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Five graceful wooden arches span the clear waters of the Nishiki River, embodying 350 years of craftsmanship. The globally recognized beauty of Kintaikyo Bridge captivates every visitor.
Kintaikyo Bridge represents the ingenuity and dedication of the people who overcame numerous challenges to preserve this architectural wonder. Built entirely without nails, the traditional wood joinery techniques showcase the exceptional skills of Japanese artisans.
Each of the intricately joined wooden pieces reflects the soul of the craftsmen who built this masterpiece. In spring, the bridge is surrounded by 3,000 blooming cherry blossoms; in summer, it is caressed by refreshing river breezes. Autumn brings vibrant foliage, and winter covers the bridge in a serene blanket of snow. Each season offers a unique perspective and new emotions.
Currently, efforts are underway to register Kintaikyo Bridge as a World Heritage site. This remarkable symbol of Japanese pride is a must-see experience.
In this guide, you’ll find everything from the bridge’s charm and access details to its 350-year history, ensuring a richer, more enjoyable journey.
Kintaikyo Bridge, spanning the Nishiki River in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is a wooden arch bridge measuring 210 meters in length and 5 meters in width. Known as one of Japan’s three most famous bridges, its majestic structure attracts visitors from around the world.
Kintaikyo Bridge is not only a visual masterpiece but also a marvel of structural engineering and design. Its wooden arches are a harmonious blend of beauty and function, demonstrating the wisdom and creativity of Japanese craftsmanship in perfect balance with nature.
The bridge’s most distinctive feature is its five wooden arches, forming elegant curves that are both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound. The arches distribute weight efficiently to the stone piers, creating a visually stunning yet highly functional design.
The arches are supported by a three-layered wooden structure, each layer serving a unique purpose. The top layer supports the bridge’s deck, the middle layer bears the primary load with fan-shaped wooden joints, and the bottom layer reinforces the structure. These layers overlap intricately, creating a play of light and shadow that changes depending on the viewing angle.
The stone piers supporting each arch are another essential element of the bridge’s structural beauty. The upstream-facing side of the piers is pointed to reduce water resistance, combining functionality with a powerful aesthetic. The precision stonework enhances the contrast between the wood and stone, adding to the overall appeal.
Kintaikyo Bridge is designed to be dismantled and repaired piece by piece. This thoughtful design enables regular maintenance, preserving the bridge’s beauty and integrity over centuries.
Approximately 30,000 wooden components are used in the bridge, assembled without a single nail. Traditional joinery techniques such as “ari-tsugi” and “ai-kaki” ensure the parts fit together with exceptional precision. Each joint reflects the skill and aesthetic sense of the artisans who created it.
The joinery, born out of structural necessity, is itself a geometric work of art, contributing to the bridge’s overall elegance.
The five arches, arranged symmetrically from the riverbanks to the center, convey a sense of mathematical beauty. The central three arches are identical in size, while the two on either end are slightly smaller. This subtle variation creates a harmonious rhythm that enhances the bridge’s visual appeal. The curves of the arches mirror the flow of the Nishiki River and the ridgelines of the surrounding mountains, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape.
Kintaikyo Bridge offers breathtaking views that change with the seasons.
Around 3,000 cherry trees bloom near the bridge in spring, creating a picturesque scene. The “Kintaikyo Cherry Blossom Festival” is a highlight of the season, and the bridge with its blossoms is a perfect spot for photography.
In summer, the clear waters of the Nishiki River contrast beautifully with the lush greenery. Visitors can also enjoy cormorant fishing, a traditional method practiced under the bridge.
The area around Kintaikyo Bridge is a renowned spot for autumn leaves. The vibrant red and orange hues create a stunning backdrop.
In winter, the snow-dusted bridge exudes a quiet beauty, offering a tranquil scene that’s perfect for reflection.
You can cross the bridge by purchasing a ticket at the entrance toll booth.
