🗺️ Eyeglass Bridge眼鏡橋

There are more than 10 bridges spanning the Nakashima River in the center of Nagasaki City, each with its own unique characteristics. The Megane Bridge is the oldest among them. Built in the 11th year of the Kan'ei era (1634 AD) by the second abbot of Kofukuji Temple, Zen Master Mokushi Nyorai, it is a stone bridge measuring 22 meters in length and 3.65 meters in width, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The Megane Bridge is one of the "Three Great Bridges of Japan," and it is said that the "Nijubashi" of the Imperial Palace was modeled after it. The name "Megane" (meaning "glasses") comes from the two circles formed by the bridge's piers and their reflections on the river surface, which resemble a pair of glasses. The Megane Bridge is constructed from locally sourced stones that have been cut and fitted together, with no cement used at all. The stones support each other through mutual compression, making the structure robust; even during the Nagasaki flood in 1982, it only sustained minor damage and was restored the following year. A stone staircase along the path by the Nakashima River allows for a pleasant walk to the riverside. Downstream, there are stepping stones that provide a great backdrop for photos with the Megane Bridge. Embedded in the riverbank are heart-shaped stones, which are said to bring good luck if found, making it a spot of positive energy.

There is nighttime lighting available before 10 PM, allowing you to enjoy a different atmosphere from the daytime. It is recommended to take a walk along the Nakajima River promenade. You can see the panoramic view from another bridge downstream. There are about 20 heart-shaped stones, and it is said that finding them can bring good luck.