Kintaikyo Bridge & Iwakuni Castle
錦帯橋・岩国城
A five-span wooden arch bridge across the Nishiki River, counted among Japan's Three Great Bridges. Take the cable car up to Iwakuni Castle on the hilltop for panoramic views.
Kintaikyo Bridge is in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Built in 1673, it consists of five wooden arch bridges spanning about 193 meters. Its construction uses no nails. It is counted among Japan's Three Great Bridges, alongside Meganebashi and Nihonbashi, and is designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty. Beyond the bridge is Kikka Park, where about 3,000 cherry trees bloom during cherry blossom season. The Iwakunisan Ropeway runs up to the reconstructed Iwakuni Castle keep (rebuilt in 1962) on the summit, with views over Kintaikyo Bridge and the Seto Inland Sea. A combined ticket for the bridge, ropeway, and castle keep costs about 970 yen. From Miyajimaguchi, take JR to Iwakuni Station, about 20 minutes, then transfer to a bus for about 20 minutes. This makes a good day trip combined with Miyajima.
Opening hours
Bridge open all day; Iwakuni Castle 09:00–16:45
Nearby sights
- Peace Memorial Park & Museum
- Atomic Bomb Dome
- Hiroshima Orizuru Tower
- Hondori Shopping Street
- Okonomimura
- Mitaki-dera Temple
- Hiroshima Museum of Art
- Hiroshima Castle