Nikko Shinkyo Bridge
About the Shinkyo Bridge Camera
The Shinkyo is the vermilion bridge that stands at the entrance to Nikko's shrine and temple district, spanning the Daiya River where the road turns up toward Toshogu. It belongs to Futarasan Shrine, which runs this camera, and it is the first thing most visitors to Nikko photograph.
The bridge is counted among Japan's most unusual bridges and forms part of the Shrines and Temples of Nikko, inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 1999. For most of its history it was closed to ordinary traffic and crossed only by imperial messengers and pilgrims; today visitors can walk onto it for a fee.
Nikko is a mountain town and the camera shows it. The Daiya runs fast and cold below the bridge, the surrounding slopes turn through some of the most famous autumn colour in Japan during October and November, and the red of the bridge against winter snow is the picture the town is known for.
Highlights & Nearby
- •Watch for: autumn colour in October and November, the bridge against winter snow, the Daiya River in spate after rain
- •Nearby: Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, Rinnoji, Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls
- •Note: part of the Shrines and Temples of Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Shinkyo bridge camera live?
Yes. Nikko Futarasan Shrine streams the bridge continuously.
What is the Shinkyo?
The sacred vermilion bridge over the Daiya River at the entrance to Nikko's shrine district, belonging to Futarasan Shrine.
Is it a World Heritage site?
Yes, as part of the Shrines and Temples of Nikko, inscribed by UNESCO in 1999.
When is the best time to watch?
Mid-October to November for Nikko's autumn colour, or winter for the red bridge against snow.
