Chua Cau (Japanese Covered Bridge)

Bridge in Hoi An

Japanese Covered Bridge
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Chainwit.

The Japanese Covered Bridge, a lasting symbol of the influence of Japanese merchants from the late 16th century, stands as an architectural marvel that has seen numerous renovations and restorations to preserve its cultural relevance and structural integrity over the years. Spanning 18 meters long and 3 meters wide, this charming footbridge serves as a connection across the river, showcasing the precision and care of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

Constructed with brick bridgeheads supporting two spans each, the bridge’s central section comprises five spans resting on elegant brick pillars that dip into the water. The bridge’s wooden frame exemplifies classic Japanese architectural styles, featuring three distinct yet cohesive roofing systems.

At the northern end of the bridge lies a small temple, serving as a spiritual anchor with a striking entrance at its center. The temple is richly decorated, with porcelain bowls finishing the roof tiles and statues of a monkey and a dog standing sentinel, symbolizing Japanese deities known for their protective attributes against Namazu, the legendary catfish. This temple also traditionally honors Trấn Vũ, a deity celebrated annually on the 20th day of the 7th lunar month, maintaining a deep connection with the spiritual traditions of the local community.

Designated as a National Historic-Cultural Relic in February 1990, the Japanese Covered Bridge holds significant historical and cultural value, a status further underscored by its depiction on the 20,000 VND banknote introduced in 2006.

The Chua Cau (Japanese Covered Bridge) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hoi An!

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Visiting Chua Cau (Japanese Covered Bridge)

Address: Chùa Cầu, Trần Phú, Cẩm Phô, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam

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