If you’re looking for a famous sightseeing place with beautiful scenery, look no further than Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture. It’s an easy day trip from Hiroshima and has something for the whole family — from castles and lucky white snakes to ice cream of every flavor imaginable. Of course, though, the most famous attraction of the area is Kintaikyo, a picturesque bridge that spans the Nishiki River.
All About Kintai Bridge
Built in 1673 by the feudal lord of the region, Hiroyoshi Kikkawa, the wooden Kintai Bridge was washed away soon after construction — but then rebuilt. For 276 years, it survived unscathed, until a typhoon in September 1950 destroyed it once again. Reconstruction began in 1953, resulting in a bridge with five girders that is similar to the original. Spanning 193.3 meters with a width of 5 meters and a height of 6.6 meters, it’s an impressive sight.
When to Visit
The bridge is beautiful in all seasons but particularly in spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom along the river. On April 29, there is also the annual Kintaikyo Matsuri or Kintaikyo Festival, which celebrates the return of the feudal lord from the capital of Edo. If you like traditional music and costumes, it’s definitely worth a visit.
How to Arrive
You can reach Iwakuni via the JR Sanyo Line. From Hiroshima Station, it takes approximately 50 minutes and will cost 770 yen. You will then need to take a bus to the bridge, which costs 300 yen and is a 15-minute journey. The bus is located right outside the station, and there are plenty of signs in English to help you find your way.
Entry
Tickets for the bridge are available for the reasonable price of 310 yen for adults and 150 yen for elementary school students. If you are interested in visiting Iwakuni Castle, located on the top of the hill behind the bridge, purchase a combined ticket at 970 yen for adults or 460 yen for elementary students. This includes not only the bridge and the castle but also the rope-way for accessing the castle. This is definitely worthwhile, for the view from the castle alone.
Admission is 24 hours a day, although the tollbooth is only open between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (extended to 6:00 p.m. during peak season and 7:00 p.m. in the summer). When there is no one attending the tollbooth, visitors are expected to leave their fare in the nighttime toll box.
What to Do on a Day Out
The riverside is the perfect place for a picnic or bento lunch, and the kids can entertain themselves by paddling in the water under the bridge. This is an especially refreshing option on a hot summer’s day.
Before heading to the castle, however, make sure you stop by to see the Iwakuni white snakes at Iwakuni Shirohebi Museum. These are not only native to the region but are considered to be very lucky, called by locals “messengers of the gods.” With completely-white scales and red eyes, they are quite a sight to behold. Since 1972, they have been designated a Natural Treasure by the Japanese government.
At the museum, you’ll have the chance to see live snakes and learn more about these animals through models, displays, interactive exhibits, videos, and historical information. You can also purchase some white snake souvenirs. The museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. all year round, with tickets priced at 200 yen for adults and 160 yen for children.
On your return from the bridge, treat yourself and the kids to a soft serve ice cream. With over 100 flavors you’re sure to find something you want… or don’t want. Natto or curry flavor, anyone? There are a number of shops selling ice cream. Take the time to check out a few to find a flavor that appeals most to you!
All photos by the author, Hugh Cann
