“Where does this bridge lead?” a tourist asks. This is the starting point of our exploration. Today, we are standing before the \u6238\u7530\u6a4b. It is a bridge with a story etched in its very foundations.
The \u6238\u7530\u6a4b spans the 神田川 Kanda River in Tokyo’s 北区 Kita ward. More precisely, it is located in 高田3丁目 Takada 3-chome in 北区 Kita ward. While seemingly a simple structure, the \u6238\u7530\u6a4b holds within it layers of history and local significance.
The original \u6238\u7530\u6a4b was built in December 1919. However, the current bridge dates back to March 1999. It was rebuilt during some embankment work.
The name of the \u6238\u7530\u6a4b is derived from two areas. One is 戸塚 Totsuka in 新宿区 Shinjuku ward. The other is 高田 Takada in 豊島区 Toshima ward. Though the bridge is now entirely within 豊島区 Toshima ward. 平野 Hirano and 三吉 Miyoshi were council members involved in the bridge’s construction.
Near the bridge’s 新宿区 Shinjuku ward side stands a monument. It commemorates the completion of the \u6238\u7530\u6a4b and the 戸塚新道 Totsuka Shinmichi. 時敬 Tokimasa Kitajō inscribed the monument. Note that this monument resides within 新宿区 Shinjuku ward.
Interestingly, the area around \u6238\u7530\u6a4b served as the backdrop for a song. It was a hit song by Kaguya-hime in 1973. The song is about the 神田川 Kanda River.
Traveling upstream, you would encounter 高座橋 Kōzato bridge before reaching \u6238\u7530\u6a4b. Downstream lies 源水橋 Gensuibashi. Also upstream from \u6238\u7530\u6a4b are a number of other bridges. They include 和田見橋 Wada Mibashi, 富士見橋 Fuji Mibashi, 高砂橋 Takasago bridge, 寿橋 Kotobuki bridge, and 本郷橋 Hongō bridge. Further upstream, you’ll find 柳橋 Yanagi bridge, 千代田橋 Chiyoda bridge and 水道橋 Suidō bridge.
So, as you cross the \u6238\u7530\u6a4b, remember its history. Think about the people who conceived it. Imagine the song that immortalized its surroundings. This seemingly ordinary bridge is a testament to Tokyo’s vibrant past.