Iwakuni Castle (Šâ‘é, Iwakunijō) 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 Kintaikyo Bridge and other famous bridges across Japan.
Getting there and around
A ropeway provides access to Iwakuni Castle. The ropeway's lower station can be reached in a five minute walk from the Kintaikyo 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 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).
How to get to and around Iwakuni
Hours and Fees
Hours
Closed
Admission
Typical Visit Duration
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Hotels around Iwakuni
-
-
![]()
Iwakuni Kokusai Kanko HotelLocated 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.View on Booking.com -
![]()
Toyoko Inn Iwakuni eki Nishi guchiFeaturing 3-star accommodation, Toyoko Inn Iwakuni eki Nishi guchi is situated in Iwakuni, 32 km from Museum Of Japanese Emigration to Hawaii and 39 km from Oshima Yahata Community Center. 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 always available to provide advice at the reception. 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.View on Booking.com -
![]()
Green Rich Hotel Iwakuni Ekimae (Artificial hot spring Futamata Yunohana)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.View on Booking.com -
![]()
Hotel Trend IwakuniSet in Iwakuni, 32 km from Museum Of Japanese Emigration to Hawaii, Hotel Trend Iwakuni offers air-conditioned rooms and a restaurant. The property is around 39 km from Oshima Yahata Community Center, 44 km from Youme Town Miyuki and 45 km from Hiroshima Minato Park. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. 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. Guests at Hotel Trend Iwakuni can enjoy an Asian breakfast. 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.View on Booking.com
-
