From Tokyo: 4-Day Kintai Bridge Customizable Tour

Kintaikyo in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi, is one of the most famous bridges in Japan. Its five wooden arches cross the clear Nishiki River, built with old joinery techniques.

On day 2 you walk across the bridge and explore Kikko Park on the other side, the old samurai area. Then you ride the ropeway up the mountain to Iwakuni Castle, with views over the bridge and the river.

In the evening you board a viewing boat on the Nishiki River to watch ukai, cormorant fishing. A fishing master in old costume stands in a wooden boat with a fire basket, working with trained cormorants, as has been done for centuries. Ukai is held in summer, from about June to early September. It is a traditional fishing method; the birds are not touched or fed by guests.

On day 3 you have a slower day with time by the river and local food, including Iwakuni-zushi, pressed sushi made in large layers.

Your English-speaking driver-guide explains the bridge, castle and river culture.

This is a private tour. Only your group. One van, one driver-guide, 1 to 6 guests, never shared with other travelers.

If ukai is cancelled on your date (for example when the river is high after rain), you can take a full refund of your booking, guaranteed. If you prefer, we can instead have an evening river walk with the bridge lit up at night.

DAY 1 Pickup at your Tokyo hotel in the morning and drive to Iwakuni (about 10 hours with breaks). Free evening.

DAY 2 Kintaikyo bridge, Kikko Park, ropeway to Iwakuni Castle, and the ukai viewing boat in the evening.

DAY 3 Slow day by the Nishiki River with a lunch of Iwakuni-zushi, then the drive toward Tokyo with an overnight on the way.

DAY 4 Continue the drive and arrive back at your Tokyo hotel in the afternoon.