2025 Iwakuni Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

"Wahaku" ⁡ A very cute shop that opened in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi last April. As soon as you enter, there are cute miscellaneous goods ⁡ You order first and then go to the room in the back... ⁡ There are also exciting private rooms, so it's really hard to decide where to sit ⁡ ✧Cheesecake ✧Organic black tea ✧Coffee ⁡ Unfortunately, the sweets I was looking for were sold out that day, so I had cheesecake 🧀 ⁡ The cheesecake doesn't use white sugar and it was really delicious ¨̮♡ ⁡ The coffee is coffee beans from Coffee Yamaguchi in Asakura, Fukuoka Prefecture, and the black tea is organic tea leaves from Ukiha Mountain Tea in Fukuoka Prefecture. I felt a connection to use products from Fukuoka ⁡ I want to go back to try the seasonal sweets again ⁡ ⁡ [Wahaku wahaku】 📍1-23-3 Yamate-cho, Iwakuni, Yamaguchi 🕛 10:00-17:00 LO16:30 19:00-22:00 LO21:30 Evenings only on Fridays and Saturdays Closed Thursdays 🅿️3 parking spaces in front of the store ⁡ ⁡ #Wahaku #Wahakuwahaku #Yamaguchifood #Yamaguchicafe #Yamaguchidate #Iwakunifood #Iwakunicafe #Iwakunisightseeing #Yamaguchitrip #Cheesecake ⁡ ⁡

2021.9 A popular spot in Yamaguchi Prefecture😍😍 When you step inside, it's a different world❤️ This is a restaurant where you can feel the nostalgic traditional Japanese culture and the Japanese spirit✨✨✨ "Irori Sanzoku" is a restaurant famous for its large Sanzoku musubi, Sanzoku yaki, Sanzoku udon, and Kougyu beef✨✨ There are two stores, the Kuda store and the Nishiki store, I often go to the Nishiki store, which is small and has a mature atmosphere with few people😉 The Kuda store is very large and the presentation is quite good. The flashy welcome makes it a popular spot for families with children✨ The Sanzoku-yaki skewered chicken, grilled over charcoal, is the most famous dish at Sanzoku😍 In winter, there's nothing quite like eating warm udon noodles in a kotatsu~😍 This is a historic restaurant that you should definitely visit at least once❤️ Their regular holidays are Wednesdays and the second and third Tuesdays😉 We recommend checking the internet before you visit✨

#Hanami The cherry blossoms seen from Kintai Bridge are spectacular. You should definitely try the soft serve ice cream on the castle side of Kintai Bridge. There are two shops, Musashi and Kojiro, so choose whichever you like. It is said that Sasaki Kojiro learned the secret technique of the Tsubame Gaeshi on Kintai Bridge. There are many foreigners because the Iwakuni US military base is nearby. I recommend going a little further in the future, but the road behind Iwakuni Station on the Shinkansen line when the cherry blossoms are falling. It is as beautiful as a cherry blossom tunnel of falling cherry blossoms.

A part of the balustrade (handrail) that was used on the Kintai Bridge for 50 years is on display near the front desk. This is the local business hotel "City Hotel Ando". It's not a new hotel, but it's a simple hotel near the station. Breakfast needs to be reserved the day before, but it's reasonably priced at "600 yen". The key 🔑 is inserted and twisted, which is a rare system. Iwakuni Station is easily accessible by public transportation such as buses, and is a great place to keep as a base for sightseeing. It is located 190m from "JR Iwakuni Station". "City Hotel Ando" 2-3-8 Marifu-cho, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 740-0018 #Yamaguchi #Iwakuni #YamaguchiTourism #YamaguchiTrip #BusinessHotel #Hotel #IwakuniHotel #AccommodationReview

#AutumnFoliage Autumn leaves color the park known as the Kamakura of the West This park is adjacent to Kikko Park, the former residence of the lord of Iwakuni, Yoshikawa, and was named after its beautiful autumn leaves. Combined with the appearance of the neighboring Yoshikawa family graveyard, it is also known as the Kamakura of the West. In late autumn, fallen ginkgo leaves spread like a carpet on the ground.

