History of Juso Ohashi Bridge
The first bridge at this location was built in 1878 and operated as a privately owned bridge. It was replaced by an iron bridge in 1909, followed by the completion of the present arch bridge in 1932.
As traffic increased, the Juso Bypass opened in 1967 as an alternative route, helping accommodate the growing volume of vehicles in the area.
Bridge Specifications
Structure: Steel tied arch and Gerber-type steel plate girder
Total length: 681.2 m, with a small bridge section measuring 25.1 m
Maximum span: 64.0 m
Width: 20.0 m
Foundations: Pneumatic caissons and pine piles
Construction began: January 1930
Completed: January 1932
Designer: Jun Masuda
Transportation around the Bridge
Juso Ohashi Bridge is approximately 10 minutes on foot from Nakatsu Station and Juso Station on the Hankyu Railway. Numerous bus services also operate in the area, and several routes of Osaka City Bus and Hankyu Bus cross the bridge, making it an important part of the local transportation network.
The Yodo River
The Course and Geography of the Yodo River
The Yodo River originates at Lake Biwa and flows through the Seta River and Uji River before reaching Osaka Bay. Its total length is approximately 75.1 km, while the farthest point of its drainage system lies at Tochino Ki Pass on the border with Fukui Prefecture.
Within Osaka City, the river divides into the former Yodo River and the New Yodo River, which follow different routes before eventually reaching Osaka Bay.
Origins of the River Names
The names of the river’s different sections are derived from the places through which they flow. Seta River takes its name from Seta, Uji River from Uji, and Yodo River from Yodo. These names reflect the geographical areas and landscapes associated with each section of the river.
History and Flood Control along the Yodo River
The Yodo River basin has played an important role in the political, economic, and cultural development of Japan. During the reign of Emperor Nintoku, embankments were constructed to control flooding. During the Nara period, the Buddhist monk Gyoki also attempted flood-control works, although the project was eventually abandoned because of environmental and natural conditions.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Development of the Yodo River
During the Warring States period, Toyotomi Hideyoshi carried out flood-control and river improvement projects along the Yodo River while establishing his residence at Fushimi.
These works altered the course of the Uji River and gave it a role as part of the outer moat system of Fushimi Castle. The improvements also contributed to the development of Fushimi as an important port town.
Canals and Water Transportation during the Edo Period
During the Edo period, water transportation along the Yodo River was further developed. The Takase River canal was constructed to transport building materials for the Great Buddha Hall of Hokoji Temple.
In Osaka, Dotonbori was also developed, and waterways became an important foundation for commercial activity. The river and canal networks therefore played a major role in moving people and goods throughout the region.
A Bridge and River Closely Connected with Osaka’s History
Juso Ohashi Bridge and the Yodo River are closely connected with the history and everyday life of Osaka. The bridge continues to serve as an important transportation route, while the Yodo River has played a major role in flood control, water transportation, commerce, and the development of communities over many centuries.
Visiting the bridge and surrounding riverside areas provides an opportunity to appreciate both the engineering heritage of modern Osaka and the long history of the river that has helped shape the city and its surrounding region.