Shinkyo Bridge
神橋
A vermilion wooden arch bridge spanning the Daiya River, the gateway to the Nikko Shrines and Temples. It is one of Japan's Three Great Bridges.
Shinkyo Bridge crosses the Daiya River at the entrance to the Nikko mountain area. It is 28 meters long and 7.4 meters wide. Its vermilion lacquer contrasts sharply with the turquoise river and the forests on either bank, making it Nikko's most iconic view.
Legend says that when the monk Shodo Shonin arrived here, a torrent blocked his path. The deity Jinsha Daiou sent a red snake and a blue snake to form a bridge, which is why it is also called the "Snake Bridge of Yamasuge." The current bridge was built in 1636 during the great rebuilding of Toshogu, and it has since been reconstructed. It belongs to Futarasan Shrine and is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. Together with Kintai Bridge in Yamaguchi Prefecture and Saruhashi in Yamanashi Prefecture, it is known as one of Japan's Three Great Bridges.
In the past, only shoguns and imperial envoys were allowed to cross it. Today, visitors can walk to the center for a fee of about ¥300. The best free photo spot is from the nearby national highway bridge (Nikko Bridge), or from the riverbank downstream.
Getting there: walk about 20 minutes from Tobu-Nikko Station, or take a bus to the Shinkyo Bridge stop.
This is a good place to begin a walking tour of the World Heritage area.
Opening hours
Apr–Oct 08:00–17:00; Nov–Mar 09:00–16:00
Nearby sights
- Nikko Toshogu Shrine
- Futarasan Shrine
- Taiyuin Mausoleum
- Rinnoji Temple
- Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
- Kanmangafuchi Abyss
- Kirifuri Falls
- Kirifuri Kogen Highland