Iwakuni Castle was built by Kikkawa Hiroie during the late Edo Period, from 1601 to 1608, and dismantled only 7 years later due to the new Meiji government's "one castle per province" rule. The present reconstruction of the main keep dates from 1962 and it's located near the old emplacement on top of Mount Shiroyama, from where visitors can enjoy impressive views of the Kintai-kyo Bridge and the Nishiki River.
Kikko Park is a pleasant and spacious park, featuring walking paths, flower gardens and fountains, located at the other end of Kintai-kyo bridge and at the foot of Mount Shiroyama. At its entrance one can find a statue of Hiroyoshi Kikkawa, the feudal lord who initiated the construction of the bridge.
These rare albino white snakes are unique to Iwakuni City and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. In this small museum house, visitors can see a few snakes in captivity and learn about them. They are designated as natural monuments of Japan.
JR Hiroshima Station
Sanyo Shinkansen
15 min.
760¥
Shin Iwakuni Station
Iwakuni City Bus
15 min.
280¥
Kintaikyo
Kintai-kyo bus stop is located next to the bridge and Kikko Park at the other side of the river. To access Iwakuni castle a ropeway is available from Kikko Park to the top of Mount Shiroyama, with a cost of 540Yen for a round trip.
A combination ticket including the fees for Kintai-kyo bridge, the ropeway and Iwakuni castle can be purchased for 930Yen at the entrance of the bridge.