[Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture] Founded 350 years ago! Introducing ways to enjoy Kintaikyo Bridge, one of Japan's three most famous wooden bridges, depending on the season.

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We will introduce the seasonal charm of Kintaikyo Bridge, a symbol of Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, which will celebrate its 350th anniversary in 2023 and is known as one of Japan's three famous bridges along with Tokyo's Nihonbashi Bridge and Nagasaki's Meganebashi Bridge.

Written by

Iwakuni City Tourism Association

Located in the eastern part of Yamaguchi Prefecture, it is the second largest area in the prefecture. The north faces the Chugoku Mountains, and the south faces the Seto Inland Sea, allowing you to experience the beautiful nature of both the sea and mountains.

Table of Contents
What is Kintaikyo Bridge, one of Japan's three famous bridges?
Spring: Approximately 1,500 cherry blossom trees and Kintaikyo Bridge are truly spectacular
Summer: Enjoy the summer tradition of cormorant fishing and fireworks
Autumn: Enjoy picturesque autumn leaves and sightseeing boats
Winter: Enjoy the snowy scenery
All year round: Enjoy the illuminated scenery

What is Kintaikyo Bridge, one of Japan's three famous bridges?

Kintaikyo Bridge, which spans the Nishiki River, the largest river in Yamaguchi Prefecture in terms of length and basin area, is a beautiful five-arch wooden bridge located in Iwakuni City that is designated as a nationally designated scenic spot and is counted as one of Japan's three famous bridges. .

The length of the bridge is 210 meters along the bridge surface, 193.3 meters in a straight line, and 5 meters wide. The structure of the curved bridge is elaborate and original, and is said to be impeccable even from the perspective of modern bridge engineering.

It was built in 1673 and will celebrate its 350th anniversary in 2023. Now, in Iwakuni City, momentum is increasing day by day to have Kintaikyo Bridge registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site.

This time, we will introduce the charms of Kintaikyo Bridge in each of the four seasons.

Aiming for Kintaikyo Bridge to be registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site

Spring: Approximately 1,500 cherry blossom trees and Kintaikyo Bridge are truly spectacular

Spring is the most beautiful season of the year around Kintaikyo Bridge. Approximately 1,500 cherry trees planted around Kintaikyo Bridge will be in full bloom all at once, and Kintaikyo Bridge will be enveloped in cherry blossom color. The contrast between the cherry blossoms in full bloom and Kintaikyo Bridge is truly spectacular. It becomes a spectacular cherry blossom-colored tunnel with branches that almost cover the sky. You can also enjoy the scenery from the river on a sightseeing boat.

Summer: Enjoy the summer tradition of cormorant fishing and fireworks

Cormorant fishing has a long origin, and is said to date back about 380 years. Although it was temporarily suspended during its long history, it was revived in 1952 and continues to this day.

Under the summer night sky, the beautifully lit Kintai Bridge, the approaching cormorant boat bonfire, and the fantastic and mysterious sight of cormorant fishermen dressed in traditional costumes skillfully controlling cormorants with their ropes. You can enjoy the scenery.

https://ukai.iwakuni-city.net/

Also, in August, mini fireworks that last about 2 minutes are set off. (Please check the event details as they change depending on the year)

Autumn: Enjoy picturesque autumn leaves and sightseeing boats

In autumn, the riverbank is colored red and yellow with Kintaikyo Bridge in the background, making it look like a beautiful painting. You can also enjoy the scenery from the river on a sightseeing boat. Also, nearby Momijidani Park, as its name suggests, is filled with many trees, making it the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll while feeling the autumn weather. (Usually best viewing time: mid-November to late November)

Winter: Enjoy the snowy scenery

The snowy winter scenery is a spectacular sight that can only be seen a few times a year. The scenery will be a memory that will last a lifetime.

All year round: Enjoy the illuminated scenery

At night, Kintaikyo Bridge is lit up with seasonal programs, creating a mysterious appearance that is a little different from the daytime. (The color of the light-up varies depending on the season. Also, there are times when the light-up is not held.)

We hope you were able to experience the charm of Kintai Bridge in each of the four seasons. For those of you who have seen it, please come to Iwakuni City and actually cross Kintaikyo Bridge!

Click here for the Kintaikyo Bridge official page

Kintai Bridge

741-0081 Yokoyama, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

A nationally designated scenic spot and a wooden bridge that represents Japan. The length of the bridge is 210 meters along the bridge surfa...

Iwakuni Kokusai Kanko Hotel

Yamaguchi Prefecture > Iwakuni

Written by

Iwakuni City Tourism Association

Yamaguchi

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