing the shops and enjoying the scenery along the way. It was actually quite pleasant.

    Megane Bridge itself isn’t very large, but seeing its reflection on the water from beside the bridge is truly distinctive, so it’s no wonder it has become one of Nagasaki’s signature sights.

    I didn’t plan anything special. I just walked over to take a look and snap some photos, and even something this simple felt quite interesting.

  • 雨妤魚
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    This is Megane Bridge. I came after seeing it featured on YouTube, but honestly, I thought it was a bit ordinary—it’s basically a bridge that looks like glasses.

    I actually thought the flowers by the roadside were prettier. Also, that day I saw a lot of what looked like school track teams doing spirited counting drills there, which I thought was pretty cool haha.

    On a side note, I did really like the overall landscaping.

  • WS.Greenway
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    I heard this is one of the oldest arch bridges in Japan. If you're a history buff, you definitely have to check it out.

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Details

Name in Japanese
眼鏡橋
Postal Code
850-0874
Address
Uonomachi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki
Telephone
095-829-1193 (Nagasaki City Cultural Properties Division, Department of Culture and Tourism)
Hours
Free to walk
Direction
A minute walk from Tram station “Megane-bashi”.
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa