[2024 Iwakuni Attraction] Travel Guide for Kintaikyo Bridge (Updated Dec)
Bridges
Address:
1 Chome-2 Iwakuni, Yamaguchi 741-0062, Japan
Opening times:
Open year round, 24/7Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
1 hour
Phone:
+81 827-29-5116
Kintaikyo Bridge is located at the Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Its is reachable by bus from Iwakuni and Shin Iwakuni Station. aside from this bridge, other attractions available here are iwakuni castle, white snake museum, and others. They also sell more than 100 flavours of soft serve ice cream, so that we can relax and appreciating the view while enjoying the ice cream.
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LGKMY
Beautiful Japanese Sakura of Kintaikyo
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A very Japanese look
The massive pillars of the Kintai-kyo Bridge, one of the symbols of Yamaguchi Prefecture, contrast with the airy elegance of its spans. Together with Iwakuni Castle next door, it demonstrates the achievements of Japanese builders and looks equally charming at any time of the year.
Recommended
Visit Iwakuni Castle, which overlooks the Kintai-ke Bridge
Visit Kikko Park nearby
Admire the bridge from the bank of the Nishiki River
How to get there
From Hiroshima, you can get to JR Iwakuni Station on the Sanyo Main Line, and from Shin-Yamaguchi Station, take the Sanyo Shinkansen Express to Shin-Iwakuni Station. The bridge is between these stations, so you will have to take a taxi or bus to get to it.
Summer illumination
Kintai-ke is especially beautiful in August, when the summer fireworks festival takes place. This is a popular summer tradition — fireworks beautifully illuminate the bridge, creating stunning effects.
Bridges and sakura
Those who visit Yamaguchi Prefecture in early spring should come to the town of Iwakuni in April to admire the sakura growing along the banks of the river. The delicate pink petals against the dark silhouette of the bridge resemble an ancient engraving.
MaxS
Elegance and Beauty of Kintaikyo Sakura
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Simplicity and elegance without a single nail
The picturesque Kintai Bridge connects the banks of the Nishiki River in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The structure of five high arched spans was built without a single nail from Japanese cypress, chestnut and oak. Kintai-ke changes its appearance at different times of the day and year. He is very popular with photographers and artists, including the master of engraving Hokusai.
Kikko Park begins right behind the bridge: there are houses where samurai once lived.
Recommended
Admire the bridge during the cherry blossom season
Visit Kikko Park and explore the buildings of the XIX century
Walk to Iwakuni Castle and Art Museum
How to get
Kintai Bridge is located near JR Iwakuni Station, where trains arrive from JR Hiroshima, Yamaguchi and Fukuoka stations.
JR Iwakuni Station is served by a train from Hiroshima on the Sanyo Main Line. The Sanyo Shinkansen runs to Shin-Iwakuni Station from Hiroshima and Fukuoka, as well as from Shin-Yamaguchi Station. Kintai-kyo is located between JR Iwakuni and Shin-Iwakuni stations, so you need to take a taxi or bus from either of them to it.
The bridge marked in the Michelin guide
Kintai-kyo is marked by several official titles. It is considered one of the three great bridges of Japan, a place of scenic beauty, and in 2013 even received two Michelin stars.
The bridge was originally built in 1673, but was destroyed by a typhoon in 1950. In 1953, the bridge was restored according to the original sketches. In modern construction, nails are used, but they are made of steel, smelted in a Tatar furnace, from which blades were forged in the old days.
We recommend that you definitely visit the bridge when traveling to the city of Iwakuni — it is very convenient to start exploring local attractions from it.
Sakura around Kinunkaku House in Kikko Park
The colors of the year at the bridge and in Kikko Park
Every year in April, 3,000 sakura trees bloom in Kikko Park and near Kintai Bridge. Autumn colors the foliage with bright colors. Kikko Park is one of the most beautiful places in autumn Iwakuni.
Sakura in Kikko Park
There are several 19th-century wooden buildings in the park, including the magnificent Kikko Shrine, Kinunkaku Hall, a wooden warehouse built in 1885, as well as samurai estates.
Sprinklers allow visitors to cool off in the heat
MaxS
Kintaikyo Bridge in Yamaguchi
【Access】
○ To enter Kintaikyo Bridge from the Iwakuni side, it is a 1-minute walk from the Kintaikyo Bridge bus stop. There is also a riverside parking lot, which is also immediately accessible.
○ Kintaikyo Bridge can be entered without reservation from both the town side and the mountain side.
【Points of Interest】
〜Viewing Kintaikyo Bridge from the riverside〜
Kintaikyo Bridge is said to be about 193 meters in length and about 5 meters in width.
It appears to be constructed using a wooden framework technique with 'makigane' and 'kasugai'.
Please make sure to go down to the riverside and look up at Kintaikyo Bridge from below. The construction is surprisingly intricate.
It is also recommended for the variety of experiences it offers throughout the seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, cormorant fishing and fireworks in the summer nightscape, autumn foliage, and a snowy landscape in winter.
※Information as of March 2024.
旅を楽しみTIME
The Iwakuni Bridge, also known as the Kintaikyo Bridge, is a famous wooden bridge located in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. It is considered to be one of the most iconic and beautiful historic bridges in Japan. Here are some key facts about the Iwakuni Bridge:
1. Construction: The Iwakuni Bridge was first built in 1673 during the Edo period. It was designed by Hiroyoshi Kikkawa, a local lord, to provide a crossing over the Nishiki River.
2. Unique Design: What makes the Iwakuni Bridge stand out is its unique design characterized by five wooden arches. The bridge spans 193 meters (633 feet) and stands about 14.4 meters (47.2 feet) above the river.
3. Historical Significance: The bridge played a vital role in connecting the Iwakuni Castle with the city, serving as an important transportation route during feudal times.
4. Preservation: The Iwakuni Bridge was originally constructed using wooden pegs without the use of any nails. It has been meticulously maintained and reconstructed throughout the years to preserve its original essence. The bridge we see today is a reconstruction completed in 1953 after being destroyed during World War II.
5. Visitor Experience: Visitors can cross the bridge while enjoying scenic views of the Nishiki River and Iwakuni town. The bridge is surrounded by beautiful cherry blossom trees, making it a popular spot for hanami (flower-viewing) during the spring season.
6. Cultural Importance: In recognition of its cultural value, the Iwakuni Bridge has been designated as a National Scenic Spot and a National Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government.
If you ever have the chance to visit Iwakuni, the Iwakuni Bridge is definitely worth a visit for its historical significance, architectural beauty, and natural surroundings.
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Ultraman Kew
Kintaikyo Bridge
Address: Iwakuni, Yamaguchi 741-0062, Japan
Getting there: You can take bus and stop at Kintaikyo bus stop. The bridge is just in front of the bus stop.
Highlights: The Kintaikyo Bridge has been Iwakuni's most distinguished landmark and a subject of admiration for hundreds of years. The elegant, wooden bridge makes five bold arches onto massive stone pillars as it crosses over the Nishiki River. 🤩
The bridge has a small toll that can be paid to an attendee on either end during the day, or paid via an honor system drop box after working hours. The view from the bridge is breathtaking. It amazes me to see a bridge made of wood that stood the test of time for 3 centuries.😊
Opening hours: always open
Admission fee: 310yen
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