Tenjin Bridge is so long. Did you know a children’s song says it would be scary if it fell? We are standing before a bridge with a history stretching back centuries. This is Tenjin Bridge.
Let’s journey back to around 1594. It is said that the original bridge had no name. People simply called it Shinbashi. The nearby Tenjin Shrine in Tenma managed the bridge. So people later gave it the name Tenjin Bridge.
In 1634, it gained official recognition. Tenjin Bridge was designated as a Kogi Bridge. This put it in the company of 11 other important bridges. It became known as one of the “Three Great Bridges of Naniwa”. Tenmabashi Bridge and Namba Bridge shared this honor.
Tenjin Bridge played a crucial role during the Oshio Heihachiro Rebellion. When the rebellion broke out the shogunate acted swiftly. They destroyed three major bridges. Tenjin Bridge was among them. This was to hinder the rebels’ advance.
Tragedy struck in 1929. A major flood washed away the bridge. But Tenjin Bridge was not lost forever. In 1932, a new steel bridge replaced it. At the time, it was the longest road bridge in the country.
The current Tenjin Bridge dates back to 1934. It was rebuilt to accommodate the expansion of Matsuyamachisuji. The bridge stretches 210.7 meters. Its design features three light steel arches. Concrete arches support both ends.
As you stand here consider the generations who have crossed this bridge. Reflect on its role in Osaka’s history. Tenjin Bridge stands as a testament to resilience and progress. It connects not just land but also the past and present.