Bridge · Horikawa / Nishijin
Ichijo Modoribashi Bridge 一条戻橋
A small bridge over the Horikawa with a 1,200-year legend: the crossing of spirits, demons and the onmyoji Abe no Seimei, just south of Seimei Shrine.
About
Ichijo Modoribashi was built in 794 at the northern edge of the new capital, Heian-kyo, where Ichijo-oji crossed the Horikawa. It has been rebuilt many times on the same spot, most recently in 1995. Its name, "returning bridge", comes from the legend of a scholar's son whose prayers on the bridge briefly brought his father back to life; other tales tell of Watanabe no Tsuna cutting off a demon's arm here and Abe no Seimei hiding his shikigami spirits beneath it. Brides traditionally avoid crossing it. A replica of the old bridge stands at nearby Seimei Shrine.
Highlights
- Heian-period crossing site dating from 794
- Legends of Abe no Seimei, demons and the dead returning
- Replica of the old bridge at Seimei Shrine
- Quiet Horikawa canal walkway below
Tips
- Combine with Seimei Shrine, 2 min north on Horikawa-dori.
- Walk the restored Horikawa waterway path below the bridge.
- Kyoto custom: wedding parties avoid crossing here so the bride does not "return".
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09
Save Ichijo Modoribashi Bridge to your trip, see reviews and photos from travelers, and get directions.
Open in the appNearby
- Seimei ShrineShrine · 140 m away
- JittokuLive Music & Karaoke · 590 m away
- Kyoto Imperial PalaceCastle & Palace · 950 m away
- Kyoto Gyoen National GardenPark · 1.2 km away
- Kyoto State Guest HouseCastle & Palace · 1.3 km away
- Funaoka OnsenOnsen & Sento · 1.4 km away
- Nijo CastleCastle & Palace · 1.4 km away
- Sento Imperial PalaceCastle & Palace · 1.4 km away