Nestled amidst the steel and concrete of Tokyo lies a structure. This structure is more than just a bridge. It is the Neribeibashi Kadoukyou. Have you heard of it?
The Neribeibashi Kadoukyou is a railway bridge. It silently carries trains over the landscape. Its name echoes a time long past. This bridge is a testament to Tokyo’s ever evolving story.
The bridge’s name comes from the former Neribeicho district. The district was officially named in 1878. The name “Neribei” refers to a method of building walls. It uses layers of packed earth. This method creates strong durable foundations.
Neribeibashi Kadoukyou has seen changes. In 1943, the district shifted. It went from the Kanda district to the new Jinbo district. After the war, administrative reforms took place. In 1964, the area was renamed. It was integrated into Kanda Ogawa-machi. The Neribei name disappeared from the map.
Initially the Neribeibashi bridge was planned to be shorter. It was planned to be about 19.2 meters. But planners adjusted it. They made it about 30 meters long. This adjustment suited the city’s layout better.
The Neribeibashi Kadoukyou was near the Akihabara freight station. The station operated until 1975. Lines branched out at the Neribeibashi bridge to reach the station. Originally, there were many overpasses. With the construction of the Shinkansen Line, changes happened. The west side of the Yamanote Line was rebuilt. A new overpass named “Akihabara Electric District Guard” replaced the old one. But the plate girder bears the name “Neribeibashi Bridge Girder.”
The Neribeibashi bridge has undergone changes. Parts A and B show the bridge’s history. Part A’s bridge pier is from around 1923. Part B dates back to 1929. Part C was completed in 1990. It allowed the Tohoku Shinkansen Line to pass underneath.
Walking around Neribeibashi bridge offers a glimpse into history. It is a reminder of Tokyo’s constant evolution. You can see the old and the new blending together. It is a silent witness to Tokyo’s journey. It is a journey through time and progress.