Danny Hyun
Google
The Japanese Bridge, located in Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most fascinating cultural attractions in Vietnam. Built in the 17th century, this monument has witnessed many changes in the town. If you come to Hoi An, it is a must-visit.
The Japanese Bridge is called Chua Cau Bridge in Vietnamese. It was built by Japanese merchants to connect with the Chinese neighborhood. It was built for communication and connections and has a very important meaning.
The Japanese Bridge in Hoi An is considered a beautiful representation of the town’s long history. For centuries, this bridge has connected the past, present, and future.
In 1719, Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu visited Hoi An and inscribed the name “Lai Vien Kieu” in three characters at the entrance of the bridge.
This means “Lai Vien Kieu” in Vietnamese and “Bridge to Welcome Guests from Far Away” in English.
Also, because this tower was mainly built by the Japanese, it was named the "Japanese Bridge" or "Japanese Covered Bridge."
Although it is commonly called the "Japanese Bridge," it is a unique combination of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese cultures in terms of building materials, design, patterns, and decorations.
On February 17, 1990, this bridge was designated as a national historic and cultural heritage.
There are a dog and a monkey at the entrance and exit of the bridge, respectively. These two statues symbolize the guardian deities of the bridge, as they symbolize protection and safety in Japanese culture. It is also said that these two statues mean that the construction began in the Year of the Monkey and was completed in the Year of the Dog.
Various cafes and restaurants have been built on both sides of the street centered around the Japanese Bridge, utilizing old and quaint houses.
The old cultural heritage of Hoi An (UNESCO World Heritage) and the appearance of the ancient city still remain along the street.
There are many unique cafes and restaurants here. There are also many shops selling traditional specialties, handmade products, and souvenirs on the street. And there are various galleries of various genres gathered here. This street was also a place where trade between Vietnam and Japan was active in the 17th century. It is a place with many things to see, so I recommend you visit.
Unlike the daytime, the nighttime scenery is also breathtakingly beautiful.