“Moon-Crossing Bridge” is what Togetsukyo Bridge means. It is a scenic landmark in Arashiyama. The bridge stands over Kyoto’s former commerce center. This center was along the Oi River.
Togetsukyo Bridge is like a painting. It has a backdrop of fall foliage. It also boasts full-blown cherry blossoms in the spring. The wooden path stretches 155 meters. It seems to reach the moon.
Emperor Kameyama inspired the poetic name. He saw a luminous moon rising above the river. It looked like the moon was crossing the bridge.
Togetsukyo Bridge dates back over 1,000 years. The first construction finished in 836. The original arches were vermillion-colored. They were upstream from the current location. Floods repeatedly damaged it. The present-day concrete construction dates to 1934.
The bridge spans the Katsura River. The river flows through Saga Arashiyama. Arashiyama is known for its beauty. The bridge’s artistic form embodies Japanese aesthetics.
You can take a rickshaw ride over the river. Many restaurants sit at either end of the bridge. You can dine at one of them. The bridge is popular for period films. Cormorant fishing happens near the bridge on summer nights.
Arashiyama is the mountain south of Togetsukyo Bridge. The trees turn pink with cherry blossoms in spring. In autumn, red maple leaves blanket the slopes. Winter snows make it look like an ink painting.
Long ago, young children had a special initiation here. Boys and girls received a blessing. Then, they crossed the bridge. They could not look back. Looking back brought bad luck.
Togetsukyo Bridge is more than just a crossing. It connects us to Kyoto’s past. It offers amazing views. It is a beautiful landmark.