After crossing the Kintaikyo Bridge, visitors are greeted by the statue of the man who initiated the bridge's construction, Kikkawa Hiroyoshi (1621-1679), the third lord of Iwakuni. In the area behind the statue, there are a number of sites of interest centered around Kikko Park (‹gŒö‰€, Kikkō Kōen), a spacious park with walking paths, plants and fountains.
During the Edo Period (1603-1868), the residences of the ruling Kikkawa family were located where Kikko Park now stands, and the retainers of the ruling family were located nearby. Because of this, the area is now blessed with former samurai residences and museums featuring historic artifacts.
Museums
Choko-kan Museum
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30) Closed: Mondays (or next day if Mon is a holiday), New Year, between exhibitions Admission: Free Typical visit duration: 20 minutes
This museum focuses on articles of everyday life of past centuries, but also features some scroll paintings and displays on Kintaikyo Bridge.
Kikkawa Museum
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30) Closed: Wednesdays (or following day if Wednesday is a holiday), New Year Admission: 500 yen Typical visit duration: 10-15 minutes
This small museum displays the possessions of the Kikkawa family, which includes documents, swords and other weapons.
Kashiwabara Museum
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (until 16:00 from December to February) Closed: Infrequent, irregular closures Admission: 800 yen Typical visit duration: 30 minutes
Formerly known as the Iwakuni Art Museum, this museum displays an art collection that includes glassware, samurai armor, ceramics and the furniture of Iwakuni's feudal lords. It is named after the family who owns the collection.
Residences
Mekada Residence
Hours: 9:30 to 16:30 Closed: Mondays (or following day if Monday is a national holiday), New Year Admission: Free Typical visit duration: 10 minutes
This former residence belonged to the Mekada family, who were mid-level samurai. Visitors cannot actually enter the residence, but can walk around it and observe it from a few steps away.
Nagayamon Gate
This gate belongs to a former samurai residence of the Kagawa family. Because the residence is still used, only the gate can be viewed. The gate is believed to have been built in 1693, and has been well maintained.
Other attractions
White Snake Museum
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 Closed: Infrequent, irregular closures Admission: 200 yen Typical visit duration: 20 minutes
These rare albino serpents are local to Iwakuni and can be viewed at this museum in Kikko Park across the ropeway station. The snakes are believed to bring good fortune.
Kikko Shrine
Hours: 7:00 to 17:00 Closed: No closing days Admission: Free Typical visit duration: 5-10 minutes
Kikko Shrine is the family shrine of Iwakuni's powerful Kikkawa family. The shrine was constructed in 1884 and is situated above the living quarters of the family's former residence.
Getting there and around
Kikko Park and its various attractions are located a few steps from Kintaikyo Bridge.
Buses travel from both Iwakuni Station and Shin-Iwakuni Station to Kintaikyo bus stop. The trip takes 15 minutes and costs 300 yen from Iwakuni Station (buses every 10-20 minutes), or 15 minutes and 350 yen from Shin-Iwakuni Station (1-2 buses per hour).
HOTEL R9 The Yard Iwakuni is set in Iwakuni, 39 km from Oshima Yahata Community Center and 46 km from Youme Town Miyuki. The 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 32 km from Museum Of Japanese Emigration to Hawaii. All guest rooms in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. Guest rooms in HOTEL R9 The Yard Iwakuni are equipped with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. Hiroshima Minato Park is 47 km from the accommodation, while Motoujina Park is 48 km away. The nearest airport is Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, 1 km from HOTEL R9 The Yard Iwakuni.
Located right in front of Kintaikyo Bridge, Iwakuni Kokusai Kanko Hotel offers Japanese-style rooms and public indoor/outdoor hot-spring baths. Guests can use free Wi-Fi at the public areas and massages can be requested for an extra cost. JR Shin Iwakuni Train Station is a 10-minute drive away. The air-conditioned rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. A safety deposit box, fridge and an electric kettle with green tea bags are included in each. The en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer and Japanese Yukata robes. Guests can enjoy the various open-air hot-spring baths and refresh in the sauna. Free parking is available on site and local souvenirs can be purchased at the gift shop. Japanese meals featuring local Iwakuni sushi can be enjoyed at Sakura Chaya restaurant and Chinese dishes are served at Iwakuni Szechwan Restaurant. Kanko Hotel Iwakuni Kokusai is a 5-minute walk from Kikko Park and a 5-minute drive from Iwakuni Castle. Miyajima Island can be reached in 1 hour by car.
Situated within 32 km of Museum Of Japanese Emigration to Hawaii and 39 km of Oshima Yahata Community Center, Toyoko Inn Iwakuni eki Nishi guchi features rooms in Iwakuni. The 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. Motoujina Park is 46 km from the hotel. At the hotel, rooms include a desk. The rooms in Toyoko Inn Iwakuni eki Nishi guchi are fitted with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation. Staff at Toyoko Inn Iwakuni eki Nishi guchi are available to provide advice at the 24-hour front desk. Youme Town Miyuki is 44 km from the hotel, while Hiroshima Minato Park is 45 km from the property. The nearest airport is Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, 2 km from Toyoko Inn Iwakuni eki Nishi guchi.
Green Rich Hotel Iwakuni Ekimae is situated in Iwakuni, 27 km from Komatsu Harbor and 4.2 km from Kintai Bridge. Rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV. You will find a kettle in the room. All rooms are fitted with a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries. You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property. Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport is a 10-minute drive from the property.
Set in Iwakuni, 32 km from Museum Of Japanese Emigration to Hawaii, Hotel Trend Iwakuni offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. The property is located 39 km from Oshima Yahata Community Center, 44 km from Youme Town Miyuki and 45 km from Hiroshima Minato Park. At the hotel, all rooms are equipped with a desk, a TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. The units will provide guests with a fridge. An Asian breakfast is available every morning at Hotel Trend Iwakuni. The accommodation can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area. Motoujina Park is 46 km from Hotel Trend Iwakuni. The nearest airport is Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, 3 km from the hotel.