Kintai-kyo Bridge

Kintaikyo Bridge (錦帯橋), Iwakuni's iconic landmark, has long captivated visitors with its breathtaking wooden structure. Spanning the Nishiki River, it features five elegant arches set on massive stone pillars, creating a stunning visual. The bridge’s history dates back to 1673 when feudal lord Kikkawa Hiroyoshi commissioned its construction after a previous bridge was destroyed by strong currents. Despite enduring nearly 300 years, the Kintaikyo Bridge collapsed in 1950 due to a violent typhoon.

Undeterred by the destruction, the people of Iwakuni rebuilt the bridge, and it was completed in 1953, preserving this historical symbol. Today, visitors can cross the bridge by paying a small fee at a toll booth, and the bridge is beautifully illuminated nightly until 10 PM. The Kintaikyo Bridge remains one of the most admired wooden structures in Japan, drawing people from all over to marvel at its architectural beauty and resilience.