両国橋, Steel bridge in Sumida District, Tokyo, Japan.
Ryogoku Bridge is a steel structure that spans the Sumida River and connects two Tokyo neighborhoods on opposite banks. It features a three-span Gerber plate girder design that supports both pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
The original crossing was built in 1659 and marked an important boundary during the Edo period. After damage from war, it was reconstructed in 1932 using modern steel construction methods.
The name refers to the boundary between two former provinces that once met at this crossing point. Visitors walking across can sense how this bridge still connects two distinct neighborhoods on opposite riverbanks.
The bridge is located near JR Ryogoku Station and remains open 24 hours daily for both pedestrians and vehicles. It is busiest during rush hours, so visiting at other times offers a more relaxed experience.
From the bridge, you can see the Tokyo Skytree silhouette to the north and the glowing nightscape of the river junction to the south. This contrast in views depending on which direction you face makes each crossing feel different.
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