Iwakuni's chief claim to fame is the graceful Kintai-kyō, built in 1673 during the rule of feudal lord Kikkawa Hiroyoshi. It has been restored several times since then, most recently in 2003–04, but remains an impressive sight, with Iwakuni-jō just peeping out from atop the green hills behind. In the feudal era only members of the ruling class were allowed to use the bridge, which linked the samurai quarters on the west bank of Nishiki-gawa with the rest of the town. Today, anyone can cross over for a small fee.