井手浦橋

“Look at that bridge! It’s like something out of a movie,” a fellow traveler exclaimed, pointing towards a picturesque structure spanning a serene river. They were right. That bridge, the Togetsukyo Bridge, is a star. It has graced countless films and TV shows, transporting viewers to a different era in Japan. Right before you, the Togetsukyo Bridge extends its 155 meters across the Katsura River, connecting us to the heart of Arashiyama. This isn’t the original bridge, though. The first bridge on this site was constructed all the way back in 836. The Togetsukyo Bridge we see today, with its reinforced concrete pillars hidden beneath a facade of cypress wood, was completed in 1934. The name “Togetsukyo” translates to “Moon Crossing Bridge,” and it originates from a charming tale. Emperor Kameyama, while enjoying a moonlit boat party, remarked that the moon appeared to be gliding across the bridge. The image stuck, and the name was born. Over the centuries, the Togetsukyo Bridge has been more than just a river crossing. It’s a vantage point to witness the seasonal beauty of Arashiyama, from the blush of cherry blossoms in spring to the fiery tapestry of maple leaves in autumn. During summer evenings, it offers a front-row seat to the ancient tradition of Cormorant fishing. Each crossing is a step back in time, a journey through history, art, and the enduring spirit of Kyoto.