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Your Hoi An journey will be incomplete without beholding the Japanese Covered Bridge. Existing for centuries, Hoi An's Japanese Covered Bridge is not just a renowned attraction but also holds a crucial role in the spiritual life of the locals.
Hoi An Ancient Town resembles a rustic oil painting nestled along the peaceful Hoai River. Strolling through Hoi An, you'll encounter numerous historical sites and scenic spots that captivate the hearts, especially the Japanese Covered Bridge, a place embodying the soul of Hoi An.
The Japanese Covered Bridge is considered the exquisite symbol of Hoi An's golden era, marked by robust cultural exchange and trade between Vietnam and Japan during the Nguyen dynasty. Enduring four centuries despite the passage of time and historical upheavals, the bridge stands silent, drawing travelers to admire its ancient architecture and romantic charm.
Today, Klook takes you on a journey to discover the unique aspects of the Japanese Covered Bridge, so that when you have the opportunity for Hoi An travel, you will sense the value of this ancient architectural marvel and its significance to generations of Hoi An residents.
Introduction to Hoi An's Japanese Covered Bridge
The Japanese Covered Bridge is a bridge built by the Japanese people 400 years ago. Though just an 18m wooden bridge arching over a stream flowing into the Hoai River, it's the unique architecture resembling a temple that has made the Japanese Covered Bridge a remarkable structure, the only Phu Tang cultural heritage in Vietnam.
Also known as Lai Kieu Vien or the Japanese Bridge, it's commonly referred to as the Japanese Covered Bridge, signifying a bridge designed in the style of a temple. In the past, beyond its traffic regulation function, the Japanese Covered Bridge was a spiritual hub for generations in the ancient town, serving as a meeting point to resolve trading disputes in Hoi An's commercial port. Today, it stands as a symbol of the ancient town, contributing to the recognition of Hoi An as a World Cultural Heritage site.
The Japanese Covered Bridge was officially recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Monument in 1990, and its image is featured on the current polymer 20,000 Vietnamese dong banknote.
During the night, the Japanese Covered Bridge becomes even more enchanting and mysterious, illuminating a section of the river. When visiting Hoi An, #teamKlook, don't miss capturing the beautiful moments at the Japanese Covered Bridge.
Address of Japanese Covered Bridge Hoi An
- The Japanese Covered Bridge is situated at the entrance to the ancient town, connecting Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street and Tran Phu Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.
Guide to Reach Japanese Covered Bridge Hoi An
The Japanese Covered Bridge is situated in the Hoi An ancient town, so to visit this tourist spot, you can only move to the central area of the ancient town, park your vehicle outside, and walk in.
Hoi An Ancient Town is about 30km south of Da Nang city; hence, from Da Nang, you can travel to Hoi An by private or public transport. But fret not, Klook always prepares the best transportation solutions for you: pick you up at Da Nang Airport, rent a private car in Hoi An, private car between Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang, or spacious bus between Hoi An and Ba Na Hills. And many more attractive options, depending on your schedule. Remember to contact Klook for the safest and most cost-effective journey.
Opening Hours of Japanese Covered Bridge Hoi An
The Japanese Covered Bridge is located in the pedestrian area, so it opens for visits in two time slots:
- Morning: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Afternoon: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Additionally, the entrance fee will be 80,000 VND per person. With this ticket, you can choose to visit 4 out of 21 paid attractions.
Japanese Covered Bridge Hoi An: Which Deity is Worshipped?
Named a temple, but it doesn't worship Buddha. Instead, it venerates the northern deity Tran Vu - a significant figure in Daoism, revered for safeguarding people from disasters, floods, and protecting the land. The locals place their trust in this deity, praying for a fortunate, secure, and prosperous life.
Additionally, the two ends of the bridge have shrines adorned with a pair of sacred attendants and celestial dogs, the guardian mythical creatures, watching over the Japanese Covered Bridge. Nowadays, on full moon days, festivals, or Tet (Vietnamese New Year), the people of Hoi An often come to the shrine of Tran Vu to make offerings, seeking protection and blessings.
Legend of Japanese Covered Bridge Hoi An
In Japanese folklore, there is a sea monster named Mamazu (the Cu), with its head in Japan, tail in India, and its back stretching across Hoi An. This monster often causes earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods in the sea areas it inhabits. Therefore, to control Mamazu, the Japanese built a bridge shaped like a sword piercing the monster's back, suppressing it and preventing it from causing harm.
Geologically, Hoi An's Old Town is sedimented from the Thu Bon River, a major river in the Central region, prone to frequent floods. This posed challenges for the livelihoods of Hoi An's residents and Japanese traders in the past. The presence of the Japanese Covered Bridge served as a significant spiritual anchor, helping them overcome the harsh natural conditions to build a life in this new land.
History of Japanese Covered Bridge Hoi An
In the 16th-17th centuries, as the Nguyen dynasty initiated reforms, opened up trade, and developed commerce and industry, Hoi An was chosen as a trading port—a place for exchanging goods with foreign merchants. At that time, Hoi An became more bustling and quickly evolved into one of the largest trading ports in Southeast Asia.
