Hojo-bashi Bridge is a small bridge crossing the pond leading to the sanctuary from soumon (the main gate) of Enkaku-ji Temple. The bridge was constructed during the reign of King Sho Shin in 1498.

Basic information

Address

903-0812 2-1 Tonokura Shuri Naha Okinawa In Shuri Castle Park

TEL

098-886-2020 Okinawa churashima foundation Shurijo Castle Park Management Center

Business hours

April - June 8:00 - 19:30
July - September 8:00 - 20:30
October - November 8:00 - 19:30
December - March 8:00 - 18:30

Close day

None

Charge

Free

Parking

Shuri Castle Park parking available

Access information

A 2-minute walk from the Tonokura bus stop. Ryutan-dori

URL

http://oki-park.jp/shurijo-park/

Additional Information

Barrier-free

車イス駐車場

Academic information

Designated date: January 14, 1956
Hojo-bashi Bridge is a small bridge crossing the pond leading to the sanctuary from Somon (the main gate) of Enkaku-ji Temple. The bridge was constructed during the reign of King Sho Shin in 1498. On the newel posts of the bridge, shishi (guardian lion dog) sculptures were placed; however, they suffered damage from the Battle of Okinawa. Presently, only a part of the sculptures remains. The boarded wall of the balustrades have carvings of shishi, crane, turtle, deer, phoenix, plum, peony, lotus, etc... Totally masculine, elaborate carvings are a masterpiece of stone sculpture art in Okinawa. Especially, shishi carvings are peculiar to Okinawa, they are not Japanese style nor Chinese style, and have a very friendly expression on their face. Stone materials are diabase from China. This stone bridge survived the war and had been kept in the Ryukyu Government Museum. After it was designated as a special important cultural property in 1958, Enkaku-ji, Somon and Hojo-chi were reconstructed in 1969. Using this opportunity, the bridge was returned to the original position.