With Kintaikyo Bridge and cormorant fishing on the Nishiki River, Iwakuni has two distinct yet closely connected focal points: a landmark wooden structure and a tradition that continues to this day. The bridge provides the backdrop for the fishing and is also a destination in its own right. Cormorant fishing was revived in 1952 after an interruption and continues to this day; 1952 marks its revival, not the beginning of the long-standing tradition. The bridge is a wooden structure in its own right and also provides the backdrop for the fishing; cormorant fishing on the Nishiki River focuses on the activity itself. For your visit, you can focus on either the structure or the continuing tradition.

Kintaikyo Bridge as a structure

Kintaikyo Bridge is designated by the national government as a place of scenic beauty and is a wooden bridge representative of Japan. The scenic designation recognizes the significance of the bridge in its surroundings; as a representative wooden bridge, it is also an architectural subject in its own right. The bridge is therefore not only a backdrop to cormorant fishing in Iwakuni, but also a distinct cultural and architectural focus. Those interested in architecture can plan their visit around the wooden structure; those looking for a cultural connection can find a second, different perspective through the fishing. The name Kintaikyo refers to the bridge and also appears in the name of the cormorant fishing.

Cormorant fishing on the Nishiki River

Kintaikyo cormorant fishing was revived in 1952 after a temporary interruption in its long history and continues to this day. This timeline is important: 1952 marks the revival, not the beginning of the long-standing tradition; its continuation to this day describes its present-day relevance. The setting is the Nishiki River, with Kintaikyo Bridge in the background. During the fishing, you can see the illuminated bridge, the fires on the cormorant boats up close, and a cormorant fisherman in traditional clothing skillfully guiding the birds with long leashes. The leashes are the visible means by which the fisherman guides the birds.

The two themes are connected, but appeal to different interests: the bridge is the focus for architecture and its place in the landscape; cormorant fishing brings the activity on the river to the fore. Consider whether you would prefer to plan your visit around the structure or the continuing tradition.

Visitor information

From Kintaikyo Bus Terminal and the riverside parking lot on the Iwakuni side, the bridge is a one-minute walk from each. Access is possible from either the town or mountain side without a reservation. The one-minute walk to the bridge applies to the two departure points mentioned; access without a reservation is possible from either the town or mountain side. Check the specific seasonal operating details for cormorant fishing before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Yamaguchi, Suooshima, Yoshiura, Shimonoseki, Hōfu, Hagi, Mine, Shūnan

For the broader travel overview: Yamaguchi Prefecture.