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A Masterpiece of Japanese Architecture: Kintaikyo Bridge
Five graceful wooden arches span the crystal-clear waters of the Nishiki River. This 350-year legacy of master craftsmanship has captivated the world with its breathtaking beauty.
Kintaikyo Bridge embodies the passion of those who overcame countless challenges and the wisdom of Japan’s finest engineering. Built entirely without nails using traditional joinery techniques, each precisely fitted wooden piece carries the soul of the artisans who created it.
In spring, 3,000 cherry trees paint the landscape in pink. Summer brings refreshing river breezes. Autumn sets the surroundings ablaze with crimson leaves. Winter blankets the bridge in pristine snow. Kintaikyo Bridge transforms with each season, offering new emotions with every visit.
Today, this bridge is on its journey toward World Heritage status. Experience the wonder that the world has recognized as Japan’s pride.
This guide provides everything you need—from the bridge’s allure and access information to its 350-year history—to make your visit deeper and more memorable.
Kintaikyo Bridge
Kintaikyo Bridge is a wooden arch bridge spanning the Nishiki River in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Measuring 210 meters in length and 5 meters in width, it is one of Japan’s Three Famous Bridges, attracting visitors from around the world with its magnificent and beautiful structure.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Closed | Open year - round |
| Phone | 0827 - 29 - 5107 |
| Address | Iwakuni, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 741 - 0062 |
| Parking | Shimogawara Riverside Parking (300 spaces, ¥300) |
| Access | 1 - minute walk from Shimogawara Riverside Parking / 1 - minute walk from Kintaikyo Bus Center / Bus: 20 minutes from JR Iwakuni Station |
Kintaikyo Bridge Official Website
The World’s Finest Structural Beauty: The True Highlight of Kintaikyo Bridge
Kintaikyo Bridge is not only visually stunning but also represents an exceptionally refined design in terms of architectural technique and structure. The bridge structure itself is a beautiful work of art, and the wisdom and ingenuity of the craftsmen behind it have created a landscape that harmonizes with nature.
1. The Elegance of Arch Construction
The most distinctive beauty of Kintaikyo Bridge lies in the graceful curves formed by its five wooden arches. These curves are not decorative—they emerged from structural necessity. The arch structure efficiently transfers the bridge’s own weight and the load of crossing pedestrians to the piers. The fan-like wooden framework appears to visualize the flow of forces, creating a stunning aesthetic.
2. The Perfect Harmony of Wood and Stone
The wooden framework supporting the arches consists of three layers, each serving a different function. The top layer comprises beams that support the floor planks, the middle layer consists of fan-shaped wooden joints that bear the primary load, and the bottom layer provides reinforcement. The intricate combination of these three layers creates shadows that reveal different expressions depending on the viewing angle.
The stone piers supporting each arch are also essential elements of structural beauty. The piers are pointed on the upstream side to reduce water resistance. This functional shape simultaneously creates a powerful aesthetic. The stonework technique is remarkable, with each stone precisely stacked, creating a beautiful contrast with the wooden portions.
3. Ingenious Design for Disassembly and Reconstruction
Kintaikyo Bridge is designed so that each component can be disassembled and replaced. This design philosophy enables regular repairs, allowing the bridge to maintain its beautiful appearance despite its long history.
Approximately 30,000 wooden pieces are used in Kintaikyo Bridge, all assembled without a single nail. Traditional joinery techniques such as “ari-tsugi” (dovetail joints) and “ai-kaki” (half-lap joints) precisely connect the wooden pieces together. Each joint represents a crystallization of the craftsmen’s skill and aesthetic sense.
While the joint shapes arose from structural necessity, they possess their own geometric beauty, contributing to the bridge’s overall sculptural elegance.
4. The Symmetry and Rhythm of Five Arches
The five arches arranged symmetrically from both riverbanks toward the center evoke a sense of mathematical beauty. The three central arches are the same size, while the two at each end are slightly smaller. This subtle variation in size creates a harmonious rhythm throughout the bridge. The curves of the arches echo the flow of the Nishiki River and the ridgelines of the surrounding mountains, achieving a magnificent harmony with the natural landscape.
Seasonal Beauty Throughout the Year
Kintaikyo Bridge offers different beauty to enjoy throughout the four seasons.
Spring: A Famous Cherry Blossom Spot
Approximately 3,000 cherry trees are planted around Kintaikyo Bridge, and the “Kintaikyo Cherry Blossom Festival” is held in spring. The scenery of the bridge with cherry blossoms is a perfect photo spot.
Summer: River Activities and Lush Green Scenery
In summer, the clear waters of the Nishiki River create a beautiful contrast with the surrounding greenery. Cormorant fishing is also performed under the bridge, offering a glimpse of this traditional fishing method.
Autumn: Brilliant Fall Foliage
The area around Kintaikyo Bridge is also famous for autumn leaves, with the landscape turning brilliant red in fall.
Winter: Snow-Covered Beauty
In winter, the snow-covered bridge displays a fantastical beauty, allowing visitors to enjoy a dignified landscape in tranquil silence.
