Togetsukyo Bridge

Wednesday, September 16, 2020 Updated

Kyoto Togestukyo Bridge | The Moon Crossing the Night Sky

Togetsukyo Bridge is a popular spot to enjoy Arashiyama's scenery in Kyoto. Built in 836 and rebuilt in 1934, the Togetsukyo Bridge embodies the dynamic relationship of Japan's art and aesthetics. During the evening, you can see the sunset over Arashiyama from the bridge. During the Spring months, the hills seen from the bridge are covered in wonderful shades of pink and white thanks to the blooming cherry blossoms. During the fall, the same hills are covered in gorgeous red, yellow, and orange leaves. During the cherry blossom seasons, the bridge is often lit up for a wonderful sight. Interestingly, while the bridge appears to be the same as it was in 836, the current bridge was rebuilt using steel while still copying the structure of the original bridge. The reinforced steel ensures the bridge will stand much longer than if it were made of only wood.

The name of Togetsukyo Bridge is said to have stemmed from the appearance of the Moon where Emperor Kameyama moves over the bridge. The characters used to write Togetsukyo are split into two characters. "To" means crossing and "getsu" means moon, or literally Crossing Moon Bridge ("kyo" is Japanese for bridge). The name is a poetic allusion to the moon crossing the night sky and the bridge continues to be a very popular tourist destination.