歩道橋

• Reading: ほどうきょう
• Romaji: hodoukyou
• Kanji breakdown: 歩 (ho) — walk; 道 (dou) — road, path; 橋 (kyou) — bridge
• Pronunciation: /ho.doː.kʲoː/

Meaning

Footbridge; pedestrian bridge; pedestrian overpass. A bridge allowing people to cross a road or railway on foot.

A compound noun combining 歩道 (sidewalk/pavement) with 橋 (bridge). Refers specifically to elevated pedestrian crossings built over busy roads or intersections, extremely common in Japanese cities. Many were constructed during the rapid motorisation of the 1960s–70s. Some cities have been removing older ones in favour of ground-level crossings for accessibility.

Examples

1. この大通りには横断歩道がないので歩道橋を使ってください。 There's no crosswalk on this main street, so please use the pedestrian overpass.
2. 歩道橋の上から街の景色がよく見える。 You get a great view of the city from the top of the pedestrian bridge.
3. 高齢者にとって歩道橋の階段は負担が大きい。 The stairs on pedestrian overpasses can be quite a burden for elderly people.

Usage Guide

Context: urban life, directions, traffic, city planning

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 歩道 (hodou, pavement/sidewalk) + 橋 (kyou, bridge). Literally 'sidewalk bridge,' describing an elevated walkway for pedestrians. The compound was coined during Japan's rapid urban development in the mid-20th century.

Cultural Context

Era: Postwar

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal