Iwakuni Castle (岩国城, 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. 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
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Iwakuni Kokusai Kanko HotelView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Iwakuni Kokusai Kanko Hotel in Iwakuni offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a refrigerator, TV, and work desk.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, sauna, and open-air bath. Additional amenities include a terrace, balcony, and private bathroom with mountain or river views.Dining Experience
A buffet breakfast is served daily. The on-site bar provides a relaxing atmosphere for evening drinks.Convenient Location
Located 6 km from Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, the hotel is near attractions such as the Museum Of Japanese Emigration to Hawaii (38 km) and Youme Town Miyuki (49 km). Free on-site private parking is available. -
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Toyoko Inn Iwakuni eki Nishi guchiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Toyoko Inn Iwakuni eki Nishi guchi in Iwakuni offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, baths, and free WiFi. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and wardrobe.Convenient Facilities
Guests benefit from a lift, 24-hour front desk, and paid on-site private parking. A buffet breakfast is available each morning.Local Attractions
The Museum Of Japanese Emigration to Hawaii is 32 km away, Oshima Yahata Community Center 39 km, Youme Town Miyuki 44 km, Hiroshima Minato Park 45 km, and Motoujina Park 46 km from the hotel. Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport is 2 km distant. -
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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 -
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Hotel Alpha-One IwakuniView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hotel Alpha-One Iwakuni in Iwakuni offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, featuring baths, bidets, and free toiletries. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, refrigerator, work desk, and TV.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi and complimentary bicycles. The hotel provides a public bath, lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, full-day security, and luggage storage. Free on-site private parking is available.Dining Experience
A buffet breakfast is served daily, featuring a variety of options to start the day.Local Attractions
Located 3 km from Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, the hotel is near Museum Of Japanese Emigration to Hawaii (32 km), Oshima Yahata Community Center (39 km), and other attractions. Guests appreciate the bathroom comfort, breakfast, and attentive staff.
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