The Shinkyō Bridge (sacred bridge) is one of the popular sights to see before entering Nikko’s shrines and temples.
The bridge was constructed in 1636 but another bridge was once there in the same spot prior to the Shinkyo Bridge and is ranked in the top 3 of Japan’s finest bridges.
The Shinkyo Bridge was once called Yamasugeno-jabashi and belongs to the Futarasan Shrine.
The history of the bridge is a mystery but what is know that it was rebuilt in 1636 and has retained the same appearance since. Since then, the bridge only allowed Generals and messengers from the imperial court to cross the bridge.
In 1973, the bridge was opened to the general public and in 1982, the location celebrated the bridges 1200th anniversary.
Designated as a cultural property, the bridge was inscribed as a World Heritage site in December 1999.
Renovations were done on the bridge from 1997 through 2005 and cost Y800,000,000.
There is a charge to cross the bridge, adults for Y500, high school teenagers for Y300 and elementary and junior high kids for Y200. If you go as a group, you can receive a discount.
If you are visiting Nikko, it simply is a must to take photos or cross the beautiful Shinkyo Bridge.
