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A beautifully designed bridge that serves as the grand entrance to the sacred Nikko.
The World Heritage site "Shrines and Temples of Nikko" in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, consists of the Futarasan Shrine, Toshogu Shrine, Rinno-ji Temple, and the surrounding archaeological sites. The Shinkyo Bridge, also known as "Yamasuge's Snake Bridge" or "Sacred Bridge", spans the entrance and is one of the cultural properties that constitute the World Heritage site. It is also designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
According to a mystical legend, Shodo Shonin, who founded Nikko Mountain at the end of the Nara period, was obstructed by the raging torrent of the Daiya River. He burned a Goma (ritual fire) and prayed for divine protection. In response, the deity Jinja Daio appeared and released two snakes that transformed into a bridge with Yamasuge (mountain sedges) growing from their backs.
The bridge was reconstructed in its current beautiful form in 1638 and was used only for religious ceremonies and Shogun's visits for a long time. However, it has been open to the general public since 1973.
It is sometimes counted as one of the three great eccentric bridges of Japan, along with the Saruhashi Bridge in Yamanashi Prefecture and the Kintai Bridge in Yamaguchi Prefecture.
The bridge in harmony with nature
Autumn Shinkyo Bridge
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
We provide pamphlets in Japanese and English. The signboards are in English, Chinese (traditional and simplified), and Thai.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
There is free Wi-Fi provided by Nikko City.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
There are no coin lockers. However, there are some available in nearby souvenir shops.
Q
Are there restrooms available?
There are public toilets provided by Nikko City nearby.
Some reviews are translated by AI.
The clear river and the red bridge make for a stunning view. There were actually more people around the bridge than on it.
Even though it's pay-to-use, the bridge is only about 10 meters long and takes less than a minute to cross. Is it really worth the JPY 300 fee?
One of Japan's three most unusual bridges. There's an extra fee to walk across, but just strolling around and taking photos is nice enough.
Absolutely gorgeous!!! This is a must-visit spot at least once in your life.
It's perfect for taking tons of Instagram-worthy photos with family and friends (lol).
I'd love to come back again next time~
