10 of the Best Day Trips from Iwakuni
Iwakuni is worth exploring and deserves minimum one day to see all the attractions and sites throughout the city. For others, like me that have lived or currently live in Iwakuni or for visitors that are spending multiple days in Iwakuni there is so much more to do and see outside of Iwakuni. Whether you have a car and love taking road trips or want to hop on a train and explore something new, here are some of the best day trips from Iwakuni. 🇯🇵
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We lived in Iwakuni for over a year and explored both Iwakuni and the surrounding area extensively. The list below includes everything from cities, small towns, cruising around islands, and scenic nature destinations. The order below is based on day trips by distance from Iwakuni from shortest to farthest away.
1. Suooshima
30 Kilometers just south of Iwakuni is Suo Oshima also known as Oshima Island. Oshima Island is a beautiful island known for its mikans (mandarin oranges) 🍊. But Oshima Island isn’t just famous for mikans, it also the sister island of Kauai in Hawaii, because the islands share similarities. In the late 19th century, many islanders from Oshima Island migrated to Hawaii to work on sugar plantations.
There is a road that loops around the island that can be traveled by car or bike 🚲. Along the way there are beautiful beaches to stop at, shrines, and amazing overlooks. There are several delicious cafes and restaurants on the island but make sure to check times before coming because they are on island time.
For more information on Oshima Island I have a post dedicated to Cycling Around Suo Oshima outlining the route I took, stops made, and places/restaurants visited. Suo Oshima is an island full of beauty and deserves at least a half day if not a full day to visit.
2. Yanai
Just passed Oshima Island is the cute town of Yanai, known for their fish lanterns and soy sauce. Yanai is about 31-34 kilometers from Iwakuni depending on the route driven and takes about 45 minutes to get there by car or train. There is a JR Line that goes to Yanai from Iwakuni Station or you can drive straight down Hwy 188 until you reach Yanai.
Although a small town, Yanai does not have its shortages of attractions and things to do. About 1 Kilometer from the train station is Shirakabe No Machi, which is the historic district of Yanai dating back to the Edo Period. Here you can find cute shops, small restaurants, and museums.
It is highly recommended to visit the Sagawa Soy Sauce Factory. Here, you can view the traditional ways in which soy sauce is made. The methods used here today haven’t changed since the 1830’s. Visitors can walk the factory, learn about the process and history of the factory, and see how it is being made. Of course, there is a shop here and you can buy the various soy sauce products sold here.
No trip to Yanai is complete without making your own Kingyo Chouchin. Kingyo Chouchin is the famous paper goldfish lanterns hung throughout town. You can buy premade goldfish lanterns in various shops around town, but at Yanai-Nishigura right across from the Sagawa Soy Sauce Factory you can make your own gold fish lantern. The people working at Yanai-Nishigura are always very friendly and show you how to make the goldfish lanterns. You can then sit down and make your own from scratch. It’s a fun experience and the gold fish lanterns make for great gifts and souvenirs.
For more information on Yanai and tourist attractions here, check out the Yanai City Website.
3. Miyajima
About half way between Iwakuni and Hiroshima is Miyajima. Officially names Itsukushima but everyone calls this island Miyajima. Miyajima is an island only accessible by ferry. Once on the island, traveling on foot is the easiest way to get around and see all the sites. Miyajima is considered one of Japan’s most popular destinations and is listed as one of Japan’s Top 3 scenic sites. The famous Floating Torii Gate and Itsukushima Shrine are a UNESCO World Heritage Site ⛩. Unfortunately, the entire time I was in Iwakuni and even today (2022) the floating gate has been under scaffolding due to renovations.
It is recommended if coming to the island to go to the peak of Mt. Disen. There are several ways to get to the top, there are various hiking paths that lead to the top but for some that do not wish to hike, there is a beautiful ropeway. Once at the top, there are a few shrines and temples, but for me the views of Hiroshima Bay and the surrounding area make a hike to the top worth every step!
Miyajima, like Nara is known for the deer that wander the island. For the most part, the deer do not fear nor do they bother the humans on the island. But they ill walk amongst crowds and try and eat street food whenever possible.
