Every year, more than a million international tourists and globetrotters from different parts of the world come to visit the Land of the Rising Sun. Most of these travel enthusiasts are inclined to visit the major cities and tourist attractions of Japan in order to go sightseeing, try out some of the delicious Japanese cuisines and to personally experience its unique culture. It does not come as a surprise that popular destinations in Tokyo, and other major Japanese cities are crowded with tourists who are eager to stroll around at exactly the same beautiful spots as the others in order to take photographs here and there.
For locals and foreign tourists who may want to avoid the big crowd as well as the hustle and bustle of city life, Japan also has a lot of awe-inspiring sights located on the outskirts of the cities. One of the most picturesque and must visit tourist spot is the Kintaikyo bridge. It is the iconic landmark of Yamaguchi prefecture which is situated in Chugoku region, the southwestern area of Japan. Known as a tranquil and relaxing place that showcases Japanese traditional architecture, it is definitely the perfect place to go for tourists who look forward to discover more about the history and heritage of Japan while looking around its breathtaking scenery.
Aside from being a spectacular piece of engineering, the Kintaikyo Bridge has a rich historical background that dates back to the 1600s. It has a one of a kind architectural style reflecting Japanese traditional designs. The distinctive wooden arches of the bridge are said to symbolize western Honshu or the main island of Japan. History tells that the steep arch design was also intended to protect the Nishigawa River against the invading armies by making it more difficult for them to cross.
Tourists who have visited the Kintaikyo Bridge would not also want to miss the special Japanese ice cream sold nearby. It is the best way to beat the heat especially during the upcoming summer season in Japan.
