Here at the intersection of Jingukodori and Kanda-Heisei Street something unusual happened. We are standing before the Yamato Bridge. This bridge is not your average river crossing. It is more of an elevated crossroads.
The Yamato Bridge is an intriguing landmark. It raises a question. Is it truly a bridge if there is no river in sight?
Let’s dive into the story of the Yamato Bridge. Once a river flowed beneath it. That river was the Hamacho River.
The Hamacho River stretched 1.8 kilometers. It connected the Hakozaki River to the Kanda River. Its history began between 1615 and 1623. It started with the excavation from the Hakozaki River to present-day Ningyocho 2-chome. Later in 1691, it was extended to Odenmacho. It then merged with the Ryugan River.
But in 1883 the Ryugan River was buried. The Hamacho River was cut short at Odenmacho.
In 1890, as the Tohoku Main Line’s Akihabara freight station opened the Hamacho River was further developed. It extended about 300 meters to the Kanda River.
At that time three bridges were constructed over the newly developed Hamacho River. These were Yanagibashi Bridge, Yamato Bridge and Iwaibashi Bridge.
According to the New Tokyo Scenic Spot Guide, the Yamato Bridge was a wooden bridge. It connected Higashi Ryugan Town and Toyoshima Town in Kanda Ward.
While historical records do not confirm the origin of the name. It is believed the Yamato Bridge was named after the Yamato Town west of the bridge. That is now Iwamotocho 2-chome.
Around this time many boats passed the Yamato Bridge. This was because the Ryugan River was re-excavated to Odenmacho. This allowed boats to travel between the Hamacho, Ryugan and Kanda Rivers.
A map of the area shows that the Yamato Bridge was unremarkable. This is in comparison to other bridges in the vicinity.
What makes the Yamato Bridge special is its width. It measures approximately 65 meters wide while its length is only about 15 meters. The bridge’s width is astonishing. The Yamato Bridge’s scale becomes clear.
The surrounding area has changed dramatically over time. Aerial photographs from 1946 clearly show the Yamato Bridge. It was before the river was filled. The Jingukodori and Kanda-Heisei Streets merge on the bridge. Elevated walkways are attached to both sides. Boats navigate the Hamacho and Kanda Rivers. This shows how vital river transport was back then.
By 1952 the Hamacho River had disappeared. The walkways and safety zones remain unchanged. Buildings stand alongside the bridge.
From these aerial photos we can see the bridge’s structure. Even with the Hamacho River gone the walkways remain. This suggests that the Yamato Bridge may still exist underground.
Consider the massive concrete structure. Also think about the underground space beneath the intersection. The two beams diagonally cutting across the road. All this suggests the Yamato Bridge remains below us.
Perhaps the Yamato Bridge is still there hidden beneath the surface. What do you think?