Yodoya Bridge, Arch bridge in Kitahama, Osaka, Japan
The Yodoya Bridge is a road bridge in Kitahama, Osaka, Japan that crosses the Tosabori River to connect the Kita and Chuo districts. Its three stone arches support a roadway more than 36 meters (120 feet) wide, carrying both vehicles and pedestrians.
A merchant named Yodoya built a wooden bridge here during the Edo period, which was destroyed in an 1885 flood. The current stone structure dates to the 1930s, when it was built after an architectural competition as part of Osaka's first urban planning project.
The bridge received designation as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2008, joining the distinguished lists of 100 Bridges in Japan.
Yodoyabashi Station on the Midosuji subway line sits right at the bridge's end, giving direct access to the crossing. The walkway is wide enough for pedestrians even during rush hours, when many commuters use the route.
The railings display decorative elements from the 1930s design competition winner, showing a style less common in modern Osaka. This design choice has survived intact, while many other bridges of that period were rebuilt or replaced.
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