The Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu) is the most iconic and historically significant landmark in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An, Vietnam. Built in the late 16th or early 17th century by the Japanese trading community, this unique architectural structure serves as both a bridge and a temple. It stands as a powerful and enduring symbol of the town’s multicultural trading history and remains a central focal point for visitors. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the bridge’s history, its unique features, and practical tips for a meaningful visit.
This is not just a bridge to cross a small stream; it is a bridge that connects cultures, a bridge that connects the past to the present, and a bridge that is full of beautiful stories and secrets. So, let me be your guide and show you the magic of this timeless treasure.
About Hoi An Japanese Bridge
The history of the Bridge
To understand why this bridge is so special, we must travel back in time to the 17th century. During this time, Hoi An was one of the most important and bustling international trading ports in all of Southeast Asia. Merchants came from all over the world, but two of the largest communities here were the Japanese and the Chinese.
Hoi An Japanese Bridge was built by the Japanese community to connect their neighborhood with the Chinese quarter, which was on the other side of a small stream. But they didn’t just build a simple bridge. They built a beautiful, covered structure with a small temple inside, creating a place of peace and connection. It stands today as a beautiful symbol of the peaceful multicultural history of our ancient town.
The unique architecture: A bridge and a temple in one
As you approach the bridge, you will see how unique it is.
- The Covered Roof: The beautiful, curved roof is made of yin-yang tiles, protecting the bridge from the sun and the rain and making it feel like a peaceful sanctuary.
- The Temple Inside: The most special feature is the small temple located right in the middle of the bridge. It is not dedicated to a Buddha, but to a northern weather god, who is believed to have control over the winds, the rain, and the sea. The local people and sailors would come here to pray for safe journeys.
- The Guardian Statues: At each end of the bridge, you will see pairs of guardian statues. At one end, there is a pair of graceful monkeys, and at the other, a pair of loyal dogs. No one knows the exact reason for this, but there are many beautiful stories! One legend says that construction of the bridge began in the year of the monkey and was finished in the year of the dog.
Fun fact
Japanese Bridge is the true soul of Hoi An, and its importance is so great that you’ll find its beautiful image printed on the back of our 20,000 VND banknote. It’s a wonderful testament to how this small, ancient bridge has become a cherished symbol for our entire nation.
The renovation of Japanese Bridge
The bridge is over 400 years old! It is made of wood, and over the centuries, the weather and the water have taken their toll. A very important restoration happened in 1986, which returned the bridge to its original, beautiful purpose as a peaceful, pedestrian-only walkway.
However, as you know, Hoi An sometimes experiences big floods, and over the last few decades, the water has taken its toll on the ancient wooden beams that support our beloved bridge. It reached a point where we knew we had to act to save it from collapsing. And so, with a heavy but hopeful heart, our city began a major, multi-million dollar preservation project at the end of 2022.
This is not just a simple repair, it is a vital act of love to ensure that the soul of Hoi An can continue to stand strong for hundreds of more years for our children and for visitors like you to enjoy.
The legend of the Monster Namazu
Now for our favorite story, a legend that connects Vietnam, Japan, and even India! According to a Japanese legend, there was a giant monster, a mamazu or namazu, whose head was in India, its tail was in Japan, and its back was right here in Hoi An. Whenever this monster moved, it would cause terrible earthquakes and floods in Japan.
The clever Japanese people built this bridge right over the “back” of the monster, pinning it down with the sacred temple. And so, the bridge is not just a bridge; it is a magical sword, keeping the monster from moving and protecting the people far away. It is a beautiful story of connection and protection.
Practical information for your visit
- Location: The bridge is located right in the heart of the Hoi An Ancient Town, connecting Tran Phu street with Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street. You cannot miss it.
- Hoi An Ancient Town ticket: This is very important! To cross the bridge itself, you need to have a valid Hoi An Ancient Town ticket. The ticket costs 120,000 VND (approx. ₹400 INR) and it also gives you access to five other heritage sites in the town (like an old house or a community hall). You buy this ticket at the small yellow ticket booths at the main entrances to the old town.
- Opening hours: The bridge is accessible as long as the old town is open, but it is at its most beautiful in the late afternoon and evening.
- Please note: Current restoration: As of 2023-2024, the bridge is undergoing a very important and careful restoration to protect it for the future. While you can still see the outside and walk around it, you may not be able to walk across it. But it is still the beautiful heart of our town.
READ MORE: Your ultimate guide to 8 amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam
The best time to see the bridge
- Daytime: Visit during the day to admire all the intricate architectural details and the beautiful wooden carvings inside.
- Nighttime (The magical time): This is when the bridge truly comes to life. In the evening, the entire bridge is lit up with beautiful, soft, colourful lights. Its reflection shimmers in the water below, and with all the beautiful lanterns of Hoi An glowing around it, the scene is pure magic. It is incredibly romantic and a paradise for photographers.
Conclusion
The Hoi An Japanese Bridge is far more than just a historic structure, it is the enduring soul of this ancient town. It is a quiet, graceful testament to a time of cultural harmony and a powerful symbol of the connection between humanity and the heavens. Whether you see it in the bright light of day, revealing its intricate details, or in the magical glow of the evening lanterns, the Japanese Bridge remains the timeless, irreplaceable heart of Hoi An.
