Statue of Kikkawa Hiroyoshi at the Entrance to Kikko Park
After crossing the Kintai-kyo Bridge, visitors are greeted by the statue of the man who initiated the bridge's construction, Kikkawa Hiroyoshi, the third lord of Iwakuni. In the area behind the statue, there are a number of sites of interest centered around Kikko Park, a spacious park with walking paths, plants and fountains.
During the Edo Period, 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
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Choko-kan Museum
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Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed: Mondays (unless national holiday, then the following day)
Admission: Free
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This museum focuses on articles of everyday life, but also features some scroll paintings and displays on Kintai-kyo Bridge.
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Kikkawa Museum
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Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Closed: Wednesdays (unless national holiday, then the following day)
Admission: 500 yen
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This small museum displays the possessions of the Kikkawa family, which includes documents, swords, and weapons.
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Iwakuni Art Museum
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Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (Dec-Feb, until 16:00)
Closed: Thursdays (unless national holiday, then the following day)
Admission: 800 yen
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This museum's collection includes glassware, samurai armor, ceramics, and the furniture of Iwakuni's feudal lords.
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Residences
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Mekata Residence
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Hours: 9:30 to 16:30
Closed: Mondays (unless national holiday, then the following day)
Admission: Free
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This former residence belonged to the Mekata 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.
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Nagayamon Gate
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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 have been built in 1693, and has been well maintained.
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Other
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White Snakes
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Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 100 yen
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These rare albino serpents are local to Iwakuni and can be viewed at a small facility in Kikko Park across the ropeway station. The snakes are believed to bring good fortune.
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Kikko Shrine
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Hours: 7:00 to 17:00
Closed: No closing days
Admission: Free
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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.
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