Chitose Bridge, Tokyo, Historic road bridge in Toshima District, Tokyo, Japan.
Chitose Bridge spans Meiji Street and the Arakawa railway line, connecting the Mejiro and Sekiguchi plateaus with a concrete arch structure. It is approximately 28 meters long and accommodates both road traffic and the Toden Arakawa tram line.
Built in 1932, this bridge was Japan's first grade-separated road intersection, marking a major advancement in urban infrastructure during the Showa period. It became an important milestone in Tokyo's modern development.
The bridge became known through the 1979 song "Chitose-bashi" by Mieko Nishijima, which features lyrics about dropping a white handkerchief from the crossing. This song has turned it into a place many visitors recognize and seek out.
The bridge is located near Mejiro and Zoshigaya stations and is easily accessible by public transportation. Visitors can approach it from either plateau and enjoy views of the surrounding area.
The structure uses natural elevation differences between the plateaus and features a two-hinged arch design with reinforced concrete deck plates. This engineering solution was innovative for its time and shows 1930s craftsmanship.
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