It is said that 400 years ago Mori Tahei, one of the retainers of the Kuroda clad, was sent to deliver a message to Fukushima Masanori, the lord of Hiroshima. By then, Masanori was the proud owner of Nihongou, a unique spear, previously owned by the Imperial family, considered one of the Three Great Spears of Japan.
Being a known drinker, Masanori invited the envoy to a drink, but Tahei refused, being on duty. So, the lord challenged him, declaring that if Tahei will be able to withstand drinking more than him, will be rewarded with a gift of his choice. Tahei drank and claimed as prize the famous spear...
The quirky event was commemorated in a folk song (Kuroda bushi), and today the bridge decorations are inspired by this old samurai drinking story.
EXIF info:
Nikon Df
Lens: 24-70mm F/2.8G
Focal Length: 24mm
Aperture: F/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/1600s
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200