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Iwakuni Castle was built in 1608, at the beginning of the Edo Period. The site of the castle was chosen for its natural defensive advantages on top of Mount Shiroyama and half surrounded by a natural moat, the Nishiki River. The castle keep is four stories high, and looks out onto the city 200 meters below. Probably a source of considerable frustration for those who built it, the original castle lasted only slightly longer than the time it took to construct it. Being built over the course of five years, the castle was torn down by decree of the shogun a mere seven years after its completion. The present reconstruction dates from 1962, and has already outlasted the original castle by a considerable factor. It is a ferro-concrete construction, and inside displays samurai swords, armor and other items related to the castle's history. There are also displays on Kintai-kyo Bridge and other famous bridges across Japan. View from Iwakuni Castle onto the city Any Questions? Ask them in our question forum.

How to get there

A ropeway provides access to Iwakuni Castle. The ropeway's lower station can be reached in a five minute walk from the Kintai-kyo Bridge, while the castle is another five minute walk from the ropeway's upper station. Buses travel from both Iwakuni Station and Shin-Iwakuni Station to Kintai-kyo bus stop. The trip takes 20 minutes and costs 240 yen from Iwakuni Station (buses every 5-15 minutes), or 15 minutes and 280 yen from Shin-Iwakuni Station (buses every 30 minutes). How to get to and around Iwakuni

Hours and Fees

Hours: 9:00 to 16:45 (entry until 16:30) Closed: December 16 to 31 Admission: 260 yen (castle only) 540 yen (ropeway round trip) 930 yen (castle, ropeway and bridge combination ticket)

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News and Reports

April 7, 2011 Iwakuni Cherry Blossom Report by scott April 4, 2011 Iwakuni Report by AlexRowan