A Stone Arch from Hirado's Trading Days
The Saiwai Bridge (幸橋) is a stone arch bridge of 1702 in Iwanouecho, Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on January 21, 1978 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a stone arch bridge with parapets, designated together with its approaches; designation number 02057.
A Stone Bridge Built for the Lord of Hirado
The Saiwai Bridge is a stone arch bridge with parapets near the river mouth at Hirado Port, said to have been built by local masons on the orders of the lord of the Hirado domain (Agency for Cultural Affairs). It dates from 1702.
It is 19.8 metres long and 5.2 metres wide, and its arch is remarkably flat, showing advanced technique (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Why It Is an Important Cultural Property
The Agency values it as a structure that carries the stoneworking skills of the days when Hirado flourished as a port for foreign trade, and as important for understanding the culture of the region. It was designated an Important Cultural Property on January 21, 1978.
What to Look For
The flat curve of the arch and the stone parapets along the deck are the things to see (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
It is owned by Hirado City, and no official information on use or visiting was found.
Q&A
- When was the Saiwai Bridge built?
- In 1702 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- How is the bridge name read?
- Saiwai-bashi (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- How big is the Saiwai Bridge?
- 19.8 metres long and 5.2 metres wide.
- Who built the Saiwai Bridge?
- Local masons, said to be on the orders of the lord of Hirado.
- When was the Saiwai Bridge designated an Important Cultural Property?
- On January 21, 1978 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Saiwai Bridge (幸橋) |
|---|---|
| Location | Iwanouecho, Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1978/01/21 (Showa 53) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Stone arch bridge with parapets, 19.8 m long, 5.2 m wide |
| Owner | Hirado City |
| Public Access | No official visiting information |
References
- Saiwai Bridge (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/102/3544
Last verified: 2026.10.16