The Togetsukyo Bridge was named after Emperor Kameyama (亀山天皇, Kameyama-tennō), while on a party on a boat on the river in the 1200s, thought that it looked like the moon was crossing over the bridge. The bridge is popular for its traditional wooden design spanning 155m, it is a favorite filming spot for historic films set in Japan. The first bridge was built in 836, with the current bridge built in 1934, with reinforced concrete beams despite its wooden appearance.
As one crosses the bridge, you can get a sense of the vastness of the Katsura River, as you watch the river flow down the rocky riverbed into the distance on the east side. On the west side of the bridge, you can see the Kadono Ōi (葛野大堰), a small dam that spans the river, creating a mini-waterfall that runs across the entire width of the river, making for a beautiful photo.
During summer nights, from July to September, you can also watch the traditional cormorant fishing along the river. Fisherman on a wooden boat would use a large burning lamp for illumination, while cormorant birds on leashes would dive into the water catching fish. If you are visiting at the right time of year, it’s an interesting practice that should not be missed.
