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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HOTEL R9 The Yard IwakuniHOTEL 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.View on Booking.com -
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Iwakuni Kokusai Kanko HotelIwakuni Kokusai Kanko Hotel features a sauna and a hot spring bath, as well as air-conditioned accommodation in Iwakuni, 45 km from Oshima Yahata Community Center. Featuring free private parking, the 3-star ryokan is 38 km from Museum Of Japanese Emigration to Hawaii. The ryokan has family rooms. All units at the ryokan are fitted with a seating area. Each unit is fitted with a kettle, a flat-screen TV, a safety deposit box and free WiFi, while some rooms are fitted with a terrace and some have mountain views. At the ryokan, each unit comes with bed linen and towels. Guests at the ryokan can enjoy a buffet breakfast. A bar can be found on-site. Youme Town Miyuki is 49 km from Iwakuni Kokusai Kanko Hotel. Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport is 6 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Toyoko Inn Iwakuni eki Nishi guchiToyoko Inn Iwakuni eki Nishi guchi is situated in Iwakuni, within 32 km of Museum Of Japanese Emigration to Hawaii and 39 km of Oshima Yahata Community Center. The 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. Private parking is available on site. 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. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. The reception at Toyoko Inn Iwakuni eki Nishi guchi can provide tips on the area. 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 -
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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 IwakuniSet in Iwakuni, within 32 km of Museum Of Japanese Emigration to Hawaii and 39 km of Oshima Yahata Community Center, Hotel Alpha-One Iwakuni offers accommodation with free bikes and free WiFi as well as free private parking for guests who drive. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Youme Town Miyuki is 44 km away and Hiroshima Minato Park is 45 km from the hotel. All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, free toiletries and a desk. The shared bathroom is fitted with a shower, a hairdryer and slippers. At the hotel all rooms include bed linen and towels. Guests at Hotel Alpha-One Iwakuni can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Motoujina Park is 46 km from the accommodation. Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport is 3 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Hotel Trend IwakuniSet 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.View on Booking.com
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