Sakuranomiya Bridge is a road bridge carrying National Route 1, also known as Sozaki-dori, across the Okawa River in Osaka City. It connects Temmabashi 1-chome in Kita Ward with Nakanocho 1-chome in Miyakojima Ward.
Because of its distinctive silver-colored appearance, the bridge is widely known by its nickname, “Ginbashi,” or “Silver Bridge.” It was designed by Goichi Takeda, one of the leading figures in Japan’s architectural history, and is valued for both its historical and artistic significance.
Sakuranomiya Bridge stands alongside Sakuranomiya Park, which stretches along the Okawa River. In spring, rows of cherry trees burst into bloom, creating a beautiful landscape around the bridge.
The bridge was designed to harmonize with its surroundings while also serving an important transportation function. Today, it remains an important part of Osaka’s urban infrastructure as well as a recognizable landmark along the river.
The present Sakuranomiya Bridge was constructed as part of Osaka’s first major urban planning project and was completed in 1930. Because the ground in this area is relatively soft, engineers adopted a three-hinged arch structure designed to accommodate uneven settlement of the ground.
The foundations use reinforced-concrete pedestal piles measuring approximately 20 meters in length and 40 centimeters in diameter. Around 200 piles were driven beneath each abutment, and load-bearing tests were conducted before construction to confirm the strength of the foundations.
Although settlement occurred over the years and extensive repairs were carried out on the foundations, the bridge has retained its distinctive appearance.
In 2000, Sakuranomiya Bridge was selected as one of the “Osaka River and Nakanoshima Bridges” recognized as a Civil Engineering Heritage by the Japan Society of Civil Engineers, reaffirming its historical and engineering significance.
Structure: Steel arch bridge with a three-hinged arch
Bridge length: 108 meters
Width: 22 meters
Alongside the original Sakuranomiya Bridge, a second bridge called Shin-Sakuranomiya Bridge, commonly known as the “New Silver Bridge,” was constructed to accommodate the widening of National Route 1 and allow repair work on the original bridge.
The new bridge was designed by world-renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Its design was carefully developed to complement the existing Sakuranomiya Bridge while giving the riverfront a contemporary architectural character.
Shin-Sakuranomiya Bridge opened on December 18, 2006, and is longer than the original bridge, measuring 150 meters.
The height of its arch was matched to that of the original Sakuranomiya Bridge, resulting in a relatively low arch-rise ratio. Because the structure could not be assembled using conventional bolted connections, a fully welded construction method was adopted.
On-site welding was carried out with wind shields to maintain the required quality and precision during construction.
Structure: Steel arch bridge with a simple Lohse girder
Bridge length: 150 meters
The original Sakuranomiya Bridge carries three westbound lanes, while Shin-Sakuranomiya Bridge carries three eastbound lanes. Together, the two bridges provide a broad roadway with a combined width of approximately 40 meters.
Pedestrian walkways measuring 8.25 meters on each side are also provided, creating generous space for people traveling across the bridges.
By bus: Get off at the “Sakuranomiya Bridge” bus stop served by Osaka City Bus and Kintetsu Bus.
By train: The bridges are within walking distance of Osaka-jo Kitazume Station on the JR Tozai Line.
From around sunset, Sakuranomiya Bridge is illuminated, and its silver structure is reflected beautifully on the surface of the Okawa River.
In spring, the combination of cherry blossoms and the elegant bridge creates one of the area’s most memorable views. In autumn, colorful foliage adds another dimension to the riverside scenery.
The bridge offers a changing landscape throughout the year, making it an appealing place to experience Osaka’s riverside atmosphere, architecture, and history.
Sakuranomiya Bridge and Shin-Sakuranomiya Bridge play an important role in supporting transportation across the Okawa River while also contributing to Osaka’s distinctive cityscape.
The combination of the historic silver arch, the modern bridge designed by Tadao Ando, and the surrounding riverside scenery makes this an interesting destination for visitors interested in architecture, engineering, urban history, and seasonal landscapes.