Iwakunijo Castle

Iwakuni Castle is a mountain castle built in 1608 by Hiroie Kikkawa, the first lord of the Iwakuni domain. Using the Nishiki River flowing at the mountain’s base as a natural outer moat, the castle was constructed at an elevation of about 200 meters. Not long after, in 1615—just seven years after it was built—it was dismantled due to the One Castle per Province policy. The current structure was rebuilt in 1962 and displays historical photographs, armor, and models related to Kintaikyo Bridge. To reach the reconstructed keep at the summit, take the ropeway from the “Sanroku Station” near Kikko Park. The ride to “Sanchō Station” takes about 3 minutes, and you can listen to an audio guide in the gondola while ascending. The summit also serves as an observation point, offering wonderful panoramic views over Iwakuni City below. At night, Iwakuni Castle is illuminated, and looking up from the base creates a striking scene of the castle seeming to float in the night sky, making it an excellent sightseeing spot. Access to Iwakuni Castle by car is about 10 minutes from Iwakuni IC on the Sanyo Expressway, and visitors can use the Kintaikyo-area parking. By public transportation, get off at JR Sanyo Main Line “Iwakuni Station” or JR Sanyo Shinkansen “Shin-Iwakuni Station,” transfer to a bus, and get off at “Kintaikyo Bus Center,” taking about 20 minutes in total. To reach the summit keep, use the ropeway.