小山樋門

Built in 1898, the Koyama Sluiceway, affectionately nicknamed “Renga Bridge” or “Megane-bashi” (brick bridge or spectacles bridge), stands as a testament to ingenuity and resilience. Picture this: Tokyo in the late 19th century. The Tone River, prone to flooding, regularly reversed its flow into the Edogawa River, wreaking havoc on the surrounding farmland. The Koyama Sluiceway, a three-arch brick structure, was the solution. Its purpose was to control the water flow and prevent the disastrous backflow from the Tone River into the Edogawa, safeguarding the vital agricultural lands. Today, Koyama Sluiceway no longer serves its original purpose. It has gracefully transitioned into a road bridge, carrying Chiba Prefectural Road No. 5, Matsudo Yada Line over the Edogawa River. Its unique design, featuring three brick arches and British-style brickwork, continues to charm locals and visitors. This remarkable structure, built with locally sourced bricks from the nearby Yanagihara brick factory, also holds the distinction of being the oldest brick sluiceway in Chiba Prefecture. Koyama Sluiceway is more than just a bridge; it’s a piece of living history, a tribute to the foresight of its designer, Ueda Fujisaku. Imagine standing here, over a century ago, witnessing the completion of this vital structure. Think of the farmers, relieved by the protection it offered their crops. Consider the engineers, proud of their accomplishment. Today, as you walk or drive across Koyama Sluiceway, take a moment to appreciate its quiet strength and enduring legacy. It is a reminder of a time when brick and mortar held back the forces of nature, a time when ingenuity shaped the landscape of Tokyo. Koyama Sluiceway continues to serve the community, connecting the past with the present.