Meganebashi

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The popular sightseeing spot Meganebashi (spectacles bridge) was built by Mokusu Nyojo, a monk of Tang, in 1634. It is called Meganebashi because its two arches and their reflection in the water create the image of a pair of spectacles. The bank of the river is developed to be a park called Nakashimagawa Park which has weeping willows tastefully laid out. The promenade along the river is a great place to stroll around. This place is lit up until 22:00 at night creating a unique, magical atmosphere.

Spectacle-shaped Bridge

The best viewing spot of Meganebashi is from Higashi-shinbashi, the second bridge from Meganebashi. It is on higher ground thus giving you a front view of Meganebashi. The photos taken here show the round spectacles image formed by the bridge and its reflection in the water.

Combined beauty of the Bridge and the Hydrangea

The annual festival “Nagasaki Hydrangea Festival” is held from the middle of May to the middle of June every year. About 4,000 hydrangea plants are displayed all over the city painting a scenery with its colorful flowers. The area around Meganebashi is also carpeted with hydrangeas. Enjoy the beautiful combination of the bridge and the hydrangeas.

(Source: pixta)

Touch the Heart Stone for Happiness

It is believed that you will be happy if you touch the heart-shaped stones here. These stones were embedded in the bridge or the walls during repair work after the structures got damaged from a typhoon in the past. Among 20 heart stones, the most famous one is under the handrail of a bridge near Nakajimabashi. Why don’t you find and touch it?

Lantern Festival

The festival originally started as New Year celebrations by residents of Chinatown in Nagasaki. A lot of lanterns are displayed all over the city. More than 15,000 lanterns light up the city creating a fantastic atmosphere. The area around Meganebashi is lit up too.