Shōhei Bridge

Shōhei Bridge crosses the Kanda River and connects the neighborhoods of Kanda Awajicho and Sotokanda in central Tokyo. The structure provides a direct route between different sections of Chiyoda-ku.

The bridge was built between 1644 and 1648 during the Shōho Era. In 1691 it received its current name under the rule of Shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi.

The bridge and its adjacent hill appear frequently in Edo period woodblock prints showing everyday life in old Tokyo. These artistic depictions made the location a recurring subject in the visual culture of that era.

The bridge is located near multiple train stations and commercial areas that are easily accessible on foot. Visitors can best explore the area during daytime when surrounding streets are active and easy to navigate.

The adjacent Shohei-zaka Hill was so steep that it became known as Dango-zaka, named after the way people would slip and roll down like dango dumplings. This humorous name reflects the everyday challenges people faced in this area long ago.