From Dragons to Lanterns: Why the Japanese Covered Bridge Is More Than Just a Photo Spot

Hoi An’s lantern-lit evenings and winding alleyways offer countless reasons to fall in love with the town—but none as iconic as the Japanese Covered Bridge. Built in the 16th century by the Japanese community, this moss-covered wooden bridge isn’t just a crossing over a small canal. It’s a journey through time, across cultures, and deep into the soul of Hoi An Ancient Town.

Tucked at the edge of Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai street, the bridge links two historic quarters—the Chinese and Japanese—and once symbolized the harmony between two foreign merchant communities who found a home in Hoi An. Today, it continues to unite travelers from all over the world who gather beneath its tiled roof to learn, marvel, and click that perfect photo.

A Bridge Built on Legends

Step onto the bridge and look up. You'll see a small temple enshrined within, dedicated to the northern god Tran Vo Bac De, believed to control weather and natural disasters. Local legend says the bridge was built to pin down a mythical sea monster called “Namazu,” whose tremors caused earthquakes across Asia. The bridge’s tail rests in Japan, and its head in India, with its heart right here in Vietnam—symbolically pinned down by this structure.

The symbolism may sound fantastical, but it adds a layer of magic to your visit. As you walk across the bridge, you’re walking across an ancient legend that once connected three great civilizations.

What to Look For

It’s easy to rush past the bridge and snap a photo, but slow down. Notice the two statues at each end—dogs and monkeys—representing the years many of the Japanese emperors were born and also possibly the beginning and end of the construction timeline. You’ll also see original wooden beams, exquisite carvings, and decorative tiles that have withstood storms, floods, and centuries of change.

Inside the temple, you might find locals lighting incense. Outside, street vendors selling paper lanterns add pops of color to the bridge’s muted browns and greys. It’s a rich intersection of past and present.

A Local’s Tips for Visiting

1. Go Early or Stay Late: The bridge is open all day, but for the softest lighting and fewest crowds, visit at sunrise or just after 8 PM. The evening adds a romantic glow, especially during the monthly lantern festival when the entire area transforms into a twinkling fairytale.

2. Dress Modestly: While it’s a public monument, remember that the bridge houses a place of worship. Shoulders and knees covered is always a respectful bet.

3. Don’t Miss the Lantern Boat Ride: Just steps from the bridge, you’ll find small boats ready to take you on the Thu Bon River. It’s especially magical during sunset or the full moon festival.

4. Pay Once, Explore More: If you buy a ticket to enter the Ancient Town’s attractions, the Japanese Covered Bridge is included. You can also visit historic homes, assembly halls, and museums with the same ticket.

   
   

Nearby Attractions Worth Exploring

Pair your visit to the Japanese Covered Bridge with a deeper dive into the town’s ancient charm. All are walkable, and best explored slowly.

Tan Ky Old House

A stunning 200-year-old home still lived in by the 8th generation. The fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architecture offers rich insights into the trading life of ancient Hoi An. Inside, you’ll find original wooden beams, antique furniture, and intricate carvings that tell the tale of a merchant family that weathered floods, wars, and change. Don’t miss the floor-to-ceiling columns or the centuries-old family altar tucked in the back room.

Cantonese Assembly Hall

Gilded dragons, smoke-trailing incense spirals, and vibrant murals fill this colorful hall with spiritual energy. Built in the late 19th century by the Cantonese community, the temple showcases stunning mosaic sculptures and elaborate altars dedicated to Guan Yu, the god of war. It’s still an active place of worship, so you might see locals lighting incense or placing offerings beside the deity statues.

🛶 The Riverside Market

For a more local experience, follow the water to the central market where you’ll find fresh herbs, lanterns, handmade crafts, and local produce. Early morning is the best time to watch the action—fishmongers call out prices, women squat with baskets of chilies, and fruit sellers slice open juicy mangos with lightning precision. This is the beating heart of Hoi An’s daily life.

Explore more Hoi An hidden stories with our Streets and Eats of Hoi An tour or uncover rural life with our Hoi An Countryside & Islands Explorer.

Capture the Moment: Photography Tips

• Golden Hour: Arrive between 4:30–5:30 PM for glowing sunset shots.

• Use Leading Lines: Shoot from either end to use the bridge’s sloping roof as a natural frame.

• Get Candid: Photos are richer when they capture real moments—like a local crossing the bridge or a traveler pausing with a lantern.

How to Get There

The bridge is located at the west end of Tran Phu Street, in the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town. If you're walking from the Central Market or riverside, it’s a 10-minute stroll. No motorbikes or cars are allowed inside the Ancient Town, making it an ideal place to explore on foot—or even better, on the back of a vintage Vespa.

🚲 Want a deeper cultural dive? Hop on our Vespa Tours in Hoi An to uncover the hidden lives behind Hoi An’s charming streets.

Japanese Covered Bridge: A Bridge That Connects More Than Streets

The Japanese Covered Bridge isn’t just something to tick off your list—it’s a symbol of unity, resilience, and shared culture. Whether you come for the photos, the history, or the quiet moment inside its wooden belly, it leaves you with a deeper connection to Hoi An.

It’s the kind of place you remember long after your trip ends—not for the number of steps you took, but for the stories that stepped into you.

📍 Ready to explore more? Discover Hoi An through a local lens with Vespa Adventures and let your journey unfold one story at a time.