Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, we will introduce a tour to Shinkyo Bridge, which can be said to be the gateway to the world heritage site “Shrines and Temples of Nikko” in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture. Shinkyo Bridge is a vermilion wooden bridge that spans the Otani River. According to legend, when Shodo Shonin, the founder of Nikko, was crossing a river, a god named Shinsha the Great threw a snake and made it into a bridge. Shinkyo Bridge is a beautiful bridge that is considered one of Japan’s three most unique bridges, and the contrast between the autumn leaves and the winter snowy scenery is amazing.
What is Shinkyou?
Shinkyo is a structure of Futarasan Shrine and is designated as an important cultural property. The current bridge was rebuilt in 1904 and is 28 meters long, 7.4 meters wide, and 10.6 meters high. In the past, only special people such as generals and imperial envoys could cross, but now ordinary people can also cross for a fee. However, you cannot go to the other side and must return the way you came. Shinkyo Bridge is not just a bridge, but also a place for rituals. Hashihime Myojin is enshrined on the bridge and is said to be the god of matchmaking. It is customary for couples who get married at Nikko Futarasan Shrine to cross the bridge at Shinkyo Bridge.
Route to Shinkyou
I set out from central Tokyo on a Harley Sports Glide (FLSB). Go north on the Tohoku Expressway, exit at the Utsunomiya Interchange, and enter National Route 119. This road is called the Nikko Kaido, and is a historic road that was used during the Edo period for pilgrimages to Nikko and for trips to and from Oshu. Along the way, you will see the grave of Daikobo Chojiro, the master carpenter who served as the first construction magistrate of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, and the former Iseya Ryokan where Nikko Reihei envoys stayed. After driving on Route 119 for a while, you will enter the city of Nikko. From there, take National Route 120 and head towards Nikko Yamauchi. This road also leads to tourist spots such as Yumoto Onsen and Lake Chuzenji, and is a fun road with many curves and hills. As you drive along National Route 120, you will see Shinkyo Bridge on your right.
Highlights of Shinkyou
The first thing you will notice about Shinkyo is its beauty. The vermilion arc stands out against the blue river and green mountains. The contrast with the autumn leaves and the snowy landscape in winter is especially spectacular. It is also lit up at night, creating a magical atmosphere. Shinkyo is also a great spot for taking photos. From the top of Shinkyo Bridge, you can see the clear stream of the Otani River and the scenery of the Nikko mountains on the opposite bank. Under the Shinkyo Bridge, there are Iwasaki Shrine, which enshrines Myojo Tenshi, and Fukasao-do Hall, which enshrines Fukasha the Great. These shrines are related to the legend of Shinkyo , and it is said that visiting them will bring you good luck. Beyond Shinkyo Bridge is the approach to Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a world heritage site built as the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and is known for its ornate carvings and decorations. It takes about 10 minutes on foot from Shinkyo to Nikko Toshogu Shrine.
Kamibashi motorcycle parking lot
You cannot park your motorcycle directly at Shinkyo . There are several paid parking lots nearby, but they are often crowded. I parked my bike at the Nikko Futarasan Shrine parking lot, which is about a 5-minute walk from Shinkyo . This parking lot can be used for 300 yen per day for motorcycles. From the parking lot, you can also walk to Futarasan Shrine and Nikko Toshogu Shrine. However, please note that this parking lot closes at 4pm.
summary
This time, we introduced a tour to Shinkyo Bridge, which can be said to be the gateway to the world heritage site “Shrines and Temples of Nikko” in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture. Shinkyo Bridge is a vermilion wooden bridge that spans the Otani River. According to legend, when Shodo Shonin, the founder of Nikko, was crossing a river, a god named Shinsha the Great threw a snake and made it into a bridge. Shinkyo Bridge is a beautiful bridge that is considered one of Japan’s three most unique bridges, and the contrast between the autumn leaves and the winter snowy scenery is amazing. It is also lit up at night, creating a magical atmosphere. From Shinkyo Bridge, there is an approach that leads to Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a world heritage site built as the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and is known for its ornate carvings and decorations. You can get to Shinkyo from central Tokyo in about 3 and a half hours by Harley Sports Glide (FLSB). Along the way, there is a historic road called Nikko Kaido and tourist spots such as Yumoto Onsen and Lake Chuzenji. If you like bikes, this is a place you should visit at least once.
The above was sent to you by _hiroyuki.ta. Next time we look forward to!
