How (and Why) to Go to Japan’s Kintai-kyo Bridge


When somebody first instructed I make a day journey from Hiroshima to see a bridge in Yamaguchi prefecture, I used to be puzzled. Why on earth would anybody spend hours on a prepare simply to see a bridge?

After all, this was throughout my first journey to Japan (greater than a decade in the past). I didn’t but notice that one in all Japan’s principal promoting factors, as a vacation spot, was simply how extraordinary peculiar issues are right here. And so I made a decision to not go to my detriment. 

Over the subsequent few paragraphs, I’ll clarify not solely the remainder of the story behind how I lastly came around Kintai-kyo bridge, but additionally how one can make your personal journey there.

Why It Took Me Years to Go to Kintai-kyo Bridge

Again in 2014, when the hostel proprietor (sure, I used to remain in hostels) gave me his suggestion, I merely wasn’t prepared to listen to it. Each as a result of I didn’t notice how wonderful one thing like a bridge might be, and since I wasn’t but accustomed to the behavior of utilizing day journeys as methodically as I do now. Not solely did I not see how this journey may have a excessive ROI; I wasn’t even able to calculating it.

Sadly, by the point I lastly did make it to Kintai the primary time three years later, I had one other variable to take care of: Cherry blossoms that 12 months have been extraordinarily late, and had barely opened by the primary week of April (when they’re usually in full bloom). It will take me eight extra years to make my technique to the bridge on the “proper” time, although the excellent news is that it completely ended up being definitely worth the wait.

 

Tips on how to Get to Kintai-kyo Bridge

Trip the Shinkansen to Shin-Iwakuni

Shin-Iwakuni Station is without doubt one of the oldest and smallest stations alongside the Sanyo Shinkansen, and is served solely by gradual Kodama trains. When you’re coming from farther away than Hiroshima or Hakata, trip a Nozomi or Mizuho to one in all these stations, and switch there to a Kodama to avoid wasting time.

Get a bus from there

Exiting Shin-Iwakuni Station, comply with the indicators to the bus cease, the place those going to Kintai-kyo bridge can be clearly marked. These depart a number of instances per hour and take round 20 minutes en route, which means that it shouldn’t ever take you longer than half-hour to achieve the bridge.

Discover the positioning on foot

Though Kintai Bridge is simply 525 ft in size, the realm round it’s a lot bigger, with the north financial institution of the Nishiki River particularly stuffed with points of interest (and, throughout cherry blossom season, meals vehicles and sakura groves). It’s simple to spend an hour or two simply wanting round, and discovering the most effective view of the bridge.

(Or look down from the Iwakuni Fortress Ropeway)

The final time I took Kintai Bridge day journey, I made a foolish mistake. The Iwakuni Fortress Ropeway (which is the one real looking technique to attain the fortress) “closes” at 5 PM, however the final automotive goes up at 4:30 PM. If you wish to benefit from the late afternoon gentle like I did, be sure that to not wait too lengthy to take action!

Hire a automotive as an alternative

When you solely need to go to Kintai Bridge, then going through Shinkansen, bus and foot isn’t an issue. Nevertheless, if you wish to get pleasure from extra actions in Yamaguchi-ken (which I’ll define within the subsequent part), then having a rental automotive vastly will increase your choices.

 

Different Issues to Do in Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi prefecture, as I’ve written about elsewhere on this website, is without doubt one of the most underrated components of Japan. Listed below are a few of my different favourite Yamaguchi experiences:

  • Uncover Shimonoseki, the “final” metropolis of Honshu island, together with by consuming your method by the sushi paradise of Karato Market.
  • Drive or bike to beautiful Tsunoshima island, situated amid one of many bluest and clearest components of the Sea of Japan.
  • Marvel on the elegant fantastic thing about Motonosumi Inari Shrine, whose 100+ vermillion gates stand proper above the ocean.
  • Return in time within the Samurai streets of Hagi, whose Hagi Fortress City is without doubt one of the best-preserved historic districts in Japan.
  • Take a subterranean stroll by Akiyoshido, one of many largest and most accessible cave programs in all of Japan.
Want personalised assist, whether or not in getting from Hiroshima to Kintai Bridge, or planning your Japan journey as an entire? Rent me to help!

 

 

Different FAQ About Visiting Kintai Bridge

Why is the Kintai Bridge well-known?

Kintai Bridge is known each as a result of its age (it was first inbuilt 1673) and wonder. It’s additionally notable for utilizing fashionable constructing strategies, regardless of having first been constructed virtually 4 centuries in the past. Its proximity to a US navy bases additionally will increase its customer numbers. 

How do I get to Kintaikyo Bridge?

The only technique to get to Kintaikyo Bridge is to get the Shinkansen to Shin-Iwakuni Station, after which get a bus from there to the bridge. It’s also possible to clearly drive there, whether or not from Shin-Iwakuni, or from someplace additional afield.

How lengthy is the Kintaikyo Bridge?

Kintai Bridge is 175 meters or about 525 ft lengthy. This won’t appear very lengthy, however given the intricacy of the construction in addition to how way back it was constructed, is extraordinarily spectacular. Moreover, the curvature of the bridge makes it troublesome to stroll throughout. It’ll take longer than you count on to get from one finish to the opposite!

The Backside Line

Belief: Kintai-kyo is not only any bridge. Though it’s most opulent when you’ll be able to see it throughout cherry blossom season (and most fulfilling as half of a bigger journey round Yamaguchi prefecture), the majesty of this historic construction is compelling whatever the context by which you fist expertise it. When you can, be sure that to go up the Iwakuni Fortress Ropeway for a panorama. I’ve but to have the ability to try this, because of my very own ignorance of the ropeway’s opening hours. Need to combine a go to to Kintai Bridge seamlessly into your broader Japan journey? Rent me to plan your customized Japan itinerary immediately.

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