160305-0005 - Manseibashi Bridge

A very rare view of the original Manseibashi Bridge (万世橋) across the Kandagawa River (神田川) in Chiyoda (千代田区), Tokyo. The bridge was nicknamed Meganebashi (Spectacle Bridge) because of its arches.

Over the years, several bridges were built in this area. The first one was built in 1676 and called Sujikaibashi (筋違橋). The stone bridge on this postcard was built in 1873 (Meiji 6). It was officially called Yorozuyobashi (萬世橋), but became popularly known as Manseibashi. It was torn down in 1906 (Meiji 39).

In the background, the Tokyo Resurrection Cathedral (復活大聖堂 fukkatsu daiseidō) in Kanda can be seen. The Orthodox Church was founded by St. Nicholas of Japan and nicknamed Nikorai-do (ニコライ堂).

The building was destroyed during the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 (Taisho 12), but it was rebuilt in 1929 (Showa 4).