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Japanese Covered Bridge Vietnam Introduction
Hoi An Ancient Town, which is located on the poetical Hoai River, is a famous tourist attraction for both domestic and foreign visitors. With an existence of more than four centuries, the Japanese Covered Bridge located in the middle of the town has contributed to the ancient beauty of Hoi An. Visiting Hoi An Old Town will be a waste of time if you do not visit this destination for once.
History of Hoi An Japanese Covered Bridge
The bridge was first known as the Japanese Bridge as it was initially erected by Japanese merchants in the early 17th century. In 1653, people constructed an additional pagoda, connecting it to the northern fence and rising in the middle of the bridge. Since then, the locals have named it the Japanese Covered Bridge.
When Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu came to Hoi An in 1719, he called the bridge “Lai Vien Kieu” with the meaning of “bridge welcoming guests from afar”. According to the date on the roof beam and the inscription left at the bridgehead, the bridge was rebuilt in 1817. Through the total of 8 times being repaired, the Japanese features were gradually replaced with Vietnamese and Chinese style architecture.
Legend of Japanese Bridge Vietnam
The legend of the Japanese Covered Bridge is associated with the legend of a monster named Namazu. In Japanese folk tales, it is known as a sea monster. This beast’s unique characteristic is that its head is in India, its body is in Vietnam, and its tail reaches all the way to Japan.
There were earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan whenever it moved its body. As a result, Japanese merchants erected the Japanese Covered Bridge Hoi An as a sword pierced the monster’s back, keeping it from wagging its tail and causing similar calamities.
Japanese Covered Bridge Pagoda Structure
The structure of the bridge is the first thing that truly stands out. Japanese Bridge is a tiled bridge, which means the top of the bridge is covered in yin and yang tiles, which is known as a characteristic of Vietnamese architecture. Japanese Covered Bridge Hoi An with its soft, flexible curving roof has shined out from afar like a rainbow. It has lighted up a vibrant corner of Hoi An Old Town.
The whole pagoda and bridge are constructed of wood. They are also painted and carved with a variety of complex patterns in Vietnamese architecture, most notably dragons, as well as a touch of Japanese design.
Japanese Covered Bridge Vietnam is a classic representation of ancient Eastern architecture, cleverly positioned on a bridge with a cool stream of pure water underneath and a calm roof covering above.
Because of the distinctive architecture of painted, finely carved wooden pillars, The Japanese Covered Bridge or Chua Cau is one of the most noteworthy Hoi An destinations, and it will be the perfect stop for your journey to this charming town.
What to see at the Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An
Mystic eyes of gate
Walking through the streets in Hoi An Ancient Town, the eyes of the gate can be seen everywhere from architectural works to old houses. You can also easily catch sight eyes of the gates at the entrance of the Japanese Covered Bridge Hoi An.
The eyes of the gate are fashioned out of wood with elaborate carvings that convey the spiritual culture of Hoi An local people from afar. It also conveys the desire for a pleasant and wealthy existence free of adversity and danger. Also, prevent evil spirits from the house and bringing ill luck.
The stone statue of dog and monkey
A dog, according to Vietnamese mysticism, has the capacity to repel bad spirits and bring good fortune. Stone dog sculptures can be placed in front of the entrance or on the altar as gods.
The monkey, also known as Linh Hau or Than Hau, is a mythical creature that is recited at temples to protect the area from bad intruders.
Therefore, stone dogs and stone monkeys have been placing at the Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An in order to symbolize the longing for everything to be smooth, nice, and lucky.
Buddha is not worshipped at the Japanese Bridge
Japanese Bridge is known as a unique pagoda as it does not worship Buddha. It is the polar opposite of all other pagodas as the pagoda is the only place where Buddha can be worshipped. It has been an unchangeable law. Hoi An Japanese Covered Bridge, on the other hand, does not revere Buddha but instead worships the Bac De Statue.
Bac De Tran Vo – the whole country’s guardian who gives pleasures and happiness. It represents the holy yearning that people want to convey to heaven and earth, wishing for everything wonderful.
The idea of “animistic living beings” runs parallel to the spiritual and cultural lives of the Hoi An people. Its unique soul of Hoi An Town as well as Japanese Covered Bridge Vietnam has always been preserving, transmitting, and creating until today.
How to get to the Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An?
Japanese Bridge is located on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, Minh An Precinct, Hoi An Town, Quang Nam Province.
As it is just in the middle of Hoi An Town, you can easily reach the bridge after taking a stroll around the town. Also, you can rent a bike to explore every unique corner in town before arriving at the Japanese Covered Bridge.
Travel Tips
- The greatest time to visit the Japanese Bridge is from April to August each year. As it is the dry season, when the weather is bright and pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing.
- When visiting the pagoda, do not create noise, use profanity, sweat, or disrupt the peace.
- Before visiting the pagoda, make sure you are dressed modestly and cleanly. Wearing inappropriate clothes is not recommended.
- After seeing the Japanese Covered Bridge, you can choose to explore some of Hoi An’s other tourist sites, such as the Old Town area, An Bang Beach, Bay Mau Coconut Forest, and so on, in order to fully appreciate the beauty of the Hoi An area.
Over 400 years of history, the Japanese Bridge in Hoi An has been considered as a link between the past and the present. It has stood magnificently and peacefully as a testimony to the history of beautiful Hoi An Town. When visiting Hoi An, do not forget to stop by this site at least once to acquire a sense of something old and mysterious.
Recommended Hoi An Tours: Hoi An Walking Tour, Hoi An Street Food Tour, Hoi An Sunrise Fish Market.
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