早鐘眼鏡橋, Stone arch bridge in Omuta, Japan.
The Hayagane Megane Bridge is a stone arch structure spanning the Omuta River with a single graceful curve designed to channel water from the highlands. The construction uses local tuff stone fitted together without modern mortar, allowing water to flow beneath the arch to irrigate farmland downstream.
This structure was built in 1674 under the leadership of the Miike Domain and served as an irrigation channel for farmland. Its construction reflects the engineering knowledge of the early Edo period, when such infrastructure projects were essential for increasing agricultural output.
The bridge represents the advancement of Japanese engineering during the Edo period and stands as a nationally designated Important Cultural Property.
The bridge can be viewed from outside year-round and is best appreciated in good light for observation and photographs. Information staff at the Omuta City Office Cultural Division can answer questions about the site.
The bridge maintains its original tuff stone construction and geometric arch design, making it the oldest surviving stone aqueduct bridge in Japan.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
