A 66 cm wide stone bridge with weeping willow trees on the both side of Shirakawa stream
The bridge called, “Ippon-bashi“ Bridge or “Gyoja-bashi” Bridge is located near the famed Chion-in Temple’s old gate at Gion Shirakawa district in Kyoto. Shirakawa stream flows into Kamogawa river with a stream from Lake Biwa.
“Gyoja-bashi” named after Gyoja, ascetic from Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple. They cross this bridge after the ascentic practice of thousand day walk. The bridge is like a finish line to complete their practice. The stone bridge is only 66 cm wide, with a width for only one person to cross. You can rarely see those ascetic crossing the bridge, but you can often see local kids crossing the bridge in a row or crossing over on bicycle to see who’s the bravest.
This bridge is located on the way to Chion-in Temple, Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine from Okazaki Park and Heian Jingu Shrine. It’s a lovely stroll. In summer, green weeping willow trees along Shirakawa stream makes it look more beautiful.
Address : 478 Umemiyachō, Higashiyama-ku, Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu 605-0061
Access : A short walk from Higashiyama Station on the subway Tozai line