When Japanese merchants settled in Hoi An, they contributed funds to build a bridge over the canal for convenient transportation. Hence, the bridge was called the Japanese Bridge.
In 1653, they added a temple section on the northern side of the bridge, protruding into the middle, forming a T-shaped structure. Since then, the bridge was renamed the Japanese Covered Bridge.
By 1719, Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu visited Hoi An and named the bridge Lai Vien Kieu, meaning 'bridge welcoming distant guests,' in memory of his visit. Today, this name is still prominently engraved on a large plaque in front of the temple.
According to the inscriptions on the beam and the stele at the bridgehead, the bridge was reconstructed around 1817, during the Nguyen dynasty. Since then, the Japanese Covered Bridge has undergone several major renovations in 1865, 1915, and 1986. Unfortunately, after multiple renovations, many original Japanese architectural features have gradually faded, replaced by Vietnamese and Chinese styles as seen today. In February 1990, the Japanese Covered Bridge was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Monument.
Architectural Features of Japanese Covered Bridge Hoi An
Initially designed with a distinct Japanese architectural style, the Japanese Covered Bridge now bears influences of Vietnamese and Chinese aesthetics after multiple renovations.
The bridge spans approximately 18m in length, 3m in width, crossing a branch of the river. Constructed entirely from wood, it boasts intricate carvings on its supporting pillars. The bridge's structure consists of three main parts: two bridgeheads and one bridge body. Each bridgehead has three spans, and the bridge body has five spans supported by upright brick columns.
A wooden partition wall and a pair of folding doors, typical features in Vietnamese ancient house architecture, separate the temple from the bridge. The entire framework of the structure is made of wood, with three corresponding roof systems for the three bridge sections.
The temple roof features the unique yin-yang tiled style, with a distinctive curved overhang and narrow side corridors for cooling. The roof is adorned with intricate decorative details on the ridge and eaves, especially the blue enameled ceramic plates embedded on the roof. The Japanese Covered Bridge also preserves numerous stone steles documenting the history of the structure and Hoi An's Old Town.
Hotels Near Japanese Covered Bridge Hoi An
Choosing accommodation near the center of Hoi An's Old Town might seem a bit overwhelming due to the abundance of Hoi An hotels and charming homestays in the area. However, with the fast and efficient booking system of Klook, along with exclusive discount codes just for you, you can confidently choose the most beautiful place without worrying about the price.
1. Volar de Faifo Villa
- Address: 132, Ngô Quyền Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
- Reference price: from 622,000 VND/night
2. Laluna Hoi An Riverside Hotel & Spa
- Address: 12, Nguyễn Du Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
- Reference price: from 731,000 VND/night
3. River Suites Hoi An Hotel
- Address: 4, Nguyễn Du Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
- Reference price: from 655,000 VND/night
4. The View Homestay Hoi An
- Address: 28/6, Trần Hưng Đạo Street, Sơn Phong Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
- Reference price: from 510,000 VND/night
5. Silkotel Hoi An
- Address: 14, Hùng Vương Street, Cẩm Phổ Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
- Reference price: from 751,000 VND/night
Restaurants and Eateries Near Hoi An's Japanese Covered Bridge
Hoi An captivates not only with its tranquil ancient houses but also with a unique Hoi An culinary world. After a stroll around the Old Town, it's time to savor the specialties of Hoi An – Quang Nam. Here are some renowned dining spots to keep in mind.
1. Vạn Lộc Restaurant
- Address: 27 Trần Phú Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
2. Ngọc Tuyết Restaurant
- Address: 43-45 Trần Hưng Đạo Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
3. Hong Phuc II Restaurant
- Address: 43-45 Trần Hưng Đạo Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
4. Vinh Hung Restaurant
- Address: 1 Chau Thuong Van Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
5. Faifo Xua Restaurant
- Address: 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
Tourist Attractions Near Hoi An's Japanese Covered Bridge
For a time-saving and cost-effective Hoi An experience, consider exploring some nearby locations and combining various exciting activities to extend your visit after seeing the Japanese Covered Bridge.
From the Japanese Covered Bridge, you can continue to explore the entire ancient town area, a famous trading port in the 16th-17th century, to feel the unique atmosphere. The ancient houses, temples of all sizes, shrines, ancient tombs, etc., create the timeless picture of Hoi An. Don't forget to visit Tan Ky Ancient House and Phung Hung Ancient House.
Additionally, discover the enchanting side of Hoi An with activities like rowing boats and releasing lanterns on the Hoai River, offering a romantic and unparalleled experience in Hoi An.
And there is much more to explore in Hoi An. Just glance through some solo travel experiences in Hoi An to discover the best places to eat, have fun, and create your own fascinating itinerary.
Over centuries, the Hoi An trading port witnessed prosperity, decline, and now revitalization in a new form: a Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Amidst that overarching dust of time, the Japanese Covered Bridge stands solemnly, like the warm heart that embraces the entire Hoi An Ancient Town.
Enhance your Hoi An journey with the excitement of watching the Memories of Hoi An show, participating in a lantern-making workshop, or enjoying fun activities at VinWonders Nam Hoi An. Explore the fishing village and countryside around Hoi An.
Don't hesitate any longer, quickly explore the Hoi An Japanese Covered Bridge!