Admission to Kintaikyo Bridge
There is a toll booth at the entrance of Kintaikyo Bridge where you can purchase a crossing ticket (one round trip only) to cross the bridge.
Payment methods include cash or QR code payment (PayPay).
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults (Junior High and Above) | ¥310 |
| Elementary School Students | ¥150 |
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults (Junior High and Above) | ¥970 |
| Elementary School Students | ¥460 |
Note that the toll booth operates only from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. If visiting outside these hours, deposit cash in the night-time payment box at the toll booth to cross.
How to Get to Kintaikyo Bridge
Since there is no train station nearby, you need to take a train and then transfer to a bus to reach Kintaikyo Bridge.
Buses heading toward Kintaikyo Bridge depart from the bus terminal at JR Iwakuni Station West Exit, and you can arrive in approximately 20 minutes.
Take one of the following buses operated by Iwakuni Bus heading toward Kintaikyo Bridge. The fare is ¥300, and the bus stop to get off at is “Kintaikyo.”
| Route Number | Origin | Destination | Via |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Iwakuni Station | Kintaikyo | Muronoki, Courthouse, Kintaikyo |
| 12 | Iwakuni Station | Kintaikyo | City Hall, Tenjin - cho, Courthouse, Kintaikyo |
| 13 | Iwakuni Station | Sengokuhara | Muronoki, Courthouse, Kintaikyo, Sengokuhara |
| 14 | Iwakuni Station | Kintaikyo | City Hall, Nagayama Park, Courthouse, Kintaikyo |
| 16 | Iwakuni Station | Kintaikyo | City Hall, Sakuragaoka, Nishi - Iwakuni Station, Kintaikyo |
| 21 | Iwakuni Station | Shin - Iwakuni Station | Muronoki, Courthouse, Kintaikyo, Shin - Iwakuni Station |
| 26 | Iwakuni Station | Rokuroshi - guchi | City Hall, Sakuragaoka, Courthouse, Kintaikyo, Shin - Iwakuni Station, Rokuroshi - guchi |
| 32 | Iwakuni Station | Iwakuni Medical Center | City Hall, Tenjin - cho, Courthouse, Kintaikyo, Umegaoka, Iwakuni Medical Center |
| 34 | Iwakuni Station | Kintaikyo | City Hall, Courthouse, Kintaikyo |
Iwakuni Station to Kintaikyo Bus Timetable
| Route | Departs Iwakuni Station | Arrives Kintaikyo |
|---|---|---|
| [21] | 6:02 am | 6:14 am |
| [21] | 6:26 am | 6:41 am |
| [21] | 6:51 am | 7:03 am |
| [32] | 7:05 am | 7:24 am |
| [21] | 7:14 am | 7:27 am |
| [34] | 7:25 am | 7:45 am |
| [21] | 7:35 am | 7:48 am |
| [32] | 7:55 am | 8:14 am |
| [21] | 8:00 am | 8:15 am |
| [11] | 8:10 am | 8:25 am |
| [21] | 8:25 am | 8:40 am |
| [13] | 8:35 am | 8:50 am |
| [21] | 8:55 am | 9:10 am |
| [11] | 9:10 am | 9:25 am |
| [11] | 9:25 am | 9:40 am |
| [32] | 9:40 am | 10:00 am |
| [21] | 9:50 am | 10:05 am |
| [11] | 10:00 am | 10:15 am |
| [21] | 10:20 am | 10:35 am |
| [32] | 10:35 am | 10:55 am |
| [21] | 10:45 am | 11:00 am |
| [11] | 11:00 am | 11:15 am |
| [11] | 11:15 am | 11:30 am |
| [13] | 11:30 am | 11:45 am |
| [21] | 11:50 am | 12:05 pm |
| [11] | 12:00 pm | 12:15 pm |
| [12] | 12:20 pm | 12:40 pm |
| [21] | 12:30 pm | 12:45 pm |
| [21] | 12:45 pm | 1:00 pm |
| [12] | 1:05 pm | 1:25 pm |
| [11] | 1:30 pm | 1:45 pm |
| [21] | 1:45 pm | 2:00 pm |
| [12] | 2:05 pm | 2:25 pm |
| [11] | 2:30 pm | 2:45 pm |
| [21] | 2:45 pm | 3:00 pm |
| [11] | 3:00 pm | 3:15 pm |
| [13] | 3:30 pm | 3:45 pm |
| [11] | 4:00 pm | 4:15 pm |
| [12] | 4:15 pm | 4:30 pm |
| [12] | 4:30 pm | 4:50 pm |
| [21] | 4:45 pm | 5:00 pm |
| [11] | 5:00 pm | 5:15 pm |
| [13] | 5:15 pm | 5:30 pm |
| [32] | 5:45 pm | 6:05 pm |
| [21] | 6:00 pm | 6:15 pm |
| [21] | 6:30 pm | 6:45 pm |
| [21] | 6:50 pm | 7:05 pm |
| [21] | 7:30 pm | 7:44 pm |
| [21] | 8:05 pm | 8:19 pm |
| [21] | 8:40 pm | 8:54 pm |
| [11] | 9:15 pm | 9:29 pm |
Iwakuni City Public Transportation Map & Timetable (includes route map)
Taxis are also available at Iwakuni Station, so if the timing doesn’t work, you can take a taxi to Kintaikyo Bridge. The ride takes about 15 minutes and costs around ¥2,000. (When I took a taxi, it cost ¥1,890.)
