Hirose Bridge, Girder bridge in Sendai, Japan.
Hirose Bridge connects the Kawaramachi and Nagamachi districts and is built from reinforced concrete, spanning roughly 127 meters in length and 22 meters in width. The structure shows the design language of early concrete construction with its pronounced structural forms.
The structure was first built in 1608 as Nagamachi Bridge and underwent major reconstruction in 1909 to become Japan's first reinforced concrete girder bridge. This transformation marked a turning point in Japanese bridge engineering.
The bridge houses a small shrine dedicated to a local woman who, according to local tradition, played a role in its original construction. Visitors often pause here to pay respects and take in the quieter side of the crossing.
Semi-circular balconies on the sidewalks offer viewing points to observe the Hirose River flowing below the structure. These areas are easily accessible and provide good spots to take in the surroundings.
The structure was part of the Oshu Kaido, a historical road where samurai processions traveled between the Tohoku region and Edo. This old route crossed the area during the feudal period.
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