Kintaikyo Bridge

One of Japan's most elegant wooden bridges, Kintaikyo spans the Nishiki River with five graceful arches that have been rebuilt using traditional techniques since the original 1673 construction was lost to floods. The unique design, which uses no nails in the arch construction, was conceived by a local lord inspired by Chinese bridge-building and woodblock prints. Cross the bridge to explore Iwakuni Castle on the hilltop above, or visit during cherry blossom season when the riverbanks transform into a tunnel of pale pink.