The Japanese Bridge or Chùa Cầu, is an iconic covered bridge in Hoi An's Ancient Town built in the late 16th century by the Japanese community. It symbolizes the international friendship and heritage of the city, featuring a unique architectural blend of Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese styles. Inside, the bridge houses a small temple dedicated to the god Bac De Tran Vo, who is said to protect against evil spirits.
This guide by Your Vietnam Travel covers the bridge’s history, legends, and unique details, explaining why it remains an essential stop on every trip to Hoi An.
The Japanese Bridge is the most important historical site in Hoi An, representing more than 400 years of cultural exchange between Japan, China, and Vietnam. Each part of the bridge tells a story of its builders and the town’s trading past.
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Most important historical site in Hoi An |
The bridge was built around the late 16th century by Japanese merchants living in Hoi An. At that time, the town was a major port connecting Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. The bridge linked the Japanese quarter on one side of the canal with the Chinese community on the other, promoting friendship and trade.
In 1719, Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu visited the bridge and named it Lai Vien Kieu, meaning “Bridge of Friends from Afar.” That name still appears on a sign above the entrance.
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History of the Japanese Bridge |
The bridge combines Japanese precision with Vietnamese and Chinese artistry. Built entirely of wood, it measures about 18 meters long, with a curved roof of red tiles. The roof protects pedestrians from rain and sun, while the wooden railings are decorated with animal carvings symbolizing strength and protection.
A small pagoda stands at the center, dedicated to the deity Bac De Tran Vo, who guards sailors from storms and floods. This fusion of structure and worship makes the bridge unique among Vietnam’s heritage sites.
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Unique curved roof of red titles |
Over four centuries, the Japanese Bridge has survived floods, storms, and war. It has been restored many times , the most recent large-scale renovation took place in 1986, followed by preservation work in 2016.
Today, it is protected as a National Historical and Cultural Site, with regular maintenance to preserve its original materials and design. Wooden planks have been replaced over time, but the spirit and architecture remain faithful to the original.
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Historic floods of Hoi An |
Yes. Visiting the Japanese Bridge is more than seeing an old structure, it’s a walk through Hoi An’s history and culture. The bridge connects the past and present, blending daily life with centuries of tradition.
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The Covered Bridge still remains a famous tourist place |
Behind the calm appearance of the Japanese Bridge are stories, symbols, and traditions that link it to Hoi An’s long history. Here are some details that make this landmark unique.
The Japanese Bridge is printed on the blue 20,000 VND note, one of Vietnam’s most widely circulated bills. It represents Hoi An’s heritage and the historical connection between Vietnamese culture and international trade. The image serves as both national pride and recognition of Hoi An as a UNESCO World Heritage town.
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Japanese Covered Bridge on a 20.000 VND note |
Despite its name “Chùa Cầu,” meaning “Bridge Pagoda,” there is no Buddha statue inside. The small shrine in the middle honors Bac De Tran Vo, the Taoist god who protects sailors and controls the weather. Locals still visit the bridge to offer incense, continuing a centuries-old maritime tradition.
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The shrine dedicated to Bac De Tran Vo |
The bridge combines two functions in one design: a covered wooden walkway for crossing and a small temple chamber in the center for worship.
This layout blends Japanese structure with Vietnamese spirituality. It protects pedestrians from rain and sun while serving as a quiet place of prayer above the canal.
In 1990, the Japanese Bridge was officially recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Heritage Site. This status protects it under Vietnamese law and ensures regular maintenance funded by the government and local organizations. Preservation work focuses on keeping the bridge’s original wooden structure and tiled roof intact.
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The Japanese Covered Bridge is a national historic and cultural heritage site |
Locals call the bridge Chùa Cầu, which translates to “Bridge Pagoda.” The name comes from its rare structure that combines a roofed walkway with a small shrine. It reflects Hoi An’s mix of practicality and spirituality, where daily life and worship naturally blend.
Two animal statues stand at the ends of the bridge, one shaped like a monkey and the other like a dog. Many historians believe these figures represent the lunar years linked to the start and completion of the bridge’s construction. They also serve as symbolic guardians, protecting the structure and those who cross it.
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The Dog Statue at Japanese Covered Bridge |
The Japanese Bridge has undergone multiple restorations due to age, storms, and seasonal flooding. Records show at least eight major repairs over the past four centuries. Each restoration aims to strengthen the wooden frame and preserve the original design that has defined the bridge since the 16th century.
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Japanese Covered Bridge has been restored many times |
The area around the Japanese Bridge is one of the busiest and most scenic corners of Hoi An. You can explore food stalls, lantern streets, river views, and small heritage sites, all within a few minutes’ walk.
Sunrise brings soft light over the tiled roof and quiet reflections on the canal. Sunset adds warmer tones and turns the bridge into the center of the golden hour. These two moments give you the clearest photos without heavy crowds.
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Sunset at Japanese Covered Bridge |
The small lanes around the bridge stay peaceful in the early morning. You can wander past old houses, craftsmen’s shops, and riverside corners where locals set up for the day. It is one of the calmest times to experience the Ancient Town.
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Peaceful early morning near the bridge |
Boats line the canal beside the bridge. A short ride offers relaxed views of the waterfront, with heritage houses and lanterns reflected on the water. It is a simple way to see the bridge and the old town from a different angle.
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Relaxed views of the waterfront |
After dark, the streets around the bridge glow with lanterns. Shops stay open, food stalls begin to fill the area, and the canal lights up with reflections. It is an easy walk and one of the most memorable evening experiences in Hoi An.
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Lantern lit street at Hoi An |
The Japanese Covered Bridge sits at the western edge of Hoi An Ancient Town, where Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street meets Tran Phu Street. You can reach it easily on foot from most parts of the old quarter.
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Ride a bike around Hoi An |
Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your visit to the Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An:
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An aerial view of Japanese Covered Bridge |
It is a 16th-century covered bridge built by Japanese merchants. The structure links two historic quarters of the Ancient Town and holds a small shrine inside. It represents the cultural exchange between Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese communities that once traded in Hoi An.
Yes, you need an Ancient Town ticket to enter the covered section of the bridge. Walking around the outside is free, but the ticket is required for access to the interior walkway and shrine because it is part of Hoi An’s protected heritage sites.
About 10 to 15 minutes is enough for most visits. You can see the structure, take photos, and explore the small paths around it. If you visit at sunrise or sunset, you might stay longer to enjoy the quiet atmosphere and better light.
Yes, the bridge is worth visiting at night. Lanterns light up the area, the canal reflects warm colors, and the streets become lively without being overwhelming. It is one of the best times for photos and for seeing the Ancient Town at its most atmospheric.
The bridge is at the western edge of Hoi An Ancient Town, where Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street meets Tran Phu Street. It sits next to the canal that separates the old Japanese and Chinese quarters, making it easy to reach on foot from anywhere in the town center.
The Japanese Bridge is one of the most meaningful stops in Hoi An, combining history, architecture, and everyday life in a compact space. A short visit gives you a clear sense of the town’s heritage and the cultures that shaped it.
If you need help planning your time in Hoi An or building a full itinerary around the Ancient Town, our team at Your Vietnam Travel can prepare a trip that fits your pace and interests.
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