- Location: Iwakuni Town
- Date of construction: 1673.
- Length: 200 m
In Japan, a lot of rivers , streams and other water bodies, besides the state itself is located on the islands , so for a long time the Japanese - skilful builders of bridges. These structures here perform not only a basic function, but also serve as an ornament of settlements. One of the most famous bridges in Japan is Kintai - a wooden structure across the Nishiki River in Iwakuni.
general information
Since ancient times in Iwakuni the issue of bridge construction was urgent. And although all the resources were available, it was very difficult to do this because of the frequent floods that washed away all the structures. After long miscalculations engineers found a solution, and in 1673 the Kintai bridge was built, which became one of the symbols of Japan. Artists use in their works the image of the Kintai Bridge almost as often as Mount Fujiyama .
The Kintai Bridge is an arched wooden structure, standing on four stone pillars. The total length of all the arches is almost 200 m. The kittai was built using a special technology - no nails or bolts were used during its erection, all the parts were fastened together with special bands and metal clips. The prototype of Kintai was a stone bridge from a Chinese book read by Lord Iwakuni.
In Japan there is even a legend: the Kintai Bridge is protected from evil spirits by the souls of 2 girls ("stone dolls"), which were specially sacrificed before the construction of the bridge. Now the figures of these pupae can be purchased in any souvenir shops Iwakuni.
An interesting fact is that in ancient times passage through the Kintai Bridge in Iwakuni was allowed only by the samurai, while the rest of the Japanese people moved to the other shore with the help of boats. At present, anyone can cross the river on the bridge, just pay a little more than $ 2.5 for crossing in both directions.
Destruction and restoration of the bridge
Despite all the strengthening and protection of spirits, the Kintai Bridge could not resist the elements in 1950: 300 years later it was destroyed by a powerful flood from the opening. The Japanese immediately began to restore it, and after 2 years the bridge was completely restored using the original technology. Later, Kintay was twice again restored (in 2001 and 2004), the most expensive of which was extreme: it cost the country almost $ 18 million.
Today, the Kintai Bridge often hosts various festivals and festivals . A huge number of people try to get into the city during the cherry blossom period - at this time the bridge and its surroundings are especially beautiful.
How to get to the Kintai Bridge?
By car from the city of Iwakuni, you can reach the Kintai Bridge at coordinates 34.167596, 132.178408, or walk.