6 Things to Do in Iwakuni that Can’t be Missed
Iwakuni is a city in Yamaguchi Prefecture, just south of the city of Hiroshima. Iwakuni is most known for the Kintai Bridge and Iwakuni Castle. For Japan standards, Iwakuni is a relatively small city but it has everything any big city has. In Iwakuni you can find great restaurants, a lively nightlife, and world-class attractions. We lived in Iwakuni for 1.5 years and explored the area heavily. Whether you are visiting for a weekend, currently live in Iwakuni, or have plans to move here, below are 6 of my most recommended things to do in Iwakuni.
Ichinotakiji Temple is definitely one of Iwakuni’s hidden gems. I have never heard of anyone mention this temple and can find little to no information regarding this temple on the internet. Ichinitakiji Temple is a Buddhist Temple tucked away in a small neighborhood in the foothills. There is a beautiful pagoda here on a small hill. Visitors have to walk up a few flights of stairs to get to the pagoda but the best views are across the valley from Ichinotakiji Temple.
I’ve explored many temples in Japan and this is one of my favorites. Outside of the Pagoda, there is a temple here, small waterfall, and several Buddha statues.
2. Hike to the Top of Shiroyama and Visit Iwakuni Castle
Iwakuni Castle sits at the top of Shiroyama. There are two ways to get to the castle, visitors can take several trails to the top or take the ropeway. According to Iwakuni’s Official Tourism Website the hours of operation are 9:00 to 17:00 and the fee is ¥560 round-trip for adults and ¥260 for children. There are discount tickets that can be purchased at the Kintai Bridge, Castle, or Ropeway that include admission to the ridge, castle, and include the ropeway.
Iwakuni Castle was bult in 1601, but it didn’t last long before being taken down. During the Tokugawa Shogunate (military government during the Edo Period), the number of castles were to be limited. There were regulations for castles to include the number of castles per feudal domain. Because of this law, there was conflict with Hiroshima Castle and Iwakuni Castle had to be taken down unfortunately.
Iwakuni Castle was again reconstructed in the 1960’s. The original foundation of the castle is still there, but the new castle was built closer to the cliff simply for aesthetics. Today, the castle is open for visitors. There is a small museum here worthwhile. The hours of operation for Iwakuni Castle are from 9:00 to 16:30 and the admission is ¥260 but might have recently increased to ¥300.
3. Learn More About the White Snakes at Shirohebi Shrine
The Shirohebi (White Snake) is sacred in Iwakuni. The shirohebi is a servant of the God Benzaiten (God of Water). Shirohebi Shrine is a shrine in Iwakuni that is dedicated to the white snakes of Iwakuni, not the band White Snake.
The white snakes of Iwakuni are actually common rat snakes but with albinism. In 1972, Iwakuni made the white snakes a national monument. Their populations have declined for obvious reasons, less mice, human interference, etc..
Shirohebi Shrine was constructed in 2012 in honor of the white snakes and the god Benzaiten. Around the shrine are cages housing live white snakes for viewing. Their enclosures are actually really spacious with lots of vegetation. Visitors can freely walk the grounds, look at the snakes, and don’t miss the Temizuya. Temizuya is a water fountain with ladles used to clean and purify the body before accessing a shrine. This particular temizuya has a shirohebi as the fountain.
4. Take in the Sites and Relax at Kikko Park
One of the most popular things to do in Iwakuni is to spend time at Kikko Park. This vast park lies between the Kintai Bridge and Iwakuni Castle.
Kikko Park has vast green spaces, large water fountains, museums, temples, historic buildings, cafes, and shops. Kikko Park is also one of the best places to visit in Iwakuni during Sakura Season.
Some of my favorite highlights within the park are the Kikko Cormorant Training Facility and Kikko Shrine. There is a White Snake Museum in Kikko Park. The museum has great information on the white snakes but hardly had any snakes on display. The entrance is cheap ¥200, but I feel the exhibits at Shirohebi Shrine are better.
5. Try Delicious and Unusual Ice Cream Flavors
No trip to the Kintai Bridge and Kikko Park is complete without stopping at one of the ice cream shops for a delicious or unusual soft serve ice cream!
After crossing the Kintai Bridge and right before Kikko Park are several ice cream shops. One shop here, Musashi, has 100 flavors of ice cream and they range in flavor from traditional vanilla and chocolate to ramen and soy sauce ice cream flavors.
Choosing a flavor can be overwhelming but there is an English menu available at the shops. I’ve tried ice cream at all the shops, my favorite shop was Sasakiyakojiroshoten. They even serve Cremia ice cream which is my all time favorite soft serve.
In reality all the ice cream shops serve delicious ice cream, so you can’t go wrong with whichever shop you choose.
6. Walk and Photograph the Kintai Bridge
The Kintaikyo or simply Kintai Bridge is Iwakuni’s most prized attractions. The Kintai Bridge is what you see on post cards, travel magazines, advertisements, and so on. For good reason, the Kintai Bridge is absolutely beautiful at the base of Shiroyama surrounded by mountains crossing the Nishiki River.
The Kintai Bridge was built in 1673 and stood for hundreds of years before being destroyed by a typhoon in 1950. When originally completed, this bridge was only crossed by Samurai warriors crossing from town to the castle and Kikko Park area.
What makes the Kintai Bridge so remarkably famous is the five arches that span 200 meters across the Nishiki River. The Kintai is considered as one of Japan’s three most famous bridges along with the Megane Bridge in Nagasaki and Nihonbashi Bridge in Tokyo.
Today, the Kintai Bridge isn’t only for Samurai warriors to cross, but visitors can also walk on the bridge. Since it is a major tourist attraction, there is a fee of ¥310.
**Tip – The Kintai Bridge is technically open 24/7 but there is a ticket booth on both ends open from 8:00 am to 17:00. If you come before these hours, the bridge is open and free to access.
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