The 1673 bridge, an exact replica of which was rebuilt in 1950 after a typhoon, straddles the formidable Nishiki River and its devastating rising waters. It used to lead to the samurai quarter and, as such, was forbidden to mere mortals, who instead had to take on the river aboard boats. Kintai Bridge is a puzzle of wooden pieces assembled without a single nail, 193m long, 5m wide, and with five humps. You cross it on foot to reach the historical quarter.