Bandai Bridge 萬代橋

Bandai Bridge is an icon of Niigata City. It crosses Japan's longest river, the Shinano, which divides the city into two distinct halves. To the south of the bridge lies the newer, vibrant part of the city; to the north is the older, historical area.

The bridge is best accessed by rail.

Niigata is two hours away from Tokyo on the Joetsu Shinkansen. Bandai Bridge is about a 15-minute walk from the JR Niigata Station.

Built in 1886, the original bridge was made of wood and unfortunately destroyed by a major fire in 1908. The second version, built on the same foundations as the first, fell into disrepair within a couple decades. The third—and final—incarnation was completed in 1929 and constructed with reinforced concrete. This is the version we see today, a strong bridge that survived a major earthquake in 1964.

Now designated as a National Important Cultural Property, the current bridge features six arches and is 306.9 meters long and 22 meters wide. During the Niigata Festival, a folk dance procession makes its way across the bridge.