舟橋, Historic wooden bridge in Toyama, Japan
The Funabashi Bridge spans the Matsukawa River in Toyama City with a traditional wooden structure featuring iron chains and decorative ship-shaped railings. This crossing connects the riverbanks and provides access to tea houses and dining establishments nestled in the surrounding neighborhood.
During the Edo period, this structure served as one of Japan's largest floating bridges on the Jinzu River, built from wooden pillars and connected boats. It was later reconstructed and transformed into its present form while preserving the original concept of boat-based construction.
The bridge appears in numerous woodblock prints, including works by Hiroshige, and has been celebrated in traditional poetry from different cultures and time periods.
The bridge is easily accessible on foot from nearby areas and features walkways on both sides for safe passage. Visitors can enjoy views from the river level and should consider visiting during daylight hours for the best experience.
Glass lanterns and commemorative chains serve as design elements that reference its original floating bridge construction from centuries past. These features make it a visual reminder of the innovative engineering techniques used in its creation.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.