The mysteries of the Shinkyo Bridge, symbol of Nikko

The Shinkyo Bridge, also known as a symbol of Nikko, holds mysteries that have remained unsolved from its origins to the present day.
Do you know about them?
The Shinkyo Bridge is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Toshogu Shrine, and is a popular tourist spot not only for its legendary status but also for its scenic beauty, attracting foreign tourists.

I will not only explore the legends and history of the Shinkyo Bridge but also delve into three intriguing mysteries. As a Japanese student who has visited Nikko, I will explain the experiences I had there. Please stay tuned till the end.

[Origin of the Legend]

The history of the Shinkyo Bridge dates back to the Nara period when the monk Shodo visited Nikko.

In the latter half of the Nara period, Shodo intended to climb Mt. Nantai, which had long been believed to house deities, to pray for peace in the country and for its people.

In the year 766, while en route to Mt. Nantai, he reached the Daiya River, which flowed along the way but faced difficulty crossing its rapid currents. In desperation, Shodo prayed, upon which a deity appeared on the north side of the river.

This deity introduced himself as the Great Deity of Deep Sands (Jinja Daio) and released two snakes, which bridged the riverbanks, allowing Shodo to cross.

This is the legend, preceding Shodo's ascent of Mt. Nantai and the construction of numerous temples and shrines that eventually became the World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Nikko."

Consequently, the Shinkyo Bridge holds special significance for Nikko.

[History of the Shinkyo Bridge]

Although surrounded by legend, the Shinkyo Bridge was recorded in travelogues dating back to the Muromachi period and was widely known throughout Japan.

A significant turning point occurred in the 13th year of the Kanei era (1636), when Tokugawa Iemitsu renovated the Toshogu Shrine into a magnificent structure, evolving the Shinkyo Bridge from a simple suspension bridge to its current form with stone piers and vibrant vermilion color.

Since then, the bridge came to be known as "Shinkyo," and access for the general public was restricted. To facilitate crossings for ordinary people, a bridge named "Karibashi" was constructed downstream, eventually becoming the endpoint of the Nikko Kaido, known as the Nikko Bridge.

[Changes in the Number of Bridges]

In the 26th year of the Meiji era (1893), a horse-drawn railway was laid to transport copper from the Ashio Copper Mine.

To traverse the Daiya River, another bridge named "Asahibashi," painted blue, was erected.

This created a rare sight of three bridges near the Shinkyo area: the vermilion Shinkyo Bridge, the white Karibashi, and the blue Asahibashi.

However, a calamity struck in the 35th year of the Meiji era (1902), when all these bridges were washed away by a flood caused by a typhoon. Reconstruction efforts began in 1904 and were completed in 1907, reducing the number of bridges to two, as Karibashi was rebuilt as a wide iron structure to accommodate the horse-drawn railway, merging with Asahibashi to become the Nikko Bridge.

In 1910, the horse-drawn railway was replaced by the Nikko Electric Railway, which played a significant role in transporting copper from the Ashio Copper Mine and facilitating tourist movement.

In 1944, towards the end of the Pacific War, a bridge was constructed between the Shinkyo Bridge and the Nikko Bridge to allow smooth turns for the Nikko Electric Railway.

[Current Appearance]

With the advent of the automobile era in 1962, traffic increased significantly, leading to the widening of the Nikko Bridge.

In 1968, with the discontinuation of the Nikko Electric Railway, the bridge designated for it was demolished, resulting in the current landscape with two bridges.

In 1972, the general public was permitted to cross the Shinkyo Bridge, marking the first time in 336 years.

The Shinkyo Bridge is well-known among tourists from overseas, often serving as a backdrop for photographs or capturing the serene scenery with the distant mountains. At night, the bridge is illuminated, offering a picturesque view of tranquility.

[Three Mysteries]

The Shinkyo Bridge harbors enigmatic mysteries.

Let me introduce three, and I would be glad if you could contemplate them together.

1. Who originally built the bridge?

While the story of Shodo's crossing is a famous legend, it is uncertain if it reflects historical reality. Perhaps there was a simpler bridge existing earlier, and the narrative of Shodo's crossing was added later? This speculation arises from the various methods available for crossing the river.

2. Could there have been alternative methods of crossing?

While Shodo prayed for the river to subside, it might have been more practical for him to wait for the current to calm or to seek a narrower point upstream. The significance of the episode might have been the miracle occurring at that specific location in Nikko.

3. What do the raging currents and the two snakes symbolize?

The appearance of two snakes when Shodo attempted to cross the Daiya River might signify something beyond literal interpretation.

In the Nara period, Buddhism had just been introduced from China, intertwining with the indigenous Shinto beliefs. Shodo's visit to Nikko to attain enlightenment might not have been as well-received as it is believed today.

Therefore, his portrayal as a miraculous monk who merged both Shinto and Buddhist ideologies might have helped gain acceptance and support from the locals. While the symbolism of the snakes remains a mystery, it could be interpreted as part of the narrative to establish Shodo's divine connection.

Despite lingering questions like "Why snakes?", it is my interpretation that the episode of Shodo's miracle was more crucial than his actual crossing of the river.

The legend of the Shinkyo Bridge might have been conceived to garner trust and cooperation from the locals, leading to the construction of temples and shrines in the vicinity. Next time you visit the beautiful Shinkyo Bridge, ponder over the mysteries from 1200 years ago. Thank you for reading. I will continue to introduce Nikko to everyone.