In Japan, there are some well known bridges that serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. Some of these bridges have quite a reputation in Japan. For instance, the Rainbow Bridge (レインボーブリッジ) in Tokyo is famous for its red, green and white colors. There are lamps on the wires that suspend the bridge in place. These lamps collect solar energy during the day to light the bridge at night. In addition, the Rainbow Bridge has a walkway that allows people to view the scenery from the bridge.

Not to be outdone, the Akashi Kaikyō Ōhashi  (明石海峡大橋,) is the longest suspension bridge in the world. It connects the city of Kobe to Awaji Island. Before the Bridge was built, people crossed the Akashi Strait by ferry. However,  the turbulent waters resulted in many casualties and a bridge was built to prevent people from needlessly dying. The Akashi Kaikyō Ōhashi is very important because without this bridge people would not be able to cross the Akashi Strait in a safe way.

The Chikugogawa Shōkaikyō (筑後川昇開橋) or Chikugo River Lift Bridge is a bridge that spans across the Chikugo River in Kyūshū. This Bridge is deemed as an important cultural property because displays a superior feat of engineering. For one, the Chikugogawa Shōkaikyō is a bridge that is movable and rises vertically to let tall ships and boats through. When the ship or boat passes through, the vertical lift goes back to its original location.

Since Japan is a country with a long history, there are bound to be bridges that are quite old as well. The Kintaikyō  (錦帯橋) fits this requirement because it is over three hundred years old! It is a wooden arched bridge that is considered a national treasure because it has withstood all the floods and typhoons of the ages. Tourists come to the Kintaikyō all the time to see the cherry blossoms and view the landscape around the bridge.

The Bandai Bashi or Bandai Bridge (萬代橋,) spans the Shinano River in Nīgata Prefecture. The Bandai Bridge is a major landmark in Nigata Prefecture. It was built to resist earthquakes and was designated an important cultural property because of its historically long usage. The Bridge is where all the major festivals take place. There are also a few shopping districts that are located around the area, so naturally the Bandai Bridge is frequently visited by people.