Other attractions around Miyajima that are worth visiting is Daishoin Buddhist Temple, Toyokuni Shrine and the five-storied Pagoda, and the Public Aquarium. It is also recommended to walk the downtown area, stop in some shops and try sample local food at the many street vendors.
For a more in depth read on Miyajima, check out my post on Miyajima Island
4. Mikawa Mu Valley
Let your inner Indiana Jones out at the Mikawa Mu Valley. The adventure begins about a 40 minute drive west of Iwakuni. This old mine was repurposed into an adventurous attraction for people of all ages. There are various themes inside the cave all with various puzzles to solve before proceeding deeper into the cave. In reality, you can walk the mine without doing any of the puzzles and still exit, but it’s so much fun to act like a kid again and use your imagination. You might get wet inside the cave as there are waterfalls, ponds, and even small streams to cross.
The entrance price was a bit steep for what it was at ¥1980 for adults and ¥990 for children. But it’s worth doing at least once while in Iwakuni. There is also a restaurant across the street that makes really good curry. Before leaving, a quick drive from Mikawa Mu Valley is a tiny shrine with a Buddha Statue that turned to stone after becoming one with a stalactite.
5. Hiroshima
Hiroshima City is just about 42 kilometers north of Iwakuni. It’s easily accessible by car or train. Personally, I prefer taking the train. It’s cheap, convenient, and you don’t have to worry about parking.
Hiroshima is a huge city, it deserves multiple days but you can see most of the main attractions in a single day. There is no avoiding the subject when it comes to Hiroshima, so let’s get it out the way. Yes, everyone needs to see the Atomic Bomb Dome and visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Although tragic, these sites are incredibly well done and informational.
Hiroshima is so much more then it’s WWII history. I highly recommend visiting Hiroshima Castle 🏯, strolling Hondori Street, going to Mitaki Temple, and going to Shukkien (Japanese Garden).
The food scene in Hiroshima is spectacular. You can find everything here from Turkish restaurants to German bakeries. But if I were to recommend one dish in Hiroshima, that would be to try Okonomiyaki. Okonomiyaki is a mixture of ingredients layered on top of each other and cooked right in front of you. It’s delicious and one of my favorite Japanese foods.
For more information on Hiroshima City and Okonomiyaki, check out my post on What to See and Do in Hiroshima.
6. Tsuwano
About 85 Kilometers from Iwakuni is the picture perfect mountain town of Tsuwano located in Shimane Prefecture. This is one of the prettiest small towns I’ve been to throughout Japan and is well worth a trip from Iwakuni. The drive to Tsuwano through the mountains is gorgeous in itself.
Once at Tsuwano, much of the town can be explored by foot. But prior to going into town, I recommend visiting the castle ruins. There is a chair lift that goes up to the ruins or people of the more adventurous type can hike to the top. The ruins have been here since 1325 but like many other castles in Japan it was demolished but many of the original walls still stand. The views from the ruins are worth it, you get incredible views of Tsuwano and the surrounding mountains.
I’d also recommend making a stop at Taikodani Inari-jinja Shrine before spending the rest of the day in town. This shrine has several Torii gates leading to and from the shrine.
After a visit to the castle ruins and Taikodani Inari Shrine it is time to explore Tonomachi, the main district in Tsuwano. This cute street is lined with old samurai houses and canals full of carp. In town, you can find an abundance of restaurants and shops.
7. Yamaguchi City
Yamaguchi City is located in central Yamaguchi Prefecture. Just under an hour and a half drive from Iwakuni, Yamaguchi City deserves a full day of exploration.
Yamaguchi City has modern stores like Mont Bell and UNIQLO but also has ancient temples and historical districts. My #1 recommendation for visiting Yamaguchi City is to go straight to Rurikoji Temple and visit the Ruriko-ji Five Story Pagoda. The temple grounds here are magnificent and the mirrored image of the pagoda in the pond below is something out of a fairy-tale. There are other shrines around the city I’d recommend visiting, but if you only have time for one, make sure it’s Rurikoji.
