The Kintaikyo Bridge

  Within the city of Iwakuni is it's most famous draw, the Kintaikyo Bridge.  It is a huge mostly wooden bridge with stone pilons, and it is the last one in the country built in this old "step"style.

The Kintai Bridge in the fall of 2012.

 

There are 3 main arches, and two smaller supportive ones at either side.

 

The Kintai Bridge with Iwakuni Castle on top of the hill behind it.

 

On the far side of the Kintai Bridge lies Kikko Park, there are flower gardens, vendors, water fountains and the old residence of a samurai family, the Mekata's, who were retainers of the Iwakuni lord's, the Kikkawa's.  In the fall the trees turn beautiful shades of red and yellow and it is just an amazing sight.

 

Kyle and I in Kikko Park fall 2012

 

A statue in Kikko Park, with a pretty red hat :)

A bridge in Kikko Park

Pagoda in Kikko Park

Beautiful colored tree in Kikko Park, and the Fountain

A temple in Kikko Park

 Origami cranes at a shrine in Kikko Park

My friend D in Kikko Park

 

There is a ropeway in Kikko Park that will take you up the mountain, from there you can take a 5 min hike to Iwakuni Castle, which was originally built in the 16th century in the Momoyama-Nanban style.  Now days it is a museum housing period weapons, samurai armour and pictures of the area.  At the top is a viewing room, and you can overlook Iwakuni, it has some amazing views.



 

Iwakuni Castle up close       

   The Castle from the bridge

 

Samurai armour inside Iwakuni Castle

 

The first time I went to the Kintai Bridge was with D in the fall while Mark was up North in Fuji for 3 weeks, we took Kyle and had a great time marveling in all the beauty.  Since then I've been a few more times with Mark and Kyle, we've played in the park and showed Mark the castle, and even saw a concert in the Mekata residence. 

 

Concert in Kikko Park

We have also walked over the bridge (well more like dragged Kyle in his stroller since its mostly steps!)

 

Good times :)  I am so glad that we have such an amazing place pretty much in our backyard, it is such a cool piece of history.  In a month we will be heading into Cherry Blossom season, and Kikko park will just be in bloom and gorgeous, I can't wait to see it!