Payment methods include cash and QR code payments (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 |
The toll booth operates from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Outside these hours, visitors can cross the bridge by depositing cash in a night payment box at the toll booth.
As there are no nearby train stations, you’ll need to combine train and bus travel to reach Kintaikyo Bridge.
From the JR Iwakuni Station West Exit Bus Terminal, take a bus heading toward Kintaikyo Bridge. The ride takes approximately 20 minutes.
Take one of the buses operated by Iwakuni Bus Company heading for Kintaikyo Bridge. The fare is ¥300, and the bus stop you’ll disembark at is “Kintaikyo.”
| Route Number | Start | End | 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 Entrance | City Hall・Sakuragaoka・Courthouse・Kintaikyo・Shin - Iwakuni Station・Rokuroshi Entrance |
| 32 | Iwakuni Station | Iwakuni Medical Center | City Hall・Tenjin - cho・Courthouse・Kintaikyo・Umegaoka・Iwakuni Medical Center |
| 34 | Iwakuni Station | Kintaikyo | City Hall・Courthouse・Kintaikyo |
| Route | Departure from Iwakuni Station | Arrival at Kintaikyo |
|---|---|---|
| [21] | 6:02 am | 6:14 am |
| [21] | 6:29 am | 6:41 am |
| [21] | 6:50 am | 7:02 am |
| [21] | 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 |
| [13] | 8:25 am | 8:40 am |
| [21] | 8:35 am | 8:50 am |
| [21] | 8:55 am | 9:10 am |
| [11] | 9:10 am | 9:25 am |
| [11] | 9:20 am | 9:35 am |
| [32] | 9:40 am | 10:00 am |
| [21] | 9:50 am | 10:00 am |
| [11] | 10:00 am | 10:15 am |
| [21] | 10:15 am | 10:30 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 |
| [32] | 11:40 am | 12:00 am |
| [21] | 11:50 am | 12:05 am |
| [11] | 12:00 am | 12:15 am |
| [12] | 12:15 am | 12:35 am |
| [11] | 12:40 am | 12:55 am |
| [21] | 12:50 am | 1:05 pm |
| [12] | 1:15 pm | 1:35 pm |
| [11] | 1:30 pm | 1:45 pm |
| [21] | 1:45 pm | 2:00 pm |
| [11] | 2:00 pm | 2:15 pm |
| [32] | 2:15 pm | 2:35 pm |
| [12] | 2:15 pm | 2:35 pm |
| [11] | 2:30 pm | 2:45 pm |
| [21] | 2:45 pm | 3:00 pm |
| [11] | 3:00 pm | 3:15 pm |
| [13] | 3:20 pm | 3:35 pm |
| [32] | 3:40 pm | 4:00 pm |
| [21] | 3:50 pm | 4:05 pm |
| [11] | 3:55 pm | 4:15 pm |
| [21] | 3:55 pm | 4:30 pm |
| [14] | 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 |
| [21] | 5:30 pm | 5:45 pm |
| [32] | 5:45 pm | 6:05 pm |
| [21] | 6:00 pm | 6:15 pm |
| [21] | 6:30 pm | 6:45 pm |
| [21] | 7:00 pm | 7:15 pm |
| [11] | 7:20 pm | 7:35 pm |
| [21] | 7:40 pm | 7:55 pm |
| [21] | 8:10 pm | 8:24 pm |
| [21] | 8:40 pm | 8:54 pm |
| [11] | 9:10 pm | 9:24 pm |
If bus timings don’t suit your schedule, taxis are available at Iwakuni Station. A taxi ride to Kintaikyo Bridge takes about 15 minutes and costs approximately ¥2,000. (My ride cost ¥1,890.)
Taxi Stand at Iwakuni Station West Exit
Once you alight at the Kintaikyo Bus Stop, the bridge is about a 1-minute walk away.
