Shinkyo - Nikko, Japan
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denben
N 36° 45.203 E 139° 36.239
54S E 375384 N 4068423
Shinkyo is a footbridge on the Daiya River at the entrance to the Nikko National Park hiking trail that leads to the area of Rinnoji temple, Nikko Toshogu and Futarasan shrine in the city of Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.
Waymark Code: WMZ8FD
Location: Tochigi, Japan
Date Posted: 09/28/2018
Views: 1
The Sacred Bridge (shinkyo) crossing the Daiya River belongs to the Futarasan Shrine. This beautiful vermilion lacquered structure is known as one of the three most beautiful bridges in Japan and is a perfect gateway for Nikko. The bridge was registered as a World Heritage in December 1999. Shinkyo measures 28 meters long, 7.4 meters wide, and stands 10.6 meters above the Daiya River.
In 767, the high priest Shodo, the founder of Rinnoji, and his disciples arrived here for the first time. Because Daiya River had a rapid current, they were unable to cross the river. So priest Shodo preyed. Then a god appeared. The god threw two big snakes. They intertangled with each other, then became a bridge. Shodo group were able to cross the river, and went to the sacred Nikko mountains.
The first solid bridge was built in 808 here, the bridge had been rebuilt every 16 years. And the bridge were rebuilt with updating the image, when Nikko Toshogu was built in 1636. At that time, only Shogun, its officials and priests were allowed to cross.
Unfortunately, the bridge was washed away by a flood in 1902, then the current bridge was rebuilt in 1904. From 1997 to 2005, this bridge were repaired overall.
Closed off to the public until 1973, the bridge is technically an extension of the Futarasan Shrine and is one of the main access points into the spiritual heart of this fascinating city.
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