After getting off at the Kintaikyo bus stop, Kintaikyo Bridge is about a 1-minute walk away.
If traveling by car, Shimogawara Riverside Parking is located right near Kintaikyo Bridge and is the nearest parking lot. It can accommodate 300 vehicles, and the fee is ¥300 per parking.
Airport Shuttle Bus from Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport
From Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, you can take the “Iwakuni Airport Shuttle Bus” to Iwakuni Station. The ride takes about 7 minutes and costs ¥200.
The airport shuttle bus stops at the East Exit of Iwakuni Station. After getting off the shuttle bus, walk through the station to the West Exit. From there, you can board a bus to Kintaikyo Bridge.
Visit the Tourist Information Center if You Need Help!
There is a tourist information center at the West Exit of Iwakuni Station.
If you’re unsure about bus stops or departure times, don’t hesitate to ask for help here.
Around Kintaikyo Bridge
Many souvenir shops and restaurants operate in the area around Kintaikyo Bridge.
Crispy and Juicy! We Recommend the Snack-Style “Lotus Root Croquettes”
Iwakuni is famous for lotus root, and the lotus root croquettes at Sasakiya Kojiro Shoten near Kintaikyo Bridge are delicious and highly recommended.
They’re the perfect size for snacking while walking around. Crispy, juicy, and mildly sweet. They’re so delicious—please try them!
A History of Hardships: The Story of Kintaikyo Bridge
The story of Kintaikyo Bridge began in 1673 under Hiroyoshi Kikkawa, the third lord of the Iwakuni domain. Before then, bridges had been built across the Nishiki River many times, but they were repeatedly washed away by floods. At that time, ferry boats were the main means of crossing the river, but as the castle town developed, a more stable crossing method was needed.
To solve this problem, Hiroyoshi ordered Kaemon Nishimura, the domain’s master carpenter, to begin construction of a new bridge. However, the first Kintaikyo Bridge was washed away by a major flood just three years after its completion in 1676. Learning from this experience and concluding that a stronger structure was necessary, Hiroyoshi decided to build a new bridge adopting an innovative five-arch structure.
The second Kintaikyo Bridge was completed in 1677. The wooden arch structure established at this time is the basic design that continues to be inherited by today’s Kintaikyo Bridge. The structure of placing wooden arches on stone piers was groundbreaking, reducing water resistance during floods and improving the bridge’s stability.
This second and subsequent Kintaikyo Bridge maintained its basic structure for approximately 300 years, although major repairs were needed. Through regular maintenance and partial repairs, it continued to serve the passage of many people from the Edo period through Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa eras.
However, in 1950, Kintaikyo Bridge was washed away again by an unprecedented flood caused by Typhoon Jane. At this time, the bridge completely collapsed, and the original form that had continued for nearly 300 years was lost.
In response to the strong wishes of local people, the current Kintaikyo Bridge was rebuilt in 1953. During reconstruction, the aim was to faithfully reproduce Edo-period techniques as much as possible. While preserving traditional methods, some modern technology was also incorporated, resulting in a stronger structure.
In 2004, its historical and cultural value was recognized, and it was designated as a National Important Cultural Property. This is proof that Kintaikyo Bridge was evaluated as a precious cultural heritage that conveys Japan’s traditional wooden architecture techniques to the present day.
Today’s Kintaikyo Bridge undergoes planned large-scale renovation work approximately every 20 years, maintaining traditional techniques while improving safety and durability. Additionally, structural health inspections and preservation work are conducted approximately every five years, preserving its beautiful appearance through regular maintenance.
The Beauty Refined Through History, Overcoming Countless Hardships Together with Local Residents
The beauty of Kintaikyo Bridge is not just about visual design excellence—it is the result of the fusion of many elements including structural rationality, craftsman skills, and harmony with nature. The arch structure, material selection, and design philosophy allowing disassembly all concentrate the wisdom and aesthetic sense of Japanese traditional architecture.
At the same time, Kintaikyo Bridge has overcome numerous disasters, being rebuilt and protected each time through people’s efforts. It stands as living proof that inherits the wisdom and techniques of our predecessors and conveys the history of Japanese wooden architecture to the present day.
Currently, Kintaikyo Bridge is aiming for World Heritage registration, with Yamaguchi Prefecture and Iwakuni City working together to prepare for registration. In 2025, the prefecture established a new “Kintaikyo World Heritage Promotion Office,” intensifying efforts to work with the national government.
The history of this bridge is a grand story woven by technological progress, the inheritance of tradition, and the passion of local people. Today, Kintaikyo Bridge continues to stand in its beautiful form.
While the main highlight of Kintaikyo Bridge is its beauty and dynamism, knowing its history of hardships will allow you to appreciate it even more deeply.
One of Japan’s Three Famous Bridges—a bridge that represents Japan’s tradition and history. Please visit Kintaikyo Bridge.
