Connecting Tran Phu st., with Nguyen Thi Minh Khai st., the Japanese Covered bridge was constructed in the early 17th century by Japanese merchants in Hoi An. The bridge is 18m long and is built over a small canal that connects to Hoai River. The bridge was provided with an arch- shaped roof which was skilfully carved with many fine patterns. Over the door, 3 Chinese characters “Lai Van Kieu” (Bridge for Passers-by From Afar). On the North side of the bridge, there is a small temple for worshipping Bac De Tran Vu (The Northern God), who in Chinese religion prevents the storms and the floods. The two entrances to the bridge are guarded by a pair of monkeys on one side and a pair of dogs on the other. According to legend, these once lived on an enormous monster call Cu whose head was in India, tail in Japan and its body in Vietnam. Whenever the monster moved, terrible disasters such as floods and earthquakes befell these places. Thus, apart from the purpose of transportation, the bridge aslo pinned the monster down in order to preserve a safe and peaceful life. See more