Irori Sanzoku is a restaurant that is well known to all Yamaguchi residents. Many people have probably gone there on a drive after getting their driver's license. In fact, it's not a theme park, but a restaurant. It was also featured in the Prefectural Show. 📺️❇️ As you can see in the photo, the park is spacious and you can walk around and sightsee. There is even a Buddha statue. When you come here, everyone eats Sanzoku Yaki🍗 + Sanzoku Musubi🍙‼ ️Even just the rice balls will fill you up. It's right after you get off at Kuga Interchange. Please give it a try😊 #Irori Sanzoku #YamaguchiPrefecture

Address: Japan, 741-0081 Yamaguchi, Iwakuni, Yokoyama, 2 Chome-4. Getting there: You can take bus and stop at Kintaikyo bus stop. The gate is just around 5 minutes from the bus stop. Highlights: This Nagayamon gate belongs to a former samurai residence of the Kagawa family. The Kagawa family is one of the five elders of the Iwakuni domain. Because the residence is still used, only the gate can be viewed. The gate is believed to have been built in 1693, and has been well maintained.😬 It is a really fine gate. Although visitors are not allowed to go in the residence, I can already feel the history from touring around the gate and residence. Opening hours: 9.30am to 4.30pm daily Admission fee: free of charge #bucketlistreboot #traveljapan #culturewalk

Address: 2 Chome-10-27 Yokoyama, Iwakuni, Yamaguchi 741-0081, Japan. Getting there: The Iwakuni Art Museum is just located opposite to the famous Kikko Park in Iwakuni city. Highlights: The Iwakuni Art Museum also formerly known as the Kashiwabara Museum. This museum displays an art collection that includes glassware, samurai armor, ceramics and the furniture of Iwakuni's feudal lords. It is named after the family who owns the collection. It's more of a history museum with artifacts, but they're showcasing the artisans' mastery of the craft rather than historical relevance to the area. This museum is almost mandatory if you want to have any hope of absorbing the history of the entire Yokoyama area. 🥰 Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily Admission fee: 800yen #bucketlistreboot #traveljapan #culturewalk

If you're looking for a place to fill your stomach while sightseeing in Iwakuni, this is the place to go: Irori Sanzoku! Actually, Irori Sanzoku Kuga is divided into three stores, and the most recommended one is Torian 💁‍♀️ There are two recommended points 🚩They have a children's lunch 　　※Torian is the only place that has a children's lunch 🚩They're completely indoors 　　※The other two stores are half indoors or outdoors, so it's cold in the winter and you'll get bitten by mosquitoes in the summer lol If you're visiting Kintaikyo Bridge or nearby, be sure to stop by 💁‍♀️ #gw2022jp

The Kintai Bridge is a nationally designated scenic spot and is one of Japan's most famous wooden bridges. It is a popular tourist spot in Yamaguchi Prefecture. It costs 310 yen for adults to cross. From a distance, the arched bridge looks very beautiful. When you actually cross it, it is surprisingly high. Because it is arched, there is a difference in height and the steps are quite steep. There are old-fashioned souvenir shops on both sides of the bridge. #scenic spot #bridge

Kintaikyo Bridge is located at the Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Its is reachable by bus from Iwakuni and Shin Iwakuni Station. aside from this bridge, other attractions available here are iwakuni castle, white snake museum, and others. They also sell more than 100 flavours of soft serve ice cream, so that we can relax and appreciating the view while enjoying the ice cream. #tripaway #tripaway

#aprilblooms The main shrine of Hakusan Shrine, which has about 3,000 shrines nationwide, is based on the sacred crest Hakusan. Hakusan, which supplies the "water of life" that is essential to life, was also a seat of the gods and a sanctuary for the people at the foot of the mountain. Eventually, the belief in the mountain changed to the style of worshipping, and after the monk Yasusumi opened Hakusan in the year of Yorogen (717), the belief in Hakusan quickly spread throughout the country. The base is Hakusan Hiba Shrine. In the vast 47,000-square-metre precincts, shrines are lined up as if they were embraced by old trees, and there is a solemn atmosphere around the area. After passing through the Omotesando from the first torii, the second torii and the third torii are at the end of the shrine gate.

