Tokiwa Bridge, Stone arch bridge in Ōtemachi and Nihonbashi-Hongokuchō, Japan.
Tokiwa Bridge crosses the Nihonbashi River with a double-arch stone design and connects Ōtemachi to the historical Nihonbashi area. The structure displays the classic characteristics of stone-arch construction from the early 20th century.
The structure was built in 1937 and replaced an earlier wooden bridge that served as a key route from Edo Castle to Asakusa since the early 17th century. Its continuation of this role shows the lasting importance of this crossing for the city.
The name Tokiwa refers to evergreen pines and symbolizes the prosperity of the Tokugawa rulers who controlled the region during the Edo period. Locals pass over this crossing regularly, carrying forward the connection to that distant time.
The bridge sits near several subway stations and is easy to reach on foot from either the Ōtemachi business district or the older Nihonbashi area. Visitors should know that foot traffic across the bridge increases during peak hours.
After the 2011 earthquake damaged the crossing, it underwent major repairs and reopened in 2021 while keeping its historic form intact. This restoration effort makes it Tokyo's oldest remaining stone bridge and shows a deep commitment to preserving this landmark.
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