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Japanese Bridge, Hoi An

By Mark Bowyer | 17 Nov 2011

10 of 21

A Japanese tourist admires the timberwork of the bridge built by his forebears.
Photo: Mark Bowyer
Japanese Bridge, Hoi An
Photo: Mark Bowyer
Japanese Bridge, Hoi An
Photo: Mark Bowyer
Hoi An's Tran Phu St leads to the Japanese Bridge.
Photo: Mark Bowyer
Taoist Temple Hoi An's Japanese Bridge.
Photo: Mark Bowyer

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Japanese Bridge, Hoi An

Tran Phu St, Hoi An

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By Mark Bowyer 17 Nov 2011

The Japanese Bridge is Hoi An’s signature landmark used widely as an emblem of the town. It was built by Japanese merchants in the 16the century.

Note: The information provided in this review was correct at time of publishing but may change. For final clarification please check with the relevant service

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Photo: Mark BowyerAn old woman sits and waits at Hoi An's Japanese Bridge.

Located at the Western end of Tran Phu St, the Japanese Bridge was built across a small canal by Hoi An’s Japanese community in the late 16th century. It connected the Japanese community on the western side of the canal with the Chinese merchant community on the east. It has been rebuilt several times since its inauguration but retains its distinct character and strong Japanese elements.

Photo: Mark BowyerThe Taoist Temple on the bridge is still in use.

After the Japanese Shogunate forbade foreign travel in 1639, Hoi An’s Japanese community dwindled. The Vietnamese community added a quaint Taoist temple to the northern side of the bridge that is still in use.

Address: Tran Phu St, Hoi An (Western end)

Travel tip:
Can't be missed on a walk around the old town. It runs off the main Tran Phu St.

Mark Bowyer is the founder and publisher of Rusty Compass. read more
Twitter: @rustycompass

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