Yamaguchi City also has an arcade style street with fun shops and decent restaurants. If you so happen to be in Yamaguchi City on a Sunday, check out the Flea Market at Kameyama Park, it’s full of vendors selling everything imaginable.
8. Akiyoshidai Quasi National Park and Akiyoshido Cave
In the mood for something other then visiting cities and small towns and need a nature escape? Then check out Akiyoshidai Quasi National Park and Akiyoshido Cave. This national park is in the city of Mine and is considered the largest karst area in Japan and Akiyoshido Cave is Japan’s biggest and longest cave.
Akiyoshidai Quasi National Park is above the cave and consists of numerous hiking trails through small forests and open meadows. There are grass burning ceremonies here that occur in February. I was unable to make any of the festivals but I am sure it’s a unique and exciting sight to see.
Visiting Akiyoshido Cave can be done either before or after exploring Akiyoshidai Quasi National Park. There is an entrance fee to the cave of ¥1200. As of now, the cave is 9 kilometers long although visitors can only walk on a 1 kilometer designated path.
9. Hagi
Hagi, one of my favorite towns in all of Japan is located in north-western Yamaguchi Prefecture. We’ve done both day trips and overnight trips to Hagi. There is so much to see in this town and the surrounding area.
I have a dedicated post for Visiting Hagi that lists out all my recommendations on what to do and see in and around Hagi.
I like to start my trip to Hagi on Mount Kasayama and then exploring the Camellia Groves at the base of the mountain. The Camellia Groves is a forest unlike anything I’ve seen, it’s so beautiful and unique.
Afterwards I recommend heading to town but make a side trip to Tokoji Temple. Tokoji Temple is definitely in my Top 5 Temples in all of Japan. This is a family temple of the Mori Clan. In the back of the temple are 500 stone lanterns and tombs of samurai warriors and Mori Lords.
I recommend an hour at Tokoji Temple. Afterwards, there is enough time to check out Hagi’s castle town and the castle ruins. Again, like many other castles in Japan, Hagi Castle was demolished and only the castle walls and moat stand today.
In case you want to spend more time in the area or break up the day, there are many other sites around Hagi that area a must. I highly recommend visiting Motonosumi Inari Shrine and Tsunoshima (main photo for this post).
10. Shimonoseki
The farthest day trip from Iwakuni that I recommend is a trip to Shimonoseki. It’s 164 kilometers in distance and just over 2 hours of driving.
Shimonoseki is a hidden gem that many people have never heard of outside of Japan. Shimonoseki is the largest city in Yamaguchi Prefecture and is at the southern tip of the Honshu Island of Japan.
Once arriving in Shimonoseki, head straight to the Karato Market 🍣. This market tends to get busy so go early. You can find some of Japan’s freshest and finest seafood here. Shimonoseki’s claim to fame is Fugu, which is the very cute yet deadly pufferfish. You can try fugu in several forms to include sashimi, sushi, and tempura. I’ve had fugu several times, my lips usually tingle but to this day, I am still alive! Browse the market, view what is being served, and come up with a plan! You can choose random items from several vendors, then go eat outside on the lawn and go back to the market for seconds, or thirds, or even fourths! A little of a sensitive and controversial subject, but Kujira (whale) is also served around Shimonoseki to include Karato Market. Visitors can get Kujira served in many forms as well to include raw or cooked. We don’t judge here!
Outside of Karato Market, I recommend a visit to Akama Shrine. This shrine is spectacular to look at with its bright red gate and and exterior. Another popular attraction is to walk the Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel. This is a 780 meter long pedestrian tunnel that was built under the sea. At one point in the tunnel you can be in both Honshu and Kyushu. The entrance to the tunnel is free and there is an elevator to the tunnel.
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Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇯🇵
Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖
For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com
Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁
Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.
In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘
I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Train Travel 🚂 🚊
For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site.
2 Comments
Peggy
Absolutely beautiful pictures and such great variety of things to see. You could explore forever and not get bored!
zimminaround
Thank you! We loved exploring mainland Japan. There was always something going on and yes, so much to see.