About Shinkyo 「神橋」, the sacred bridge from Futarasan, there is a beautiful old Japanese legend telling the story of its origins. The first bridge was built here in 766 and it is unknown how it looked like, it was probably a suspended bridge.

What it is known for sure is that in 1509, according to the recordings, Shinkyo was a drawbridge, which makes it the oldest bridge in Japan built over a gorge. Shinkyo was rebuilt many times and in 1636 it took the form we see today, but without decorations, which were added in 1792.
Originally, only the Emperor, a few generals and imperial messengers were allowed to cross Shinkyo. Since 1973 the bridge is opened to the public and now everyone can enjoy a view like this one:

Shinkyo Bridge, Nikko

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