肥後橋

“Did the name Higobashi Bridge always belong to this very spot?” a curious voice pipes up from our group. An excellent question. The answer, surprisingly, is no. Higobashi Bridge, as we know it today, stands proudly over the Tosabori River, a sleek concrete structure connecting Nishi Ward and Nakanoshima. But its history is a journey of transformations, a testament to Osaka’s ever-changing landscape. Our Higobashi Bridge wasn’t always here. Initially, the bridge was situated further east, spanning the Dojima River. It derived its name from the storehouses of the Higo and Kumamoto clans located on Nakanoshima, at the north end of the bridge. These storehouses, built by feudal lords, held their annual tax rice. As early as 1657, a map of Osaka, the “Shinban Osaka no Zu,” referred to the bridge as “Higodonobashi.” Back then, it was a simple wooden structure, vulnerable to the river’s whims. Floods, a recurring theme in Osaka’s history, eventually washed away the original Higobashi Bridge. Then in 1881, mirroring the construction of the nearby Watanabe Bridge, a new iron Higobashi Bridge was erected. This iron marvel was imported from England, a symbol of progress and modernization. But Osaka’s ambitions didn’t stop there. In 1926, the city underwent a significant transformation. As part of the first urban planning project, the iron bridge was replaced by a magnificent concrete bridge, designed in the Spanish Renaissance style. This bridge was a statement of elegance and prosperity, a reflection of Osaka’s growing importance. Higobashi Bridge has seen two more renovations since then. The current structure, with its clean lines and modern design, was completed in 1994. So, the Higobashi Bridge you see before you isn’t just a crossing over the Tosabori River. It’s a living chronicle of Osaka’s past, a bridge that has been rebuilt and revived numerous times, each iteration reflecting the city’s growth and resilience. It stands as a testament to Osaka’s ability to adapt and evolve, while still retaining a link to its rich history.