Question 1

How do I get there by train?

Accepted Answer

Take the bus towards Kintaikyo from JR Iwakuni Station, about 20 minutes, then 1 minute's walk from the Kintaikyo stop. From Kawanishi Station on the Gantoku Line it is about 15 minutes' walk.

Question 2

Are there rules about litter and smoking around Kintaikyo?

Accepted Answer

The area around Kintaikyo is designated a no-littering and no-smoking zone. Please observe the rules as you enjoy your visit.

Question 3

Do I need to book?

Accepted Answer

No booking is needed. You can enter the bridge from either the town side or the mountain side; buy a bridge ticket on the spot and hand it over. Note that a Kintaikyo bridge ticket cannot be changed into a combination ticket afterwards.

Question 4

Can I cross Kintaikyo at any hour?

Accepted Answer

The bridge itself is open 24 hours, but at night no one is there to collect the bridge fee. Crossing may be prohibited when the river is high or on days of strong wind and rain, such as during a typhoon.

Question 5

Is the bridge lit up at night?

Accepted Answer

Kintaikyo is lit up at night, in orange, green, blue and other colours, giving the bridge a dreamlike air. In the autumn leaf season the illumination of Iwakuni Castle can be enjoyed as well.

Question 6

When is the best season to visit Kintaikyo?

Accepted Answer

There is something in every season: cherry blossom in spring (around early April), cormorant fishing by firelight and fireworks in summer, autumn leaves on Shiroyama, and snow in winter. During the cherry blossom season the Sakura Bune spring pleasure boats also run.

Question 7

How much is the bridge ticket, and how do I pay?

Accepted Answer

Bridge tickets are 310 yen for adults and 150 yen for elementary school children, sold as return tickets only. There is no one-way fare. Prices are due to change from 1 September 2026, so please check the official website before visiting.

Question 8

When was Kintaikyo built?

Accepted Answer

It was built in 1673 by Kikkawa Hiroyoshi, the third lord of the Iwakuni domain. It was washed away by a typhoon in 1950 but rebuilt in wood in 1953 at the strong wish of local people, and renewed again in 2004 through the Heisei rebuilding project.

Question 9

Is there anything to watch out for when crossing the bridge?

Accepted Answer

The bridge has steps, which become slippery in rain or snow, so please take care. Crossing is also prohibited when the Nishiki River is high or on days of strong wind and rain such as during a typhoon. Please wear comfortable shoes.

Question 10

Can I visit Iwakuni Castle at the same time?

Accepted Answer

A combination ticket for Kintaikyo and Iwakuni Castle is sold. A popular route is to cross Kintaikyo, then take the ropeway to the summit and visit the castle. From the castle keep you can see Kintaikyo and as far as the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.

Question 11

Is there parking, and is there a charge?

Accepted Answer

There are car parks nearby, free at most times of year but charged at 300 yen per visit on weekends and public holidays from March to May and September to November. One of the car parks can also take coaches.

Question 12

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

1-chome Iwakuni, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

Question 13

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Bridge tickets: adults 310 yen, elementary school children 150 yen (return tickets only; no one-way tickets). Prices are due to change from 1 September 2026. Group rates apply for 15 people or more.

Question 14

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

Question 15

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

24 hours (unstaffed at night).

Question 16

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 20 minutes by bus from JR Iwakuni Station, alighting at the Kintaikyo stop, then 1 minute's walk; or about 10 minutes by car from Iwakuni IC.

Question 17

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

Open every day.

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