The name of this bridge, Mumyo in Japanese and Avidyā in Sanskrit, is commonly interpreted as meaning “delusion or ignorance” in Buddhist theology. The Diamond Sutra, an ancient Buddhist scripture in which the Buddha teaches his disciple Subhuti about the doctrine of emptiness, is carved on the back of this bridge. People believe that crossing this bridge will purge their sins and allow them to be reborn in the Pure Land of Amida.

* This English-language text was created by the Japan Tourism Agency.