1-Day Iwakuni Tour: Kintaikyo Bridge, Castle Town & Seal Engraving Experience

Located in the Yamaguchi prefecture next to Hiroshima, one can find Iwakuni, a city overflowing with significant cultural and historical heritage. It is most known for the iconic Kintaikyo Bridge, one of the three most famous bridges of Japan, and one of the most famous wooden ones in the world.

In the past, Iwakuni developed as a domain known for its cultural achievements and promotion of arts and industry. Under the rule of the Kikkawa clan, the Iwakuni castle town flourished and became the beautiful city that it is today.

Cross the incredible Kintaikyo Bridge, stroll through the beautiful Kikko Park, pay your respects at the Kikko Shrine, explore the Iwakuni castle grounds, and participate in a seal engraving experience. Learn and take part in the history, culture, and beauty of this city on this 1-day guided tour of the Iwakuni castle town.

Highlights

• Admire and cross the Kintaikyo Bridge, one of the most famous bridges in the world
• Go on a relaxing stroll around the spacious Kikko Park, learning about its important historical landmarks
• Visit Kikko Shrine and explore its extensive grounds
• Marvel at the view of the city from the Iwakuni Ropeway
• Explore Iwakuni Castle and its surroundings at the top of Mount Shiroyama
• Enjoy local specialties such as Kawara soba, Iwakuni sushi, and multiple varieties of soft-serve ice cream
• Create your own original stamp in a seal engraving experience

*For those looking to join the tour from Kyoto, Osaka or Iwakuni please see the FAQ section.

Description

This tour will begin at Hiroshima Station at 9:00 AM. Your guide will meet you by the Shinkansen Gates under the Tourist Information sign. There are coin lockers available at the station if you wish to leave any belongings behind, but we ask that you show up a bit earlier to the meet-up spot if this is the case.

From here you will depart to your first destination, Kintaikyo Bridge.

Once you arrive at the bridge, your guide will give you a detailed description of the bridge’s history, along with its unique architecture. If the tide of the river is low, you will have the opportunity to approach the foundation of the bridge and look underneath it. You will then cross five arches with plenty of time to take pictures and admire the view from different parts of the bridge.

After crossing to the other side, we will begin our stroll through Kikko Park. As you walk, you will be able to admire the abundant greenery and stunning fountains. Your guide will lead you through a series of stops, highlighting the most relevant landmarks within the park, such as the Hiroyoshi Kikkawa Statue and former Mekada Residence.

Next to Kikko Park, you will be able to explore the grounds of the Kikko Shrine. This is where the ancestral spirits of the Kikkawa clan are enshrined. Here, your guide will provide further insight into Japanese religion and family shrines. Your guide will walk you through the steps of praying at a Shinto shrine, and you will have the option to approach the shrine for a quick prayer if you wish to.

You will then have the opportunity to explore the castle town on your own. During this free time you can visit one of the nearby restaurants to try some of the local specialties such as Kawara soba or Iwakuni sushi. You can also choose to have a relaxing picnic within the park and try one of the multiple flavors of soft serve ice cream available at the popular ice cream shops. This is also a great opportunity to purchase souvenirs or visit areas of interest not included in the rest of the tour.

Our next activity of the day will be boarding the Iwakuni ropeway to reach the top of Mount Shiroyama. This is a very brief ride, but one which still provides a breathtaking view of the city, as well as the lush vegetation of the mountain. This view is particularly stunning during spring and fall, when one can admire the cherry blossoms or autumn foliage from an aerial view.

At the top of the mountain, your guide will take you on a short stroll towards Iwakuni Castle. As you walk, you will be able to observe a great variety of trees and plants, as well as breath in the fresh and crisp air of the mountain. Once you arrive at the castle, your guide will give you a detailed explanation of its history and its relation to the Kikkawa family. Inside, you will tour the different exhibitions displayed on each floor, ending with a viewing platform at the very top. From here, you will once again be able to experience a fantastic view of the city and the Kintaikyo Bridge.

After finishing the castle tour and descending the mountain on the ropeway, we will head to the final activity of the day: seal engraving. It is said that the art of seal engraving was popularized in Japan by the Chinese monk Obaku Dokuryu, the same man who provided the inspiration for the construction of the Kintaikyo Bridge. Thus, seal engraving is one of the activities guests can enjoy in the castle town. You will be able to create your own original stamp by selecting a Chinese character and carving it upon a square stone. Your guide will provide the historical context and explanations, while the experts at the facility walk you through the process of engraving. There is also an adjacent museum where you can admire different exhibits of art, calligraphy, and seal carving. By the end, you will have learned a new skills and will have a unique souvenir to take home with you!

Finally, you will head back to Hiroshima Station, where the tour will end in front of the Shinkansen gates. Feel free to ask the guide for dinner recommendations or instructions back to your hotel.

TOUR MEETUP POINT

HIROSHIMA STATION @ 9:00 A.M.

The meetup point is under the Tourist Information sign outside of the Shinkansen gates. 

If you are arriving via Shinkansen, the sign will be located directly to your left as you exit the gates.

If you are arriving via a JR line, please look for signs directing you towards the Shinkansen gates. It is located on the same floor as the JR lines gates.

For those coming from outside the station via bus, your first task will be to find an Underground Passage and then following the signs directing you to Hiroshima Station. These underground passages are usually located very close to bus stops. Once you have made it to Hiroshima Station, follow the signs directing you to the Shinkansen gates.

For those coming from outside the station via Streetcar, Hiroshima Station will be right next to you. Follow the signs directing you to the Shinkansen gates.

Lastly, if you wish to arrive via taxi, please ask the driver to drop you off at the Shinkansen Entrance (also known as North Entrance). After arriving, please look for signs directing you to the Shinkansen gates.

When you arrive, be sure to look for the guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign. We highly recommend arriving early as Hiroshima Station is currently under heavy construction and can be quite disorienting.   

NOTES

Included

• English speaking guide
• Entry fees at all tour locations
• Seal engraving experience
• Transportation between activities (ropeway included)

Excluded

• Lunch
• Accommodation
• Transportation to meet-up point

Other Information

• This tour involves several hours of walking outdoors. We recommend that you wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in. Please check the weather forecast before you head to the meetup point and prepare an umbrella or raincoat if necessary.
• This tour includes a ride on a ropeway to the top of Mt. Shiroyama. If you have issues with heights or any health concerns regarding this part of the tour, please contact us in advance.
• In the summer, temperature highs are around 32 °C (90 °F) and above with extreme humidity. We recommend wearing something light and airy while minding sunburn and heatstroke. A parasol, sunblock, and drinking water are highly encouraged.
• Winter temperatures in Yamaguchi average between 1°C-10°C. (34°F-50°F). Please wear warm clothing and footwear appropriate for cold conditions.