Kintaikyo Bridge

One of the landmark structures of Iwakuni is the Kintaikyo Bridge. This wooden arched bridge measures around 200 meters in length, built without using a single nail, stands as one of the most famous bridges of Japan. Varies bridges were built by the first few lords of Iwakuni, which were all destroyed by floods until the construction of Kintaikyo Bridge. During the Edo period, maintenance on the bridge involved rebuilding the massive structure every 20 to 40 years. The last version of the original was destroyed after standing undamaged for 276 years. The current model was reconstructed in 1953, reinforced with traditional methods and metal nails, same to the ones used to forge a katana blade for strength. Five arches stand on massive stone pillars with the Nishiki River flowing underneath provides a scenic strolling path for visitors traveling in Iwakuni City. After crossing the Kintaikyo Bridge, visitors will arrive at the Kikko Park, a location which was once the residential area for the ruling samurai warriors. Visitors can stroll along the scenic park and view the houses of the former lords with many museums also available including the Iwakuni Art Museum housing many artifacts from the Kikkawa clan permanently on display.