Kintaikyo Bridge Festival

Annual festival held at the famous Kintaikyo Bridge in Iwakuni.

The highlight of the event is a reenactment of the departure of the local daimyo, or lord, and his entourage for of Edo, a requirement of the sankin kotai system imposed by the Tokugawa Shogunate. The parade of men and women dressed in colorful period costume usually cross the bridge at around 2pm.

The parades are followed by a demonstration of the firing of antique matchlock guns by local volunteers dressed in Edo Era armor and Japanese taiko drumming.

You’ll find other demonstrations and performances, all the usual food and drink stalls common at Japanese festivals and one of the biggest antique markets in the region.

More about the Kintai Bridge Festival here.

2025 Kintai Bridge Festival Program of Events

09:00-09:30 Feudal lord’s memorial ceremony at Kikko Shrine

10:00-14:00 People will in period dress will gather in the vicinity of Kintai Bridge.

13:00 & 14:30 Samurai matchlock rifle demonstration on the riverside below the bridge.

12:50-14:00 Nanjo Odori kids’ parade

13:00-15:00 Spear bearers parade

13:30-15:30 Daimyo (feudal lord) parade

14:00-14:30 Taiko drum performance on the riverside below the bridge

09:00-16:00 Antique market (April 28 & 29)
10:00-14:00 Tea ceremony
10:00-10:30 Karate demonstration in Kikko Park
10:00-14:30 Honmachi Enjya performance on Honmachi St
12:30-14:30 Bon dance performance on Honmachi St