Nijūbashi

In front of you is one of the most famous views of the palace. But the bridge most people think is Nijūbashi isn't. The stone bridge nearest to you, with its two graceful arches, was built in 1887. Look at how the arches reflect in the water. They make a shape like a pair of glasses, which is why locals call it Meganebashi, the spectacles bridge. The real Nijūbashi is the iron bridge further back. Its name means double bridge, and it comes from the wooden bridge that stood there in the Edo period. The moat was so deep that its supports were built in two layers, one above the other. The wooden bridge is long gone. The first iron bridge was cast in Germany in 1888, and the one you see dates from 1964. Above it, look for the white tower on the wall. This is Fushimi-yagura, said to have been brought here from Fushimi Castle near Kyoto. These bridges stay closed almost all year. Only on 2 January and on the Emperor's birthday do crowds cross them, to see the Emperor greet the public from a palace balcony.