Kintaikyo Bus Stop
If traveling by car, the nearest parking lot is the Shimogawara Riverside Parking Lot, located right next to the bridge. It has 300 spaces, and parking costs ¥300 per use.
From Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, take the “Iwakuni Airport Connection Bus” to Iwakuni Station. The ride takes about 7 minutes and costs ¥200.
Iwakuni Airport Connection Bus
Iwakuni Airport Connection Bus
The connection bus stops at the East Exit of Iwakuni Station. After alighting, walk through the station to the West Exit, where you can catch a bus to Kintaikyo Bridge.
Iwakuni Station East Exit
At the West Exit of Iwakuni Station, you’ll find a tourist information center.
If you’re unsure about bus stops or departure times, don’t hesitate to seek assistance here.
The area around Kintaikyo Bridge is bustling with souvenir shops and eateries.
Iwakuni is famous for its lotus roots, and the Lotus Root Croquettes from Sasakiya Kojiro Shoten near Kintaikyo Bridge are a must-try.
These croquettes are the perfect size for snacking while strolling. They’re crispy, juicy, and have a gentle sweetness. Don’t miss the chance to taste this local delicacy!
Kintaikyo Bridge at Suwo. Source: New York Public Library
The story of Kintaikyo Bridge begins in 1673 under the leadership of Hiroyoshi Kikkawa, the third lord of the Iwakuni domain. Prior to the construction of the bridge, ferries were the primary means of crossing the Nishiki River. However, repeated floods destroyed earlier attempts to build stable bridges.
To address this issue, Hiroyoshi commissioned the domain carpenter, Kaemon Nishimura, to construct a new bridge. The first Kintaikyo Bridge was completed in 1673 but was swept away in a flood just three years later in 1676. Determined to create a stronger structure, Hiroyoshi decided to adopt an innovative five-arch design.
The second version of Kintaikyo Bridge was completed in 1677, introducing the wooden arch structure supported by stone piers that remains the foundation of the bridge’s design today. This innovative design reduced water resistance and improved the bridge’s stability.
For nearly 300 years, Kintaikyo Bridge retained its basic structure, undergoing periodic maintenance and minor repairs. However, in 1950, the bridge was completely destroyed by the unprecedented flooding caused by Typhoon Jane. This marked the end of the original structure’s nearly three-century-long history.
Responding to the strong wishes of the local community, the current Kintaikyo Bridge was rebuilt in 1953. During reconstruction, traditional Edo-period techniques were faithfully reproduced, with modern technology incorporated to enhance durability.
In 2004, Kintaikyo Bridge was designated as a National Important Cultural Property, recognizing its historical and cultural significance as a testament to Japan’s traditional wooden architecture.
Today, the bridge undergoes major renovations approximately every 20 years to maintain its structural integrity. From 2021, a five-year large-scale renovation project was launched to address aging issues after nearly 70 years since its reconstruction.
The beauty of Kintaikyo Bridge lies not only in its elegant design but also in its functional engineering, artisanal craftsmanship, and harmony with nature. The arches, material choices, and modular design reflect the wisdom and aesthetic sense of Japanese traditional architecture.
At the same time, the bridge’s history is a story of resilience. Overcoming repeated destruction, Kintaikyo Bridge has been preserved and rebuilt by the efforts of the local community, serving as a living monument to Japan’s architectural heritage.
Efforts to register Kintaikyo Bridge as a World Heritage site are ongoing, bringing this symbol of Japanese tradition closer to global recognition.
The history of the bridge intertwines technological advancement, cultural heritage, and the passion of the local people. Today, Kintaikyo Bridge continues to stand as a beautiful and enduring symbol.
By understanding its challenges and history, your visit to Kintaikyo Bridge will be all the more inspiring. Experience the dynamic beauty and legacy of one of Japan’s Three Famous Bridges.
Kintaikyo Bridge is a must-see destination that showcases Japan’s proud traditions and history. Plan your visit and discover its timeless charm for yourself.
