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
  • 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: 500 yen
    Typical visit duration: 10-15 minutes
  • 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

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
  • Nagayamon Gate

Other attractions

  • White Snake Museum
    Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
    Closed: Infrequent, irregular closures
    Admission: 200 yen
    Typical visit duration: 20 minutes
  • Kikko Shrine
    Hours: 7:00 to 17:00
    Closed: No closing days
    Admission: Free
    Typical visit duration: 5-10 minutes

Getting there and around

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

Hotels around Iwakuni

Top rated in Iwakuni
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    • HOTEL R9 The Yard Iwakuni
      Mid-range
      HOTEL 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.
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    • Iwakuni Kokusai Kanko Hotel
      Mid-range
      Located right in front of Kintaikyo Bridge, Iwakuni Kokusai Kanko Hotel offers Japanese-style rooms and public indoor/outdoor hot-spring baths. Guests can use free Wi-Fi at the public areas and massages can be requested for an extra cost. JR Shin Iwakuni Train Station is a 10-minute drive away. The air-conditioned rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. A safety deposit box, fridge and an electric kettle with green tea bags are included in each. The en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer and Japanese Yukata robes. Guests can enjoy the various open-air hot-spring baths and refresh in the sauna. Free parking is available on site and local souvenirs can be purchased at the gift shop. Japanese meals featuring local Iwakuni sushi can be enjoyed at Sakura Chaya restaurant and Chinese dishes are served at Iwakuni Szechwan Restaurant. Kanko Hotel Iwakuni Kokusai is a 5-minute walk from Kikko Park and a 5-minute drive from Iwakuni Castle. Miyajima Island can be reached in 1 hour by car.
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    • Toyoko Inn Iwakuni eki Nishi guchi
      Mid-range
      Toyoko 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.
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    • Hotel Alpha-One Iwakuni
      Mid-range
      Set 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 from the hotel and Hiroshima Minato Park is 45 km away. 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. The nearest airport is Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, 3 km from Hotel Alpha-One Iwakuni.
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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 Trend Iwakuni
      Mid-range
      Set 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.
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