橋姫 · yurei · Ehime Prefecture

Hashi-hime

Hashi-hime, or the bridge princess, is a spirit believed to guard bridges. She represents the boundary between two worlds: the river and the land. Offerings are made for safe passage over rivers.

Legend

A local tale speaks of a traveler who encountered Hashi-hime at a rickety bridge. The spirit warned him not to cross, preventing a fatal accident caused by heavy rains.