It was raining heavily when we visited Hoi An, but we definitely wanted to see this landmark. The Japanese Covered Bridge is an iconic structure in Hoi An’s Ancient Town—a UNESCO World Heritage site. The bridge was built in the late 16th to early 17th century by Japanese merchants during the days when Hoi An was a busy trading port. It was built to connect the Japanese and Chinese quarters across a small canal, which is a tributary of the Thu Bồn River.
The covered footbridge blends Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese architectural elements with its curved tiled roof, ornate carvings (including dragons and monkeys), stone foundations, and wooden structure.
During its 400 years the bridge has undergone several renovations. It remains a symbol of Hoi An’s multicultural trading history and is one of the emblems of Hoi An.
