Munen Bridge

Munen Bridge at Takino'o Shrine in Tochigi is the oldest bridge in the prefecture, built in 1677 as a ritual threshold rather than a practical crossing. Its name means 'no thought,' pointing to the meditative focus it asks of anyone who crosses. Tradition holds that if you cross in exactly as many steps as your current age, concentrating only on the count, it is equivalent to ascending the sacred Mt. Nyoho and your prayers will be answered. The bridge marks the entrance to the sacred area where the deity Tagorihime no Mikoto is said to have descended. It is a Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property.