Saigawa Bridge

Saigawa Ohashi Bridge: A Century-Old Steel Landmark of Kanazawa

Spanning the Saigawa River in the heart of Kanazawa, the Saigawa Ohashi Bridge is one of Japan's most historically significant steel truss bridges still in active daily use. Completed in 1924, this Warren truss bridge connects the bustling Katamachi entertainment district on the east bank with the Nomachi and Sennichimachi neighborhoods on the west. Registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property in 2000, the bridge stands as a proud symbol of Taisho-era engineering and Kanazawa's enduring spirit of blending tradition with modernity.

Historical Background

The history of a bridge at this location dates back to 1594 (Bunroku 3), when Maeda Toshiie, the founder of the Kaga Domain, ordered the construction of a large wooden bridge across the Saigawa River. During the feudal era, it was the only bridge spanning the Saigawa and was known by various names, including "Isago no Hashi," "Nakagawara no Ohashi," and "Ichinobashi." Historical maps from the Enpō era describe it as a substantial structure measuring approximately 72 meters in length and 5.4 meters in width.

In 1919, as part of the city's tram construction project, the wooden bridge was replaced with a reinforced concrete permanent bridge designed for wider roadways. However, on August 3, 1922, torrential rains caused the Saigawa River to flood and wash away this concrete bridge. Just two years later, in 1924, the current steel truss bridge was completed at a total cost of 267,000 yen. The bridge was designed by Sekiba Shigeki, a pioneering figure in Japanese bridge engineering.

Notably, due to the difficulty of procuring steel domestically in the aftermath of the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, British-manufactured steel was partially used in the construction. Steel plates bearing the inscription "Middlesbrough" — the name of their English city of origin — can still be found on the bridge's structural members today.

Why It Was Designated a Cultural Property

Saigawa Ohashi Bridge was registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property on December 4, 2000. The designation recognizes the bridge's exceptional value as a surviving example of early 20th-century steel bridge engineering in Japan. Its Warren truss design — specifically a curved-chord Warren truss — demonstrates sophisticated structural techniques, with different types of truss members used for the portal frames, diagonal bracing, and vertical members to achieve optimal weight reduction.

As one of the oldest steel truss bridges in Japan that remains in continuous use as a major arterial road, the Saigawa Ohashi Bridge holds significant value as both a piece of civil engineering heritage and a living part of Kanazawa's urban landscape. The bridge carries National Route 157 (overlapping with Route 305) and serves approximately 35,000 vehicles per day, demonstrating the remarkable durability of its century-old design.

Architectural Highlights and Attractions

The bridge stretches 62 meters in length with a width of 22 meters, accommodating four lanes of traffic and pedestrian walkways on both sides. Its curved upper chord creates an elegant arched silhouette that has become one of Kanazawa's most recognizable landmarks.

One of the bridge's most distinctive features is the gold-leaf nameplate mounted on the upper beams. This calligraphic inscription was written by Hasegawa Kyūichi, the Governor of Ishikawa Prefecture at the time of the bridge's completion in 1924, and reflects Kanazawa's deep connection to gold-leaf craftsmanship.

During the 1994 renovation, the bridge was repainted in a blue gradient inspired by the dyeing techniques of Kaga Yūzen, a traditional silk-dyeing art form unique to Kanazawa. The sidewalks were repaved with granite, and retro-style gas lamp lighting was installed. Balcony-like viewing areas with benches were added, and the railings were designed with motifs inspired by the traditional reddish-brown bengara lattice patterns found in Kanazawa's teahouse districts. At night, the bridge is beautifully illuminated, creating a romantic atmosphere over the river.

The Saigawa River itself is known locally as the "Otoko-gawa" (Man's River) for its bold, powerful current, and the robust steel structure of the bridge perfectly complements this masculine character — a striking contrast to the more graceful Asanogawa Ohashi Bridge over the gentler "Onna-gawa" (Woman's River) in the eastern part of the city.

Surrounding Area and Nearby Attractions

Saigawa Ohashi Bridge occupies a prime location between several of Kanazawa's most popular districts. On the east side lies Katamachi, the city's liveliest entertainment and dining quarter, while the west side leads to the historic Nishi Chaya District and the temple-filled Teramachi area.

Nishi Chaya District

Just a five-minute walk from the bridge across the Saigawa River, Nishi Chaya is one of Kanazawa's three historic geisha districts, established in 1820. Though smaller than the more famous Higashi Chaya District, it retains an authentic atmosphere with fewer tourists and features charming tea houses, sweet shops, and the Western-style Nishi Kenban office where geisha still practice their arts.

Myoryuji Temple (Ninja Temple)

Located a short walk from Nishi Chaya District, this remarkable temple features hidden staircases, secret rooms, trap doors, and a labyrinth of 23 rooms across four stories that appear to be only two from outside. Advance reservation is required for the guided tour.

Muroo Saisei Memorial Museum

Near the bridge stands the museum dedicated to Muroo Saisei, one of Japan's most beloved lyric poets who was born and raised along the banks of the Saigawa River. The riverside walking path is named "Saisei no Michi" (Saisei's Path) in his honor.

Katamachi and Tatemachi

The Katamachi area on the east bank is Hokuriku's premier nightlife and gourmet district, home to numerous Michelin-starred restaurants. Tatemachi shopping street offers fashionable boutiques and cafes in a vibrant urban setting.

Shinmei Shrine

Located near the bridge, this shrine is famous for its "Aburimochi" festival and a magnificent zelkova tree over 1,000 years old, considered a spiritual power spot.