For many people, Shinkyō Bridge is the symbol of Nikko. The bridge was constructed in 1639, and it is ranked as one of the top 3 bridges in all of Japan due to its beauty and significance. It is a highly sacred bridge and marks the start of the World Heritage Area and National Park in Nikko.

Visitors can reach Shinkyō by taking the Nikko sightseeing bus from Tobu Nikko station to the Shinkyo Bridge bus stop. The bridge is then a 2 minute walk away. Shinkyō Bridge is 28 meters long and is under the ownership of nearby Futarasan Shrine, and crosses the Daiya River, the main river that runs through Nikko. It is believed that the first Head Priest of Nikko asked the gods for help crossing the Daiya river, after which two large snakes appeared and transformed into the bridge! 

Until 1973, the public were not allowed to access the bridge, but now you can pay a small fee of 300 yen to go onto the bridge if you wish. Many visitors enjoy walking over the bridge, where you can enjoy a closer look and more tactile experience of the bridge. You are also able to take photographs on the bridge. Shinkyō was granted the status and designation of a world heritage site in 1990 by UNESCO. The beauty of the bridge is made even more special with the changing of the seasons. In Summer, the vibrant green of the trees makes the red bridge pop, and in Autumn the gold and red leaves compliment the Bridge’s warmth.

As Shinkyō marks the start of the Heritage area, we also recommend visiting the nearby shrines ans temples of Futarasan Shrine, Taiyuin Temple , Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Rinnoji Temple.

Want to experience Shinkyō Bridge for yourself?

Why not join our ’1 Day Tour : Explore Nikko’s World Heritage and National Park’ tour . Available throughout the year, this is the perfect tour to venture out of Tokyo. The tour does not include the admission to go onto Shinkyō Bridge, but during free time you may wish to explore it. All tours are led by locally-based guides and will take you around the must-see sights in the region, as well as some lesser known gems. Our tours are fun, interactive and family-friendly. For more information, or to book a tour, click on the banner.

1 Day Tour

1 Day Tour : Explore Nikko’s World Heritage and National Park
Period	April – October
Time	08:40 – 19:15
Meeting Place	Outside Asakusa Ekimise Department Store
Adult Rate	¥24,900
Child Rate	¥18,900