Iwakuni Travel Tips

Recommended

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1 of 1 in Yamaguchi Prefecture

Iwakuni (岩国), a charming city in southeastern Yamaguchi Prefecture, is famed for the stunning Kintai-kyo Bridge. This historic five-arched bridge, a marvel year-round, is especially captivating in early April, when cherry blossoms create a magical backdrop. Visitors can stroll along the riverbanks, soaking in the serene beauty and seasonal colors.

Iwakuni also boasts a reconstructed Edo-period castle atop a scenic hill, offering panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Just a short trip from Hiroshima, Iwakuni invites travelers to experience its blend of feudal history and natural splendor.

Getting around

In Iwakuni, there are two main train stations: Iwakuni Station in the city center for local trains, and Shin-Iwakuni Station on the outskirts for shinkansen. The famous Kintai-kyo Bridge is located between them, about 5 km from each station, and is easiest to reach by bus or taxi.

Buses run every 10–20 minutes from Iwakuni Station (15 mins, 300 yen), and 1–2 times per hour from Shin-Iwakuni Station (15 mins, 350 yen). Most of Iwakuni’s top sights are close to the bridge, including Iwakuni Castle, which you can reach by ropeway. The two stations are also connected by the Nishikigawa Railway (15 mins, 420 yen), but this ride is not fully covered by JR passes due to partial non-JR tracks.