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.


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


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


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.


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!


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
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Hironobu Matsuoka
Hironobu Matsuoka / Photo-writer Born in 1974 in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, and currently living there, Hironobu is the president of Mediapolis Inc. "I travel around the country in Solar King, an eco-camping car that has a solar power generator, and film the beautiful scenery of Japan in high-definition. I want to move around the country as much as possible and leave behind videos of precious Japanese nature and scenery for future generations to enjoy. Although I travel all over the country, I love my home area of Setouchi." 'Healing Japan TV' - Traveling virtually around the country through 'healing videos'.
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