Kikko Park

Kikko Park is a park built on the former residence grounds of the Kikkawa family, the lords of the Iwakuni Domain, and today it is a beloved green space for local residents. Before it was developed as a park, the site was used from 1880 to 1968 (from Meiji 13 to Showa 43) as the campus of the former Iwakuni Middle School and later Yamaguchi Prefectural Iwakuni High School. A martial arts hall still remains and is preserved as the “Iwakuni High School Memorial Museum.” Within the spacious park, you’ll find historic structures preserved from the feudal era, including the Mekata Family Residence, Kinkunkaku, and Kikko Shrine. There are also many old and large trees planted during the domain era and the former school era, including ginkgo, camphor, zelkova, and fir trees—many exceeding 20 meters in height. The park is also known as a seasonal flower spot, with blooms changing through the year: cherry blossoms in spring, azaleas, peonies, wisteria, and irises, making it ideal for a relaxing stroll. In 2006, it was selected as one of the “100 Best Historical Parks in Japan” by the committee for the 50th anniversary of the Urban Park Act.