Iwakuni Travel Tips

Recommended

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1 of 1 in Yamaguchi Prefecture

Iwakuni (岩国), a charming city in southeastern Yamaguchi Prefecture, is best known for the stunning Kintai-kyo Bridge. This historic five-arched bridge is a marvel year-round, but it becomes especially enchanting in early April, when cherry blossoms create a magical backdrop. Visitors can stroll along the riverbanks, soaking in the serene beauty and seasonal colors.

Iwakuni also features a reconstructed Edo-period castle perched atop a scenic hill, offering panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Just a short trip from Hiroshima, Iwakuni invites travelers to experience its unique blend of feudal history and natural splendor.

Getting around

In Iwakuni, there are two main train stations: Iwakuni Station, located in the city center and served by local trains, and Shin-Iwakuni Station, on the outskirts, served by the shinkansen. The famous Kintai-kyo Bridge lies roughly halfway between them—about 5 km from each station—and is easiest to reach by bus or taxi.

Buses depart every 10–20 minutes from Iwakuni Station (15 minutes, 300 yen), and 1–2 times per hour from Shin-Iwakuni Station (15 minutes, 350 yen). Most of Iwakuni’s main attractions are located near the bridge, including Iwakuni Castle, which can be reached via ropeway. The two stations are also connected by the Nishikigawa Railway (15 minutes, 420 yen), although this route is not fully covered by JR Passes due to partially non-JR-operated tracks.