Chua Cau (Japanese Covered Bridge), Hoi An (must see)
The Japanese Covered Bridge stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Japanese merchantmen from the late 16th century. This architectural gem has undergone successive renovations and repairs, preserving its cultural significance and structural integrity from the past to the present day. The Japanese Bridge measures 18 meters in length and 3 meters in width, creating a picturesque footbridge connecting two sides of the river. Its proportions reflect the meticulous design characteristic of Japanese craftsmanship.
The bridge features two bridgeheads constructed with bricks, each supporting two spans. In the middle section, five spans rest on brick pillars that elegantly extend into the water. The wooden building frame showcases traditional Japanese design, with three separate yet integrated roof systems covering distinct portions of the bridge.
Positioned at the north end of the bridge is a small temple, a spiritual focal point with a remarkable entrance in the middle. The temple is adorned with intricate details, including porcelain bowls capping the ends of roof tiles. Notably, statues of a monkey and a dog grace the temple, representing the monkey god and the dog god from Japanese folklore, symbols associated with controlling Namazu, the mythical catfish. The temple has historically served as an altar to Tr岷 V农, a deity honored with an annual festival on the 20th day of the 7th lunar month. This cultural tradition continues to connect the bridge with the spiritual life of the community.
In recognition of its historical and cultural importance, the Japanese Covered Bridge was granted the status of a National Historic-Cultural Relic in February 1990. The bridge's cultural prominence extends beyond its physical presence, as evidenced by its appearance on the 20,000 VND banknote released in 2006.
The bridge features two bridgeheads constructed with bricks, each supporting two spans. In the middle section, five spans rest on brick pillars that elegantly extend into the water. The wooden building frame showcases traditional Japanese design, with three separate yet integrated roof systems covering distinct portions of the bridge.
Positioned at the north end of the bridge is a small temple, a spiritual focal point with a remarkable entrance in the middle. The temple is adorned with intricate details, including porcelain bowls capping the ends of roof tiles. Notably, statues of a monkey and a dog grace the temple, representing the monkey god and the dog god from Japanese folklore, symbols associated with controlling Namazu, the mythical catfish. The temple has historically served as an altar to Tr岷 V农, a deity honored with an annual festival on the 20th day of the 7th lunar month. This cultural tradition continues to connect the bridge with the spiritual life of the community.
In recognition of its historical and cultural importance, the Japanese Covered Bridge was granted the status of a National Historic-Cultural Relic in February 1990. The bridge's cultural prominence extends beyond its physical presence, as evidenced by its appearance on the 20,000 VND banknote released in 2006.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Hoi An. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Chua Cau (Japanese Covered Bridge) on Map
Sight Name: Chua Cau (Japanese Covered Bridge)
Sight Location: Hoi An, Vietnam (See walking tours in Hoi An)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Hoi An, Vietnam (See walking tours in Hoi An)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Hoi An, Vietnam
Create Your Own Walk in Hoi An
Creating your own self-guided walk in Hoi An is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Hoi An Introduction Walking Tour
Lying along the picturesque Thu Bon River in central Vietnam is the charming town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved ancient architecture inspired by a fusion of local and foreign influences (Chinese, Japanese, French, and Portuguese).
The name "Hoi An" translates from Sino-Vietnamese as "peaceful meeting place". In the West, the town was... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
The name "Hoi An" translates from Sino-Vietnamese as "peaceful meeting place". In the West, the town was... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles