Admire the scenic Kintaikyo Bridge and pristine streams in Iwakuni Recommended route for touring Iwakuni and Miyajima from Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport

Experience the wonders of Iwakuni through its history, culture and seasonal natural beauty

Renowned for the stunning Kintaikyo Bridge and immaculate streams, Iwakuni is filled with amazing spots to experience its rich history and culture in every season. Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport also offers convenient access to Miyajima, a popular destination in Hiroshima. Find out how to tour the enticing wonders of Iwakuni.

(map) Iwakuni, Miyajima Iwakuni Miyajima

Kintaikyo Bridge

The spectacular five-arched wooden bridge is famous as one of the three most beautiful bridges in Japan. In addition to the view, visitors can enjoy sightseeing boat rides in each season. In the summer, relax on the boat and watch the traditional Ukai, a method of catching sweetfish using cormorant birds, against the beautifully illuminated bridge.

Iwakuni Castle

From Kintaikyo Bridge, look up toward the mountains to find Iwakuni Castle. Built on a 200-meter-high mountain, the castle is accessible via round-trip ropeway. The tower holds exhibits of weapons and armor, and the observatory offers a panoramic view of Kintaikyo Bridge and the castle town of Iwakuni.

The Iwakuni white snakes

The habitat of the rare white snakes (“shirohebi”) is concentrated around the Iwakuni City area. At the Iwakuni Shirohebi Museum, visitors can observe their ruby-red eyes and luminous white appearance up close. Just a five-minute walk away is the Sakai Sake Brewery Art Museum Gokyo Bunko, where you can experience Japanese seal engraving.

Iwakuni City Visitors Center Honke Matsugane

A renovated merchant house originally built around 1850, the tourist center offers samurai armor experiences as well as spaces to sample local specialties such as sake and Iwakuni sushi (fees apply).

Underground Kingdom Mikawa Mu Valley

Constructed in an old mine, the adventure theme park is inspired by the mythical lost continent of Mu. Explore a world filled with imagination featuring giant statues, temples, murals and a mysteriously illuminated subterranean lake. In the restaurant, try the popular Pyramid Curry.

Nishikigawa Seiryu Line and Tokotoko Train

Take the Nishikigawa Seiryu Line in springtime to enjoy the scenic harmony of cherry blossoms and bright yellow canola flowers blooming along the clear streams. On the Tokotoko Train, a sightseeing tram connecting Nishikicho Station and Sozukyo Onsen Station, enter a magical world in the Kirara Dream Tunnel decorated with glowing.

Miyajima

A popular tourist destination in Hiroshima Prefecture, Miyajima is best known for Itsukushima Shrine, a World Heritage site highlighted by rare architecture built in the sea. If you are departing from Haneda Airport to visit Miyajima, Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport is the closest and offers convenient access.

Itinerary Map

Open in Google Maps

Select location to view on map

  • Approx. 20 minutes by car
  • 1 Approx. 30 minutes by walk and ropeway
  • 2 Approx. 15 minutes by walk and ropeway
  • 3 Approx. 15 minutes by walk
  • 4 Approx. 40 minutes by car
  • 5 Approx. 25 minutes by car
  • 6 Approx. 1 h 30 minutes by car and ferry
  • 7 Approx. 1 h 10 minutes by car and ferry
  • Please refer to the travel time as a guide

How to Get There

A flight from Haneda Airport to Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport takes approximately 1.5 hours. From Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, rental cars are convenient for traveling. Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport is also recommended when visiting Miyajima, the popular destination in Hiroshima Prefecture.

More Recommended Itineraries

View All