MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- For over 300 years, the Kintai Bridge has stood, fallen and been rebuilt again and again. Located in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, the five-arched bridge stands at 22 feet high, 16 feet wide and is approximately 230 yards in length.
It is one of the three most famous bridges on the island of Japan, which was completed in 1673 over the Nishiki River.
But due to high water that runs through the river, the wooden bridge was always washed away. Since it's conception, the Kintai Bridge has undergone extensive rebuilding.
The longest the bridge has stayed the same was for 276 years, which then fell in 1950 due to a typhoon. It was rebuilt three years later.
Forty-nine years later, the Kintai Bridge underwent another cosmetic construction.
The city of Iwakuni, along with the Iwakuni Tourist Association and the Iwakuni Chamber of Commerce, hosted a festival inviting all residents to celebrate the completion of the recent renovation to the bridge, March 19 through Sunday at the Kintai Bridge.
Thousands of visitors, of all races and colors, attended the Kintai Bridge Dream Fiesta '04. The event was over two years in the making.
The remodeling of the bridge began November 2001. Construction began with the center of the bridge, the third arch. It was completed April 2002. On November 2002, work began on the fourth and fifth arch. The work was completed April 2003. Finally, work on the first and second arch began November 2003 and was completed in March.
The three-day long event began March 19 at 4 p.m. with a symposium on the bridges and why the Kintai Bridge stands out as playing a pivotal role in the popularity of Iwakuni.
At 6:30 p.m., the dusky evening was set on fire with the Kintai Bridge Light Up ceremony. Lights surrounded the historical bridge and emitted throughout the river.
On Saturday morning, the day began with the Commemorative Tree Planting ceremony. It symbolized a rebirth of a new beginning, according to Hideo Tetsumoto, Iwakuni local.
The opening of the bridge immediately followed the tree planting ceremony. Thousands of people formed into a line to cross the famed bridge. Before anyone could cross the bridge, the myriad of people first signed a logbook to document the historical venture.
Throughout the day, performances took place as part of the celebration. The shows included a musket performance, a drum beating ceremony, folk performances and the Yosakoi Dance Festival.
The following day, Sunday, festivities began at 10 a.m. with the Taketonbo Contest. It is a contest of flying, traditional Japanese toys.
A concert took place at the very end of the three-day festival, which included opera vocalist Ken Nishikiori, composer and synthesizer performer Naoki Nishimura, and special guest Japanese drum player Kensaku Sato.
American born Dave Koike, 34, visiting family in Iwakuni, enjoyed the sights that the Kintai had to offer.
"The last time I was here, I was in my late teens and I vaguely remember the Kintai Bridge being this popular," admitted Koike. "But now, seeing everything and everyone here and it being a big part of Iwakuni, I am happy and proud to say this is my home."