When someone first suggested I make a day trip from Hiroshima to see a bridge in Yamaguchi prefecture, I was puzzled. Why on earth would anyone spend hours on a train just to see a bridge?
Of course, this was during my first trip to Japan (more than a decade ago). I didn’t yet realize that one of Japan’s main selling points, as a destination, was just how extraordinary ordinary things are here. And so I decided not to go to my detriment.
Over the next few paragraphs, I’ll explain not only the rest of the story behind how I finally came to visit Kintai-kyo bridge, but also how you can make your own trip there.
Why It Took Me Years to Visit Kintai-kyo Bridge
Back in 2014, when the hostel owner (yes, I used to stay in hostels) gave me his suggestion, I simply wasn’t ready to hear it. Both because I didn’t realize how amazing something like a bridge could be, and because I wasn’t yet accustomed to the habit of using day trips as methodically as I do now. Not only did I not see how this trip could have a high ROI; I wasn’t even capable of calculating it.
Unfortunately, by the time I finally did make it to Kintai the first time three years later, I had another variable to contend with: Cherry blossoms that year were extremely late, and had barely opened by the first week of April (when they are normally in full bloom). It would take me eight additional years to make my way to the bridge at the “right” time, though the good news is that it totally ended up being worth the wait.
How to Get to Kintai-kyo Bridge
Ride the Shinkansen to Shin-Iwakuni
Shin-Iwakuni Station is one of the oldest and smallest stations along the Sanyo Shinkansen, and is served only by slow Kodama trains. If you’re coming from farther away than Hiroshima or Hakata, ride a Nozomi or Mizuho to one of these stations, and transfer there to a Kodama to save time.
Get a bus from there
Exiting Shin-Iwakuni Station, follow the signs to the bus stop, where the ones going to Kintai-kyo bridge will be clearly marked. These depart several times per hour and take around 20 minutes en route, meaning that it shouldn’t ever take you longer than 30 minutes to reach the bridge.
Explore the site on foot
Although Kintai Bridge is just 525 feet in length, the area around it is much larger, with the north bank of the Nishiki River especially full of attractions (and, during cherry blossom season, food trucks and sakura groves). It’s easy to spend an hour or two just looking around, and finding the best view of the bridge.
(Or look down from the Iwakuni Castle Ropeway)
The last time I took Kintai Bridge day trip, I made a silly mistake. The Iwakuni Castle Ropeway (which is the only realistic way to reach the castle) “closes” at 5 PM, but the last car goes up at 4:30 PM. If you want to enjoy the late afternoon light like I did, make sure not to wait too long to do so!
Rent a car instead
If you only want to visit Kintai Bridge, then going via Shinkansen, bus and foot is not a problem. However, if you want to enjoy more activities in Yamaguchi-ken (which I’ll outline in the next section), then having a rental car greatly increases your options.
Other Things to Do in Yamaguchi
Yamaguchi prefecture, as I’ve written about elsewhere on this site, is one of the most underrated parts of Japan. Here are some of my other favorite Yamaguchi experiences:
- Discover Shimonoseki, the “last” city of Honshu island, including by eating your way through the sushi paradise of Karato Market.
- Drive or bike to gorgeous Tsunoshima island, located amid one of the bluest and clearest parts of the Sea of Japan.
- Marvel at the sublime beauty of Motonosumi Inari Shrine, whose 100+ vermillion gates stand right above the ocean.
- Go back in time in the Samurai streets of Hagi, whose Hagi Castle Town is one of the best-preserved historical districts in Japan.
- Take a subterranean stroll through Akiyoshido, one of the largest and most accessible cave systems in all of Japan.
Other FAQ About Visiting Kintai Bridge
Why is the Kintai Bridge famous?
Kintai Bridge is famous both because its age (it was first built in 1673) and beauty. It’s also notable for using modern building techniques, in spite of having first been constructed almost four centuries ago. Its proximity to a US military bases also increases its visitor numbers.
How do I get to Kintaikyo Bridge?
The simplest way to get to Kintaikyo Bridge is to get the Shinkansen to Shin-Iwakuni Station, and then get a bus from there to the bridge. You can also obviously drive there, whether from Shin-Iwakuni, or from somewhere further afield.
How long is the Kintaikyo Bridge?
Kintai Bridge is 175 meters or about 525 feet long. This might not seem very long, but given the intricacy of the structure as well as how long ago it was built, is extremely impressive. Additionally, the curvature of the bridge makes it difficult to walk across. It’ll take longer than you expect to get from one end to the other!
The Bottom Line
Trust: Kintai-kyo is not just any bridge. Although it’s most magnificent when you can see it during cherry blossom season (and most fulfilling as part of a larger trip around Yamaguchi prefecture), the majesty of this ancient structure is compelling regardless of the context in which you fist experience it. If you can, make sure to go up the Iwakuni Castle Ropeway for a panorama. I’ve yet to be able to do that, due to my own ignorance of the ropeway’s opening hours. Want to integrate a visit to Kintai Bridge seamlessly into your broader Japan trip? Hire me to plan your custom Japan itinerary today.
