Kikko Park

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 (�g��, 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: 700 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: Tuesdays (except national holidays)
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 date to 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.

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).

How to get to and around Iwakuni

Questions? Ask in our forum.

English

White Snake Museum
Official website.

Japanese

Budget:

- Iwakuni Kokusai Kanko Hotel
  Mid-range
  
  Comfortable Accommodations
  Iwakuni Kokusai Kanko Hotel in Iwakuni offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a refrigerator, TV, and free toiletries.
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  Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, sauna, and open-air bath. The on-site bar provides a relaxing atmosphere, while free WiFi is available throughout the property.
  Dining Experience
  A buffet breakfast is served daily, featuring a variety of Japanese and Western options. The hotel also offers a terrace and balcony with mountain and river views.
  Convenient Location
  Located 6 km from Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, the hotel is highly rated for its convenient location and excellent service. Free on-site private parking is available for guests.
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- Toyoko Inn Iwakuni eki Nishi guchi
  Mid-range
  
  Comfortable Accommodations
  Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms with baths, hairdryers, refrigerators, work desks, free toiletries, showers, slippers, TVs, electric kettles, and wardrobes.
  Essential Facilities
  Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lift, and a 24-hour front desk. Paid on-site private parking is available.
  Breakfast and Dining
  A buffet breakfast is served daily, highly appreciated by guests for its quality and value.
  Location and Attractions
  Located in Iwakuni, the hotel is 2 km from Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport. Nearby attractions include Marifu-machi and Kintaikyo Bridge.
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- Green Rich Hotel Iwakuni Ekimae (Artificial hot spring Futamata Yunohana)
  Mid-range
  
  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.
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- Hotel Alpha-One Iwakuni
  Mid-range
  
  Comfortable Accommodations
  Hotel Alpha-One Iwakuni in Iwakuni offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms. Each room includes a bath, tea and coffee maker, bidet, hairdryer, yukata, refrigerator, work desk, and TV.
  Essential Facilities
  Guests enjoy free WiFi, free bicycles, and a public bath. Additional amenities include a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping service, full-day security, and luggage storage.
  Dining Experience
  A buffet breakfast is provided each morning. The hotel also offers a shared bathroom option for added convenience.
  Convenient Location
  Located 3 km from Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, the hotel is praised for its comfortable bathrooms, delicious breakfast, and attentive staff.
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- APA Hotel Yamaguchi Iwakuni Ekimae Nishi
  Mid-range
  
  Comfortable Accommodations
  APA Hotel Yamaguchi Iwakuni Ekimae Nishi in Iwakuni offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a bath, bidet, hairdryer, yukata, refrigerator, work desk, free toiletries, shower, slippers, carpeted floors, TV, and electric kettle.
  Convenient Facilities
  Guests benefit from free WiFi, a lift, 24-hour front desk, full-day security, express check-in and check-out services, and luggage storage. Paid off-site private parking is available.
  Prime Location
  Located 2 km from Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, the hotel provides easy access to local attractions.
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