Toyokawa Bridge

Toyokawa Bridge spans the Toyo River, connecting Toyohashi and Toyokawa in Aichi Prefecture. The structure carries Route 23 traffic and was expanded to four lanes in 2013 to accommodate growing vehicle flow.

The bridge opened in 1982 as a toll road managed by Japan Highway Public Corporation. It remained fee-based until 2005, when toll collection ended and allowed free passage for all vehicles.

The Toyokawa Bridge appears in Utagawa Hiroshige's renowned woodblock print series depicting the Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido from 1850.

The crossing is located where Route 23 meets the river and serves as the main traffic passage between the two cities. Expect heavier traffic during rush hours, particularly in the morning and evening.

The bridge transformation from a toll structure to a free crossing led to substantial increases in traffic volume, shifting patterns from nearby Wattsu and Maeshiba bridges.