Hioki Bridge, one of seven bridges on Horikawa river

11/12/2024

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One of seven Bridges on Horikawa river

Horikawa River in Nagoya may look like a dirty drainage canal, but historically, it has played a very important role. Nagoya Castle was built in 1612 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Horikawa River was excavated to transport construction materials for this castle. When Horikawa River was created, seven bridges were built, and Hioki bridge is one of them. During the Edo period, Hioki bridge was not only a logistics hub but also a place where people gathered, and it was famous for its cherry blossoms.

I believe you now understand its historical importance. As for the current Hioki bridge, as you can see in the photo, there is no trace of its historical significance anymore. The existing bridge was rebuilt in 1938. The bright yellow design used for the railing on the sidewalk stands out in a rather peculiar way. If you’re someone living in Nagoya from abroad and want to visit as part of a casual walk, there’s no problem. However, to be honest, it’s not worth visiting for short-term tourists.

Gojo bridge in Nagoya one of the seven old bridges at Horikawa

Naya bridge and Former Kato Shokai building

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I’ve compiled a list of Nagoya’s places that I’ve personally visited. Is Nagoya boring? Not at all! While it has developed as an industrial city, it also hides interesting places full of history and culture. Use this guide to explore Nagoya and discover its hidden gems.