Shinkyo (Sacred Bridge), Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture

Legend has it that the bridge is located on the spot where a Buddhist priest on a pilgrimage through the area was carried across the Daiya River by two serpents. There had been a wooden arched bridge on the site for centuries, but the current bridge, built in 1636, is considered to be one of the most beautiful structures in Japan, and employed cutting edge technology and engineering for its day. It is covered in a red laquer finish with elaborate gilt metal hardware and supported by massive stone piers and lintels. During the Edo period (17-19th century) it could only be used by high ranking people – samurai, aristocrats and members of the court, and until 1973 it was still not open to the general public. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

Japan Guide: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3814.html