Megane Bridge, Stone bridge in Nagasaki, Japan.
Megane Bridge is a stone structure over the Nakashima River in Nagasaki, built with two semicircular arches that span a total of 22 meters. The construction rests on solid stone piers anchored in the riverbed that support the structure above the water.
The Buddhist monk Mozi Ruding constructed the structure in 1634 as the first stone arch in Japan, using Chinese building techniques. Though several floods struck the region, the construction remained largely intact over the centuries and was restored after damage.
The name comes from the shape of the twin arches, which together with their reflection in the water resemble a pair of eyeglasses. Visitors often come here to photograph this optical illusion, especially when the water surface is still.
The structure is reachable via a tram stop or nearby bus station, and you can view it from both street level and walkways along the river. Early morning often offers the best light and fewer crowds for photographs.
Each winter the area glows during the Nagasaki Lantern Festival with hundreds of Chinese lanterns in different colors and shapes. The illumination transforms the stone arches and riverbank into a festive scene that recalls the Chinese origin of the construction.
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