Moopon

Most famous for its unique structure of the Kintai-kyo Bridge, Iwakuni (岩国)　is a small city of 150,000 people in Yamaguchi Prefecture.  Among the tourist attractions in Iwakuni are White Snake Park, Iwakuni Castle (built by the Kikkawa family in the early 17th century), Cormorant Fishing, Sanzoku (also known as the Chicken Shack), and so on.

Iwakuni’s local cuisine includes foods such as Iwakuni sushi, unique for being made in a square mold.  A local soup Ohira made with stewed vegetables, wild plants and chicken is quite popular as well.  Iwakuni is also famous for fresh lotus roots which can be stewed, sautéed or made into tempura.

Being blessed by nature, Iwakuni is a beautiful city with its mountains and rivers. The beauty is all year round; however, visitors are particularly recommended to visit Iwakuni in the spring, during the cherry blossom season. The area near Kintai-kyo Bridge is especially breathtaking, with cherry blossom or sakura trees along the banks of the Nishiki River.

Access Information:
From Tokyo :
[Air] 1h 30 mins from Haneda to Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, and 10 mins from the airport to Iwakuni Station by bus.
[Rail] 4h 30 misn from Tokyo via Hiroshima to Shin-Iwakuni Station by JR Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen Line.
From Osaka :
[Rail] 2h 10 mins from Shin-Osaka via Hiroshima to Shin-Iwakuni Station by Shinkansen.
From Hiroshima:
[Rail] 15 mins from Hiroshima to Shin-Iwakuni Station by Shinkansen
[Rail] 50 mins from Hiroshima to Iwakuni Station by Local Train.

Iwakuni Castle (岩国城） located on Shiroyama castle and being half surrounded by a “natural moat,” the Nishiki River, is a mountain castle. Being able to see Kintaikyo Bridge and approaching visitors, the castle, originally built in 1673, was thought to be located in an a most advantageous location.

Iwakuni Castle is associated with the Kikkawa family, who had it built early in the 17th century. However, seven years after its completion, Tokugawa Shogunate ordered its demolition. It was later reconstructed in the middle of the 20th century

Within the castle is a historic museum which displays of samurai swords, armor and other historic memorabilia.  Displays of Kintaikyo Bridge and other famous Japanese bridges can be seen in the museum. From the observation deck on the top floors of the castle, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of Iwakuni city.

Access Information:
5 mins walk to the ropeway station from Kintaikyo Bridge. After disembarking the ropeway, another 5 mins walk to the castle entrance.

Hours: 9:00 to 16:45 (entry until 16:30)
Closed: December 16th to 31st
Admission: 260 yen (castle only)
550 yen (ropeway round trip)
940 yen (castle, ropeway and bridge combination ticket)

Known as one of Japan’s top three great bridges, Kintai-kyo Bridge is Iwakuni’s most famous landmark inviting both domestic and international tourists to partake in its beauty. Located on the foothills of Mount Yokoyama, this completely wooden bridge is made without using any nails. Visitors can enjoy the traditional Japanese beauty this 5 arched bridge presents as they cross-over to the other side of the Nishiki River.

The construction of the Kintai-kyo Bridge, commissioned by Kikkawa Hiroyoshi, the third feudal lord of Iwakuni, began after strong currents demolished a bridge used to cross the Nishiki River. The bridge was completed in 1673 and stood for almost 400 years until a violent typhoon came to Iwakuni in 1950. The current bridge was completed in 1953 by residents, determined to recreate their beloved bridge. 

In the past, only samurais were permitted to cross this bridge.  However, nowadays anyone  is allowed to cross the bridge for a small fee.

Access Information:
*20 mins by bus from Iwakuni station with a cost of 250 yen one way.  Buses are available every 5 to 15 minutes.
*15 mins by bus from Shin-Iwakuni station with a cost of 290 yen one way.  Two or three buses are available every hour.

Hours: Always open
Closed: All Year Round
Admission: 300 yen (round trip)
940 yen (bridge, castle and ropeway combination ticket)

After crossing the Kintai-kyo Bridge, visitors are greeted by the statue of the man who initiated the bridge's construction, Kikkawa Hiroyoshi, the third lord of Iwakuni. In the area behind the statue, there are a number of sites of interest centered around Kikko Park, a spacious park with walking paths, plants and fountains.

Kikko Shrine is the family shrine of Iwakuni's powerful Kikkawa family. The shrine was constructed in 1884, and is situated above the living quarters of the family's former residence.  It was designated as a cultural asset of national importance in 2004.

Kikko Park and its various attractions are located a few steps from Kintai-kyo Bridge.
Buses travel from both Iwakuni Station and Shin-Iwakuni Station to Kintai-kyo bus stop. The trip takes 20 minutes and costs 250 yen from Iwakuni Station (buses every 5-15 minutes), or 15 minutes and 290 yen from Shin-Iwakuni Station (2-3 buses per hour)."

