It is used in standard crossings for structural stability; and in traditional and contemporary Asian and Western landscape design across water gardens.

It may be made of stone slabs or planks as part of a pond design and is frequently seen in rustic gardens.

The objective in employing such a bridge, constructed according to Zen philosophy and teachings, is to focus the walker's attention to the mindfulness of the current place and time moment – "being here, now".

The post and plank version has an advantage when employed as a crossing of a muddy bottom or marsh: It is structurally stable, where a straight bridge might tend to tip due to the posts moving in the soft mud.

Each segment of walkway mutually supports the next from twisting and tipping by being securely fastened to it.