Part 1: Hiroshima Trip | Must-See Destination At Iwakuni, Yamaguchi | Travel Japan

Kintaikyo Bridge

Kintaikyo Bridge, Iwakuni in Japan

On my way to Hiroshima by car, we stopped by Kintaikyo Bridge, which was Iwakuni's most distinguished landmark and admiration for hundred years. The elegant, wooden bridge made five arches supported by durable, huge stone pillars. Kintaikyo bridge crossed over Nishiki River. It was built when strong currents repeatedly destroyed the bridge crossing the river. In the early 2000s, Kintaikyo underwent its first renovations since its reconstruction. The renovation works were extensive and cost over two billion yen. The shape and weight of the bridge made it extremely strong at the top, but incredibly weak from underneath. To address concern that flood waters rushing along the river would destroy the bridge in its entirety, the bridge was designed so that the wooden pathway merely "floats" on top of its frame. This allowed rising flood waters to lift out the wooden pathway and carry it off down stream while sparing the main structure.

Kintaikyo Bridge, Iwakuni in Japan

I would like to maintain fair skin complexion. Luckily, I applied sunblock cream, brought sunglasses and umbrella instead of a hat. It was very sunny at Kintaikyo Bridge in autumn. No shelter and trees could cover us from the burning UV sun ray but I really enjoyed the beautiful scenery when colourful leaves fell from the natural forest of Mount Shiroyama. One  interesting part of building this bridge was that they applied old method of wood joints instead of using nails and hammer. 

Kintaikyo Bridge, Iwakuni in Japan

I highly recommend you to visit Kintaikyo Bridge if you plan to go to Hiroshima. It has spectacular view in all seasons and you should take a stroll across the bridge. Kintaikyo Bridge opens 24 hours daily all year-round in case of storm, floods and extreme weather, access to the bridge may not be allowed. Opening hours is from 8am to 5pm and 7pm in summer. Admission fee is 300 yen per adult. When there is no staff sitting in the ticket booth, kindly drop the admission fee in a box. Night light will turn off at 10am.

Kintaikyo Bridge, Iwakuni in Japan

Kintaikyo Bridge, Iwakuni in Japan

As you can see from my pictures, one side of the bridge looked more beautiful and mesmerising but appeared dim unfortunately. This was because it was too sunny and the sun shined brightly from the other side in the morning. Kintaikyo Bridge is a great place for photoshoot. Thus, choose the right timing and season for your photoshoot. I suggest you to walk down by the bank because the scenic view is romantic for you and your loved one. Choose the right timing and season for your trip. Transportation to Kintaikyo Bridge is inconvenient as it takes time to get there and requires you to transfer from JR train or shinkansen to bus ride. You may consider renting a car at Tokyo or Osaka and return the rental car at Hiroshima. 

Kintaikyo Bridge, Iwakuni in Japan

Kintaikyo Bridge, Iwakuni in Japan

Kintaikyo Bridge, Iwakuni in Japan

Location:

1-14-51 Imazumachi 
Iwakuni city Yamaguchi, Japan 740-8585
Phone:+81-827-29-5116

Access:

Shinkansen >>> Shiniwakuni
Tokyo (4 hours)
ShinOsaka (2 hours)
Hiroshima (16 minutes)
Hakata (90 minutes)
20 mins by bus from JR Sanyo Line Iwakuni Station. Get off at Kintai-kyo Bus Stop.

JR Sanyo Railroad >>> Iwakuni
Hiroshima (50 minutes)
Miyajimaguchi (15 minutes)
20 mins by bus from Shinkansen Shin-Iwakuni Station. Get off at Kintai-kyo bus stop.

By car
10 mins from Iwakuni IC via Sanyo Expressway

Tourist attractions close to Hiroshima