Nihonbashi

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Under Edo Bridge

Nihonbashi means "Japanese Bridge". The Nihonbashi spans the Kanda River. It was about 50 meters (around 45 yeards or 135 feet) in length and just under 10 meters (25 feet) in width. While only a section of the bridge was reconstructed, it's height from water to bridge is reflected in height from floor of the mueseum to bridge. Notice the man in the white t-shirt. He is six feet tall. The piles and beams of the bridge are made of zelkova, while the floorboards are made of Japanese cypress. Because it was made of wood, large fires could destroy the bridge. Every time a fire destoyed a portion of the bridge, it was rebuilt. During the Edo period, a traveler would be able to see Edo Caslte and Mt. Fuji in the background from the top of the bridge. In 1911, during the Meiji Era, the wooden bridge was replaced with a modern one made of metal. This bridge still stands.

Click here to see a panoramic shot of the presnt day Nihonbashi Bridge.
Edo Bridge

 

The Nihonbashi Bridge was designed as the focal point of the nation's highways. It is the starting point of Gokaido (Five Highways). The government had an office at the bridge to oversea land transportation. Merchants like rice and timber dealers had offices closeby as well as a booming fish market.
Edo Bay Model

 

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July 2005 Created - | Thursday, July 28, 2005 Last Revised -