Spanning the Nishiki River that flows through Iwakuni city, the wooden arched Kintai Bridge is one of the Three Most Famous Bridges in Japan. The surrounding area has also been selected as one of Japan’s top 100 locations to view cherry blossoms.

In the background on the mountaintop, Iwakuni Castle can be seen soaring… Famed for its cherry blossoms not only within Yamaguchi prefecture, but also the whole Chugoku region, the combination of the beautiful arch bridge, the castle and the cherry blossoms is quite breathtaking.

Looking up on Kintai Bridge when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom! Iwakuni castle stands on top of the mountain in the background.

Around 3000 cherry trees have been planted around Kintai Bridge and along Nishiki River, and you can see cherry blossoms in the environs of Iwakuni Castle on the mountaintop, as well.

When walking over Kintai Bridge, the slopes are steeper than you expect! It’s almost like walking up and down stairs!

You need to pay a fee to cross the bridge, but the sight of cherry tree lined Nishiki River is wonderful. Everyone should try crossing the bridge at least once!

After crossing, there is an observation deck on the west riverbank. Seen from there, Kintai Bridge looks almost as if it crosses over clouds.

Kikkou Park is located between Kintai Bridge and Iwakuni Castle. Here you can see for example the Kinunkaku built during the Meiji period, as well as water mounts.

Kikko Park is actually where Iwakuni’s former feudal lords, the Yoshikawa clan, had it residence. We recommend paying a visit to view the flowers.
You can see the Iwakuni Castle behind the cherry blossom trees from all over the park.

In addition, if you take the ropeway to the mountaintop, you can see the cherry blossoms around Iwakuni Castle, as well. Although reconstructed in 1962, Iwakuni Castle is counted among Japan’s top 100 castles.

Nearby Iwakuni Castle, there are several spectacular viewing points with views down on Kintai Bridge. Even when seen from above, it’s a beautiful bridge!

There’s a little bit of spring haze, but beyond the curves of Nishiki River, you can see all the way to the Seto Inland Sea and the islands floating within.

The history of Kintai Bridge goes all the way back to the early Edo period (1603~1867) and although it has been swept away several times during floods, the techniques and tradition of wooden arch bridge construction can still be seen here today.

As it’s especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season, we recommend visiting between late March and early April!

Kintai Bridge

Location: 1 Iwakuni, Iwakuni city, Yamaguchi prefecture
Open: 8.00-17.00 (cherry blossom season till 18.00, summertime till 19.00)
Admission to the bridge (round trip only): Adults JPY300 / Elementary school students JPY150
Guide Homepage: http://kankou.iwakuni-city.net/kintaikyo.html (Japanese)
Iwakuni Castle

Location: Yokoyama, Iwakuni city, Yamaguchi prefecture
Open: 9.00-16.45 (Entrance until 16.30)
Admission: Adults JPY260 / Elementary school students JPY120
*Set tickets that include Kintai Bridge, the ropeway (round trip) & Iwakuni Castle entrance are also available
Guide homepage: http://kankou.iwakuni-city.net/iwakunijyo.html (Japanese)

Setouchi Finder Photo-writer: Hironobu Matsuoka