West Nikko- Shinkyu Bridge, Nikko Shinko Church, Nihon Romantic Highway
The area West of Nikko's town center has many sights. The Nihon Romantic Highway passes by. Shinkyo Bridge (the Sacred Bridge) is an ancient bridge, that is one of the most famous bridges in Japan and symbols of Nikko. It is a red wooden bridge crossing the Daiya River. It is part of the Futarasan Shrine. According to the legend, Shodo Shonin crossed the river on the backs of two huge snakes on this spot. The bridge was originally built in 1636 for the shogun but it was destroyed by a flood. Today's bridge is from 1907. It is not allowed to walk on the bridge. Near the bridge is Nikko Shinko Church (True Light Church), a gothic stone church, that is one of the few churches in Nikko and the oldest chapel in the Northern Kanto region. There are many Buddhist Shrines and Temples (world heritages by UNESCO)in the green West part of Nikko, originally founded by Monk Shodo Shonin. These are presented on a separate page.
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