The Japanese Bridge, Hoi An

The Japanese Bridge was built by the Japanese trading community in 1593 to link them with the Chinese quarter on the other side of a small stream. The bridge is obviously very solidly built, almost out of proportion to the small trickle which runs under it.

The entrance to the covered Japanese Bridge The entrance to the covered Japanese Bridge />

At either end of the bridge are alters to guardians of the bridge. One end has a pair of monkeys, while the other is guarded by dogs. There's also a sort of temple on the north side of the bridge, right in the middle over the stream.

Close-up view of the roof, with the porcelain inlays Close-up view of the roof, with the porcelain inlays

As the entrance is low to the ground, you can see a lot of detail in to roof, including the little porcelain bowls used to cap the ends of the tiles. The "other" side of the bridge is where you'll find the more interesting art galleries.