YamaguchiTravel

Cross the Five-Arch Wooden Bridge, Counted Among Japan's Three Most Famous Bridges, Early in the Morning

About this spot

The Kintai Bridge is a five-arch wooden bridge spanning the Nishiki River in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and is counted among Japan's three most famous bridges. Symbolic of Iwakuni, it was built by the Iwakuni clan during the Edo period. Its distinctive arch structure was devised to withstand flooding, supported by precise wooden joinery techniques. Stretching roughly 193 meters, as you cross it step by step along the arched planks, you feel the wind crossing the river and the pleasant texture of the wood beneath your feet. From the far bank, Iwakuni Castle's keep comes into view at the mountain summit. Early morning hours are ideal, when fewer tourists are around and you can quietly appreciate the beautiful five-arch reflection on the water's surface.

Tips

A large parking lot is located on the riverbed at the bridge's base. The information window sells convenient combination tickets bundling the Kintai Bridge, ropeway round-trip, and Iwakuni Castle admission—highly recommended if you plan to visit all stops on this course. The bridge planks are stepped, so wear comfortable walking shoes.