Why is Meganebashi called Spectacles Bridge?

Its two stone arches reflect in the Nakashima River, and the arches plus their reflection look like a pair of eyeglasses. "Megane" means glasses in Japanese and "hashi" means bridge.

How old is Meganebashi Bridge?

The bridge dates from 1634, when it was built under the Chinese monk Mokusu Nyojo. After serious flood damage in 1982, it was reassembled from its original stones.

Is there an entrance fee for Spectacles Bridge?

No. Meganebashi is a public footbridge and is free to cross and photograph at any time.

How do I get to Meganebashi from Nagasaki Station?

Take tram line 3 from Nagasaki Station to City Hall stop and walk a few minutes to the river. Meganebashi stop on lines 4 and 5 is also close by. Each ride costs 150 yen for adults.

Where are the heart-shaped stones at Meganebashi?

They are set into the stone embankment walls along the Nakashima River near the bridge. Walk down to the riverside path and look along the walls at water level.

Nagasaki

Meganebashi Bridge (Spectacles Bridge)

4.1 (10696)BridgeHistorical LandmarkTourist AttractionHistorical PlaceTransportation ServicePoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Nov 7, 2026

Meganebashi Bridge, known in English as Spectacles Bridge, is a double-arched stone footbridge over the Nakashima River in central Nagasaki. It dates from 1634 and is listed by the Nagasaki Electric Tramway as Japan's oldest stone arch bridge. It is a national Important Cultural Property, and crossing it is free.

The name comes from the reflection. When the river is calm, the two arches and their mirror image form a circle on each side, like a pair of eyeglasses ("megane" in Japanese).

History of Spectacles Bridge

The bridge is credited to Mokusu Nyojo, a Chinese monk who later became abbot of Kofukuji, a Chinese temple a short walk from the river.

A flood in July 1982 badly damaged Meganebashi. It was rebuilt using the original stones that were recovered from the riverbed, so the bridge you see today is the old structure put back together. It now carries pedestrians only.

What to see at Meganebashi

The classic view is from the riverbank just downstream, where steps lead down to a stone walkway at water level. From there you can line up both arches with their reflection. A still, windless morning gives the clearest reflection.

Look closely at the stone embankment walls for heart-shaped stones set among the ordinary blocks. Local lore says finding one brings luck in love, and spotting them has become a small game for visitors.

How to get to Meganebashi Bridge

By tram: get off at Meganebashi stop (lines 4 and 5) or City Hall stop (lines 3, 4 and 5), then walk a few minutes to the river. From Nagasaki Station, line 3 runs directly to City Hall.
Fare: trams charge a flat 150 yen per ride for adults, and a one-day pass costs 600 yen.

The tram operator lists the nearest tram stop for each sight on its route map.

Meganebashi takes 15 to 30 minutes on its own, so most people pair it with Kofukuji, the Hamanomachi shopping arcade or Shinchi Chinatown.

A private half-day tram tour stops at Spectacles Bridge along with the Peace Park and Glover Garden, using the same trams as local commuters.

For more stops to add to the day, see these Nagasaki sightseeing ideas.

Phone

+81 95-829-1162

Website

www.city.nagasaki.lg.jp

Overview

Address

2 Uonomachi, Nagasaki, 850-0874, Japan

Places & attractions near Meganebashi Bridge (Spectacles Bridge)

Sofukuji Temple

A brightly lit traditional Chinese archway with red pillars stands at the entrance to a Chinatown district, surrounded by colorful buildings at night.

Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown

A lifebuoy labeled "Nagasaki" is attached to a post on a waterfront promenade, overlooking a marina with boats, buildings, and distant green hills under a partly cloudy blue sky.

Dejima

Unzen Vidro Art Museum, Nagasaki

Places & attractions near Meganebashi Bridge (Spectacles Bridge)

Sofukuji Temple

Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown

Dejima

Unzen Vidro Art Museum, Nagasaki

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveler reviews

You will get a feel of ancient Nagasaki city here...Riversides are well decorated for visitors. Refreshing and seating facilities are available... Even you can walk Down the bank of the river to enjoy fishes and have close look of the bridge...

subasish

Jul 30, 2026

Read about it in the leaflet so decided to take a look at the unique bridge. It was definitely refreshing to see it. There were many tourists visited here. Koreans, Japanese & westerners. It was fun to see a group of boys went down make some poised. Cute. A tourist couple helped them take pictures. Lovely! A very pleasant place surrounded by streets, residential buildings & shops at the corners. This bridge was a gem that broke the monotony of a small town. Nice to take a stroll along the river.

One of Nagasaki's most iconic landmarks — and one of Japan's oldest bridges. When the arch reflects in the river below, it forms the shape of a pair of subclasses . Absolutely charming and genuinely unforgettable. WHY IT'S WORTH YOUR TIME Incredibly photogenic at any hour — especially golden hour Nestled along a peaceful canal with real old-world atmosphere Perfect for a slow, unhurried stroll between several stone bridges nearby A rare piece of 17th-century Japanese craftsmanship still standing LOCAL SECRET Find a heart-shaped stone — legend has it that spotting one hidden among the pebbles along the riverbank brings good luck. Keep your eyes on the ground!

The scenic Meganebashi Bridge offers completely different vibes by day and by night. You can easily spend all day chilling here from morning to evening.

There's something about bridges that fascinate me. Can't say what it is but I tend to linger around them. This one has other bridges around - a whole bunch of them. The area by and around the bridges are also interesting, some event reminiscent of older towns. We almost skipped this but I'm glad we changed plans to visit this before proceeding to Mt. Inasa.