Japanese Covered Bridge In Hoi An

1. Japanese Covered Bridge Introduction

The Ancient Town of Hoi An as know as the lantern city is one of the iconic attractions with many relics and landscapes going into poetry and music. To Hoi An people, the Japanese Bridge is the soul, a symbol that has existed for more than four centuries. In fact, the government printed the image of the Hoi An Japanese Bridge on a polymer bill of 20,000 VND. Furthermore, on February 17, 1990, it was recognized as a National Historical-Cultural Monument. Therefore, this amazing architecture is a must-see destination for tourists.

2. Where is the Japanese Covered Bridge?

Located on the contiguous section between Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and Tran Phu streets, in Hoi An. The Japanese Bridge is so convenient to reach. The total length of the bridge is about 18 meters long with a sunshade roof across a small branch of the tranquil Thu Bon River.

3. Why Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An so attractive?

3.1. The legend related to the Japanese Covered Bridge

The bridge is from an old story in Japan. The old Japanese thought that there was a sea monster Mamazu in Asia. Its head is in India, it’s back in Vietnam and the tail is in Japan. When the monster moved, it made earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan. So the Japanese Covered Bridge was built by Japanese merchants in the early 17th century with the symbol of a sword-shaped roof stabbing down the back of a monster Mamazu to stop it from moving, and reduce the disasters.

3.2. Its Unique Beauty

Japanese Covered Bridge is a perfect place for those who love capturing tons of photos. In the daytime, it stands out with ancient beauty. Especially, at night, thanks to colorful lanterns, this distinguished bridge gets more and more gorgeous.

Additionally, the bridge is so attractive that the government decides to choose it to celebrate many cultural activities. Specifically, they include the Kimono show of the ceremony to recall the victims of the Tsunami in Japan.

4. The architecture of Hoi An Japanese Covered Bridge

The first special thing about the Japanese Bridge is the structure of the bridge. Chua Cau Pagoda is about 18m long and is a tile-roofed bridge. To be specific, it is a roof covered with a yin and yang roof on it – a characteristic of Vietnamese architecture.

The bridge has a unique roof and the two sides have a narrow corridor with seven wooden compartments for people can take a break. In addition, the bridge is made of ironwood. Moreover, the builder painted them with lacquer and sculpted them with many intricate motifs in Vietnamese architecture

From a far distance, the Japanese Covered Bridge has a soft curved shape, crossing the Hoai River. Furthermore, at two ends of the bridge, there are 2 couples of dogs and monkeys. To the old Japanese dogs and monkeys are loyal and protective animals. Moreover, in the middle of the bridge, they also set up an altar to worship the Northern God, the God will bring happiness and safety to the people.

In 1719, Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu, when visiting Hoi An, he named the bridge Lai Vien with peace wishes. Nowadays, three words are on a large board in front of the temple gate.

5. Japanese Covered Bridge entrance fee

To visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, you have to buy a Hoi An old town ticket. It is included 5 historical places and the bridge is one of them. The price of a ticket is 120,000 VND/ adult ( roughly USD 6) and it is valid during your stay in Hoi An so you should keep it for other days.

6. Japanese Covered Bridge and Things To Do In Hoi An

6.1.Hoi An Ancient Town

Walking around Hoi An Ancient Town, tourists will be able to “live” virtually with golden walls, paper flowers, and alleyways. In fact, these things lead through the roads with panoramic views of the old town. Tourists can wander along the walking streets, and enjoy colorful lanterns. Moreover, they can visit some beautiful historical places such as the Old houses, Assembly halls, learn to make lanterns as well as enjoy the local street foods.

6.2. An Bang Beach Hoi An

Not far from the Japanese Covered Bridge. An Bang Beach is on Top 25 most beautiful beaches in Asia voted by tourists in 2017, and it brings a quiet and peaceful beauty. Truly, travelers can enjoy fine white sand, where they can rent canoes or water motorbikes to conquer the waves.

6.3. Cham Island (Cù Lao Chàm)

Only 15km from Cua Dai Beach, Cham Island consists of more than 8 large and small islands adjacent. Also,  it is pristine and very peaceful as well as there are adventure games like surfing, diving,  snorkeling, or windsurfing here.

6.4. Tra Que Vegetable Village

If you would like to be a farmer, ride water buffalos, do a cooking class, or get a local foot massage, you should come to Tra Que Vegetable Village. It is about 3km north of the ancient town of Hoi An in Cam Ha Commune. Now there are 220 farming households doing farming work here. Tra Que vegetable village has been a famous place for providing clean vegetables and 20 kinds of spicy vegetables.

6.5. Hoi An Basket Boats at Water Coconut Forest

There are many different ways to get to the Bay Mau coconut forest. From Da Nang city, you can come here by motorbike, car, or by bus. If you go from Hoi An Japanese Covered Bridge, You can get to Hoi An Basket Boat at Water coconut forest by motorbike, car, or by boat from the pier on Bach Dang Street and down the Hoai River to the East.

To enjoy the Japanese Covered Bridge and have a great experience in Hoi An. You should book the tour Hoi An Countryside Tour or Hoi An Street Food Tour at Culture Pham Travel.