Arches and reflection
A pair of glasses.
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A double-arched stone bridge over the Nakashima River, built in 1634 by the Chinese monk Mokusu Nyojō of Kōfuku-ji temple and said to be the oldest stone arch bridge in Japan; it is an Important Cultural Property. Its nickname, Megane-bashi or «Spectacles Bridge», comes from its two arches and their reflection in the water, which together look like a pair of glasses. It is for pedestrians only and was the first bridge built over the Nakashima River. A flood swept it away in 1647 and it was rebuilt the next year; then the flood of 23 July 1982, which carried off six of the river's ten bridges, badly damaged it, and it was restored with most of its original stones. Heart-shaped stones set in the embankment wall are a favourite find. Viewing is free, and steps lead down to the riverbank, where stepping stones cross the water. It is near Meganebashi tram stop, and during the winter Chinese lantern festival the river is hung with lanterns.
A pair of glasses.
In the embankment.
Across the river.
Over the Nakashima River, central Nagasaki
Its two stone arches and their reflection in the river together look like a pair of glasses.
