The Kintaikyo Bridge (錦帯橋) is a historic wooden arch bridge in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture. It spans the Nishiki River and is one of Japan’s most famous and picturesque bridges. Originally built in 1673 by Kikkawa Hiroyoshi, the local feudal lord, Kintaikyo was designed to be resilient against flooding, a major issue in the region.
The bridge consists of five wooden arches supported by four stone piers. It was built without the use of nails, relying on intricate joinery and clamps. The original bridge was destroyed by a typhoon in 1950, but it was meticulously rebuilt in 1953 using the original techniques and materials.
Many visitors enjoy crossing this famous bridge, but there is a small 310 JPY fee for crossing the bridge, to be paid before crossing.
The bridge stands at the base of Mt.Yokohama, where the Iwakuni Castle is located a top – a small restored castle originally built in 1608. To access the Castle, most visitors take the Iwakunijo Ropeway – a cablecar that ascends Mt. Yokohama. A combined Bridge, Ropeway and Castle ticket can be purchased for 970JPY.
Hours and Admission
- Hours: Always Open
- Kintaikyo Bridge crossing: 310 JPY
- Bridge, Ropeway and Castle comɓined ticket: 970 JPY
- Average Time Spent: 20-30 minutes
- Official Website
Accessing Kintaikyo Bridge
From Iwakauni Station, there is a bus service that takes you within a short few minutes walk from Kintaikyo Bridge. Buses run every 10-20 minutes, taking 15 minutes and costing 300JPY one way.
From Shin-Iwakuni station, busses run to Kintaikyo Bridge infrequently, typically every 1-2 hours, taking 15 minutes to get to the bridge, and costs 350 JPY one way.
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