The Kintai-kyo Bridge

The Kintai-kyo Bridge is located in Iwakuni city,Yamaguchi prefecture, which has been Iwakuni's most famous landmark and a subject of admiration for hundreds of years. It is completely made of wood and without the use of any nails, the bridge makes five bold arches onto massive stone pillars as it crosses over the Nishiki River.

 

Plans for the Kintai-kyo were first drawn up when strong currents had once again destroyed a bridge crossing the Nishiki River. A more durable bridge was commissioned by Kikkawa Hiroyoshi, the third feudal lord of Iwakuni, whose statue stands at the entrance to Kikko Park.


After the bridge was completed in 1673, it kept standing until 1950, when Iwakuni was struck by a violent typhoon.
 

It is also well- known as the spot for cherry-blossom viewings in the spring.