Kintai Bridge

Welcome to the Kintai-kyō, or 'Brocade Sash Bridge,' arguably the most beautiful and architecturally significant wooden bridge in all of Japan. Stretching across the Nishiki River in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, this five-arch…

Crossing the Kintai-kyō is a physical experience unlike any other. The arches are surprisingly steep—far more so than they appear from the riverbank. …

While the wooden arches of Kintai-kyō get all the glory, the true secret to its survival lies beneath the water. The massive stone piers were a revolutionary improvement over the previous wooden supports. …

As you step off the bridge on the western bank, you enter Kikkō Park, the former residential area of the Kikkawa clan and their high-ranking retainers. This is one of the most beautiful historical parks in Japan, filled with…

Perched atop Mount Shiroyama, some 200 meters above the river, stands Iwakuni Castle. To reach it, you can take a three-minute ropeway ride that offers an incredible panoramic view of the town, the Kintai Bridge, and the…

Iwakuni is as famous for its food as it is for its bridge. The most iconic dish is 'Iwakuni-zushi,' also known as 'Tonosama-zushi' or Lord's Sushi. …

As we stand once more by the Nishiki River, looking at the perfect arches of the Kintai-kyō reflected in the clear water, we can reflect on the incredible resilience of this landmark. It is more than just a means of crossing a…