“Did you know that this bridge once spanned a railway in the heart of Tokyo?” Today, we find ourselves standing before the Nagaike-Mitsuke-bashi. This bridge boasts a fascinating past.
The Nagaike-Mitsuke-bashi is not just any bridge. It is a testament to Tokyo’s evolving landscape. Originally named Yotsuya-Mitsuke-bashi it was built over the JR Chuo Line near Yotsuya Station. This helped ease traffic along Shinjuku Street.
Completed in 1913 the bridge stretched 37 meters long and 22 meters wide. Its steel arch design made it one of Japan’s oldest surviving steel arch bridges. The bridge’s design was influenced by the nearby Akasaka Detached Palace now the State Guest House. Neo-Baroque elements added to its beauty. The bridge lamps mirrored the palace’s decorations.
Interestingly the steel came all the way from America. It was supplied by Carnegie Steel Company founded by steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. The bridge aimed to provide the shortest route between the Akasaka Detached Palace and the Imperial Palace.
The opening ceremony occurred on October 5 1913. At the same time the Tokyo city trams started using the bridge connecting Shinjuku and Tsukishima. The bridge’s stonework features Hanakouji granite from Kozushima.
Among decorative bridges in Tokyo only three remain. These are the Ishibashi at the Imperial Palace main gate the Nihonbashi at the national highway starting point and the former Yotsuya-Mitsuke-bashi. As a steel bridge the former Yotsuya-Mitsuke-bashi is the only remaining one.
Over time the bridge underwent changes. During restoration its width decreased from nearly 22 meters to about 17 meters. The bridge’s base and decorative features were newly constructed.
In 1993 the bridge was relocated to Hachioji City’s Tama New Town Nagaike Park. It was renamed Nagaike-Mitsuke-bashi. Today it stands as a registered tangible cultural property. The Nagaike-Mitsuke-bashi invites us to reflect on Tokyo’s past. It connects history and nature in this peaceful park.