Kikko Shrine
Hours: 7:00 to 17:00
Closed: No closing days
Admission: Free

Nagayamon Gate located Kikko Park, around Kintai-kyo Bridge
This gate belongs to a former samurai residence of the Kagawa family. Because the residence is still used, only the gate can be viewed. The gate is believed to have been built in 1693, and has been well maintained.
It is particularly impressive for its massively thick construction. The home has been declared a tangible cultural property.

Fee:No fee
Closed: Irregular but always seen from street.

Hagi (萩), a former castle town, is located along the coast of the Sea of Japan in Yamaguchi Prefecture.  Historically, it is known as the capital of the Mori Clan which governed Yamaguchi Prefecture for over 250 years.

Hagi is best known for its local Hagiyaki Pottery.  This type of pottery is among the best in Japan.

Hagi is well preserved. With several old samurai and merchant residents still intact, visitors can enjoy this historic town.

By JR Bus
**8-11 round trips per day between Yamaguchi Station and Higashi-Hagi Station. The one-way cost is 1760 yen and the length of the journey is 60 to 80 minutes.
In addition, other bus lines are connected to the Shin-Yamaguchi Station (Sanyo Shinkansen). From Shin-Yamaguchi Station, the one-way cost is 2060 yen and the length of the journey is about 90 minutes.
NOTE: The Japan Rail Pass is valid on these JR buses.

By Bocho Bus
**13-18 round trips per day between Shin-Yamaguchi Station and Higashi-Hagi Station. Note:  The buses do not stop at Yamaguchi Station. The one way cost is 2060 yen and the length of the journey is about 90 minutes.
NOTE:  The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on these buses.

By train
**via JR Sanin Line.  However, it is not convenient as the number of trains per day is low and the service is slow.
From Shimonoseki Station, the local trains costs 1940 yen and the length of the journey is 3 hours.  In addition, there is no direct route, so one or two transfers are required.
Alternatively, from Asa Station on the Sanyo Shinkansen (only via Kodama Shinkansens), you can utilize the JR Mine and Sanin Line (transfer at Nagatoshi).  The cost is 1320 yen and the length of the journey is 2 hours

Iwakuni Art Museum, located on the other side of the Kintai-kyo Bridge in Iwakuni city, Yamaguchi Prefecture, features glassware, samurai armor, ceramics, and the furniture of Iwakuni's feudal lords. 

Once visitors cross the Kintai-kyo Bridge, they will see the statue of Kikkawa Hiroyoshi, the 3rd lord of Iwakuni. Behind Kikkawa’s statue is Kikko Park, a beautiful, spacious area blessed with nature. During the Edo Periods, the residences of the Kikkawa family were located here, in Kikko Park, with relatives living nearby.  As a result, in addition to the fountains and spectacular natural surroundings, Kikko Park contains the ruminants of former samurai residences and museums displaying historic artifacts of this part of Japan.

Iwakuni Art Museum
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (until 16:00 from December to February) 
Closed: Thursdays (if Thursday is a national holiday, the museum will be closed the following day) 
Admission: 800 yen

After crossing the beautifully arched Kintai-kyo Bridge in Iwakuni city, Yamaguchi Prefecture, visitors can see the statue of Kikkawa Hiroyoshi.  Kikkawa, the 3rd lord of Iwakuni, was heavily involved in the construction of the bridge after the original bridge was washed away.

Behind Kikkawa’s statue is Kikko Park, a beautiful, spacious area blessed with nature. During the Edo Periods, the residences of the Kikkawa family were located here, in Kikko Park with relatives living nearby.  As a result, in addition to the fountains and spectacular natural surroundings, Kikko Park contains ruminants of former samurai residences and museums displaying historic artifacts of this part of Japan.
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Mekata Residence
Hours: 9:30 to 16:30
Closed: Mondays (following day if Monday is a national holiday)
Admission: Free
The Mekata Residences belonged to the Mekata family, who were mid-level samurai. Visitors are not permitted to actually enter the residence, but can walk around the property to observe the residences from a short distance away.

Kikkawa Museum, located in Iwakuni Citiy, Yamaguchi Prefecture, displays rare possessions of the Kikkawa family, including documents, swords, and weapons.  Visitors can find this small museum in Kikko Park, on the other side of the Kintai-kyo Bridge.

Once visitors cross the Kintai-kyo Bridge, they will see the statue of Kikkawa Hiroyoshi, the 3rd lord of Iwakuni. Behind Kikkawa’s statue is Kikko Park, a beautiful, spacious area blessed with nature. During the Edo Periods, the residences of the Kikkawa family were located here, in Kikko Park, with relatives living nearby.  As a result, in addition to the fountains and spectacular natural surroundings, former samurai residences and museums displaying historic artifacts of this part of Japan are located here, in Kikko Park.

Kikkawa Museum
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Closed: Wednesdays (if Wednesday is a national holiday, the museum will be closed the following day)
Admission: 500 yen