Didn’t Osaka once vanish a canal? Let me tell you about Shinsaibashi bridge. It became an overpass because of the reclamation of the Nagahori River.
Shinsaibashi bridge is more than just a way to cross. It embodies Osaka’s evolving story. It is a unique piece of history right beneath our feet.
The original Shinsaibashi bridge was wooden. Shinsai Okada built it in 1622. He was one of the merchants who dug the Nagahori canal. The bridge is named after him.
In 1873 the wooden bridge was replaced. A Western-style iron bridge took its place. It came all the way from Germany. The iron bridge was 37.1 meters long and 5.2 meters wide. Back then, it was the second largest bridge in Osaka and the fifth largest in Japan.
Fast forward to 1909. The iron bridge was replaced again. This time, a brand new modern stone bridge was built. Many picture postcards were issued showing its elaborate design.
The Nagahori canal was reclaimed in 1964. The stone bridge was converted into an overpass. What was once a picturesque canal became a busy road. But the story doesn’t end there.
In 1997, an underground shopping mall opened. It is called Crysta Nagahori. A part of the Shinsaibashi bridge was restored. The handrail became a center divider. This added a retro touch to the modern mall. Water even flows under that part of the bridge.
Sections of the stone bridge became part of the pedestrian crossing. About one-third of the shopping arcade has a glass ceiling. Water flows on its surface. This makes people feel as if the canal never disappeared.
Shinsaibashi bridge has witnessed Osaka’s transformation. It has evolved from a simple wooden structure to a modern overpass. It reminds us that even as cities change, their history remains. It is a testament to Osaka’s resilience and its ability to blend the old with the new. So, as you stand here take a moment to appreciate Shinsaibashi bridge. It is more than just a bridge.