If you\u2019re looking for a famous sightseeing place with beautiful scenery, look no further than Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture. It\u2019s an easy day trip from Hiroshima and has something for the whole family \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
Built in 1673 by the feudal lord of the region, Hiroyoshi Kikkawa, the wooden Kintai Bridge<\/a> was washed away soon after construction \u2014 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\u2019s an impressive sight.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s definitely worth a visit.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s day.<\/p>\nWhen to Visit<\/b><\/h2>\n
How to Arrive<\/b><\/h2>\n
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What to Do on a Day Out<\/b><\/h2>\n