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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Kintaikyo Bridge Pleasure Boat Cruise
Take a traditional Japanese boat for a unique view of this historical bridge in Iwakuni
Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
A seventeenth-century feat of architectural ingenuity, Kintaikyo Bridge in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, was originally designed for the exclusive use of daimyo and their vassals to reach the domain’s castle. Now one of Japan’s most famous bridges, its unique five wooden arches still stretch across Nishiki River as a stately centerpiece to the city’s landscape of abundant nature.
In spring and autumn, traditional-style Japanese pleasure boats cruise the Nishiki River, offering panoramic views of the bridge amid the changing colors of riverside scenery. Hop aboard the Momiji (Japanese maple) boat for a short autumnal cruise and view the bridge against the warm reds of maple leaves in the distance. Or relax in the cafe house boat and enjoy traditional Japanese sweets with tea as the vessel gently drifts ahead of Kintaikyo Bridge. Don’t forget to return in spring for the sakura tour to see the bridge against a backdrop of billowing pink cherry blossoms.
How to get there
From Narita Airport, fly to Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport (about 1 hour and 35 minutes). From Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, take the bus to JR Iwakuni Station (about 10 minutes). From JR Iwakuni Station, take the bus to Kintaikyo Bridge (about 20 minutes).
1 Iwakuni, Iwakuni-shi, Yamaguchi-ken
Links
More Information
Chugoku Region | JNTO Official Website
Yamaguchi Prefecture | JNTO Official Website
