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Kintaikyo of Iwakuni

  • ID:202
  • 202(77)
  • 202(60)
202202
Kintai Bridge is a wooden arch bridge with a unique structure consisting of five consecutive arched bridges that span the Nishiki River that flows through Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The first bridge was built in 1673 (the first year of the Enpo era), and although it has been washed away by floods many times since then, it has been rebuilt using the same construction methods. The Heisei reconstruction work, which took place between 2001 and 2004, was carried out in three phases, and the completion ceremony was held in March 2004. There are differing opinions on which bridges are among the three most famous bridges in Japan depending on the source, but Kintai Bridge is widely introduced as a representative example alongside Nihonbashi (Chuo Ward, Tokyo) and Meganebashi (Nagasaki City).
The greatest attraction of Kintai Bridge is the graceful curves of its five arches and its complex wooden structure. Currently, many Japanese nails and clamps are used for reinforcement, but the arch structure without piers is designed to withstand strong currents, and its history of being rebuilt with the same techniques every time there is a flood speaks to its robustness. When crossing the bridge, you can feel the gentle slope of the three middle arches, and you can enjoy the clear waters of the Nishiki River, Iwakuni Castle in the distance, and the surrounding natural beauty up close.

The Kintai Bridge Tourist Area, which retains the atmosphere of a castle town, has been developed around Kintai Bridge, and Iwakuni Castle can be accessed by ropeway just beyond the bridge. Japanese gardens such as Kikko Park and Momijidani Park, as well as the remains of samurai residences, are within walking distance, and there is a wide variety of local gourmet food, including specialty soft-serve ice cream shops. It is recommended to spend at least half a day, and preferably a full day, to thoroughly explore the bridge and the surrounding area.

Also, at the top of the mountain, there is Iwakuni Castle, built in the 1600s, which can be reached by ropeway.

It is also about a 40-minute drive from the Miyajima ferry terminal.

[Trivia]

- Kintaikyo Bridge is considered one of the "Three Famous Bridges of Japan," but the structure of the three bridges is debated, with some sources saying it is called Nihonbashi, Meganebashi, and Saruhashi.

- It is said that in the early Edo period, it was erected using almost no nails and was bound together with iron bands (makikin), but nowadays many Japanese nails and fasteners are used when reconstructing it.

- The five-arch structure without piers was designed to withstand the rapids of the Nishiki River, and has been reconstructed using the same construction method every time there is a flood.
[Bridge crossing fee (round trip)]
Adults (junior high school students and above): 310 yen
Elementary school students: 150 yen

[Opening hours]
The bridge is open 24 hours a day (illumination at night)
Toll gate: 8:00-17:00 (varies depending on the season. Summer: ~19:00, winter: ~16:00)
*Pay at the toll box outside the toll gate opening hours.

[Closed days]
Open all year round

[Parking]
There is a paid parking lot (approximately 600 spaces) nearby. Standard car fee is 300 yen per trip.

There are also discounted set tickets available, including a combined ticket for Kintai Bridge, Iwakuni Castle, and the ropeway.
    Category
    安芸landscape江戸
    Adress
    山口県岩国市岩国
    Official Website
    http://kintaikyo.iwakuni-city.net/
    TEL
    0827-29-5107

    (Info may be outdated. Check official site or call for updates.)

    [Selections]Popular sightseeing spots around Yamaguchi Prefecture

    「landscape」Sightseeing spots around Yamaguchi Prefecture

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