Never in my life did I think that an 800-year-old bridge could be so well-preserved, still able to be crossed and admired by younger generations like myself 1. But I guess this is the charm and something unique about Japan—its culture of appreciating and preserving the value of its heritage. This place was deep in the valley to get to, but it was worth checking out, especially for a refreshing break after hiking nearby Mount Tsurugi. I was welcomed by an Ojiichan (おじいちゃん-a Japanese grandfather) while he smoked a cigarette at the ticket counter—a scene you would never see in big cities like Yokohama or Tokyo. Nevertheless, the hospitality here do feels more sincere than in the big cities.
