“Tenjin Bridge is so long it would be scary if it fell.” That is a children’s song once sung here. We are standing before Tenjin Bridge. It spans the Okawa River. The river was formerly the Yodogawa River. Tenjin Bridge passes over Nakanoshima’s Kensaku.
Tenjin Bridge is more than just a way to cross the river. It is a landmark with a rich history. It played a crucial role in Osaka’s development.
It is said Tenjin Bridge was built around 1594. The original bridge did not have a name. People called it Shinbashi. Because Tenma’s Tenjin Shrine managed it the bridge got the name Tenjin Bridge.
In 1634 Tenjin Bridge became a designated Kogi Bridge. It was one of 12 bridges with that honor. It became known as one of the Three Great Bridges of Naniwa. Tenmabashi Bridge and Namba Bridge share that honor.
Tenjin Bridge played a role in preventing the Oshio Heihachiro Rebellion. The shogunate destroyed three major bridges first. Tenjin Bridge was one of them. This was to stop the rebels.
A major flood washed Tenjin Bridge away in 1929. It was replaced in 1932. It became the longest road bridge in the country at the time. It was a steel bridge then. The current bridge replaced that one in 1934. This was to allow for the expansion of Matsuyamachisuji.
The current Tenjin Bridge is 210.7 meters long. It has three light steel arches. There are concrete arches on both ends.
Tenjin Bridge has seen centuries of change. Floods and rebellions tested it. It connects more than just land. It connects the past with the present. As you cross it think of those who crossed it before. They lived through different times. Yet they walked the same path.
To get here from Tenmabashi Station. Walk six minutes from the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line or the Keihan Main Line. The address is 1-chome Tenjinbashi Kita-ku. It is also near Kitahama Higashi Chuo-ku. If you want to call about the bridge the number is 06-6615-6818. Call the Osaka City Construction Bureau Road Department Bridge. The fax number is 06-6615-6582.