Tokiwa Bridge

Tokiwa Bridge is a wooden footbridge in Kokurakita-ku with stone abutments featuring square-shaped stones arranged using the traditional kirikomi-hagi method. The structure combines Japanese building techniques with decorative Western elements including marble pillars and ornate iron railings.

Built in 1877 near the site of a former Edo Castle gate, the bridge marks a transition period when Japan was integrating Western architectural influences. This timing placed it squarely in an era of rapid modernization for the country's infrastructure.

The bridge takes its name from a classical poem in the Kokin Wakashū anthology, linking modern infrastructure with Japanese literary history. This connection to poetry becomes apparent when you walk across and notice the thoughtful naming.

The bridge provides pedestrians with a dedicated crossing point over water while connecting urban areas. Take time to examine the structural details and craftsmanship at a leisurely pace during your visit.

The bridge features white marble octagonal pillars and cast iron railings decorated with arabesque patterns, a surprising blend of Western ornamentation applied to Japanese engineering. This combination shows how craftsmen thoughtfully adapted foreign design elements to suit local building traditions.