#cherryblossom25 🌃 Evening Illuminations To enhance the viewing experience, lanterns illuminate the bridge and surrounding cherry trees from sunset until 10:00 PM during the peak bloom period. This nightly illumination offers a magical atmosphere, perfect for evening strolls and photography. The Kintaikyo Bridge in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, offers a mesmerizing experience during the cherry blossom season with its evening illuminations. In 2025, the bridge will be illuminated nightly from sunset until 10:00 PM, starting from **March

#cherryblossom25 Kintaikyo Bridge in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is celebrated as one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots. Its iconic five-arch wooden structure, spanning the Nishiki River, is beautifully complemented by thousands of blooming cherry trees each spring. ⸻ 🌸 Best Time to Visit The cherry blossoms around Kintaikyo Bridge typically reach their peak from late March to early April. During this period, approximately 3,000 cherry trees in the surrounding Kikko Park and along the riverbanks burst into full bloom, creating a stunning pink landscape.  🚶♀️ Activities & Tips • Sakura Boat Rides: Experience the blossoms from the water by taking a traditional boat ride along the Nishiki River, offering unique perspectives of the illuminated bridge and cherry trees.  • Photography: For optimal lighting and fewer crowds, consider visiting early in the morning. The bridge’s arches framed by cherry blossoms provide picturesque scenes, especially during sunrise or sunset. • Local Delicacies: During the cherry blossom season, food stalls often line the area, offering local treats and seasonal specialties to enjoy as part of your hanami (flower viewing) experience. ⸻ 📍 Getting There • By Train: Take the JR Sanyo Line to Iwakuni Station. From there, local buses or taxis can transport you to Kintaikyo Bridge.  • By Car: Parking is available near the bridge, but it can be limited during peak season. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.

#cherryblossom25 Kintai Bridge in Yamaguchi Prefecture is a picturesque hanami location, known for its five graceful wooden arches stretching over the Nishiki River. In spring, the surrounding cherry trees bloom in full force, reflecting beautifully in the water and creating an image straight from a traditional Japanese painting. The area hosts a lively sakura festival, complete with food stalls, local performances, and evening light-ups. The bridge itself, originally built in the 17th century, offers fantastic photo opportunities. For a cherry blossom experience with historical flair and stunning river views, Kintai Bridge is one of western Japan’s best-kept secrets.

Drawn by the warmth of spring, I finally visited the long-awaited Kintaikyo Bridge in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and the breathtaking scenery created by the elegant arches of the bridge and the blossoms lining the riverbank left me speechless. The view from atop the bridge was equally stunning, with petals reflected on the river's surface and soft light creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The petals dancing in the gentle breeze felt as if they were rewinding time, offering a serene moment. I am grateful for the chance to experience such a fleeting yet beautiful moment in this historic location. It was a journey that lightened my heart and brought a sense of peace.

📍Location: Irori Sanzoku is located in Nishiki-cho, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. It is on the border with Shimane Prefecture. ✨Reasons we recommend it: Sanzokuyaki, a dish of chicken skewered in a spectacular way, is a wonderful dish in both taste and appearance. The Yama-sauce that is poured over Sanzokuyaki is delicious and can be purchased as a souvenir. There are also many other delicious foods such as udon, gyoza, and rice balls. 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: There are many lanterns on display. Also, the lanterns and the pond create a unique worldview that is very interesting. #Spring0yenTrip#Gourmet #DomesticTrip #Spring0yenTrip

Kintai Bridge This beautiful five-arched wooden bridge is one of the most popular destinations in Yamaguchi. Built in 1673 at the foot of Mount Yokoyama by feudal lords, Kintai Bridge spans the Nishiki River to protect against the powerful floods that destroyed previous bridges. The steep wooden arches are supported by stone pillars and parts are periodically replaced for maintenance (you can also buy small souvenirs made from the wood in the surrounding shops). Iwakuni Castle View Viewable from Kintai Bridge, the castle sits high on Mount Shiroyama, but is only a 3-minute cable car ride away. It is also a great opportunity to see the entire bridge along with the spectacular view of the city.

#Spring0yenTrip Kintai Bridge is a wooden five-arch bridge located in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. It is 200m long and 19m high, and was completed in 1673. Due to its beautiful appearance and historical value, Kintai Bridge has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Kintai Bridge spans the Nishiki River at the foot of Iwakuni Castle. From the bridge, you can see Iwakuni Castle, Nishiki River, and the surrounding scenery. Kintai Bridge is lit up at night, so you can enjoy a different atmosphere from the daytime. Kintai Bridge is a popular tourist spot, and many tourists visit it. There are also souvenir shops and restaurants on the bridge. Kintai Bridge is a must-see spot when you visit Yamaguchi Prefecture.

#Spring0yenTrip Iwakuni Castle is located in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Iwakuni Castle is built on a rocky mountain 160m above sea level, and is known for its beautiful appearance and historical value. Various buildings remain within the castle, such as the castle tower, turrets, and gates, and you can get a glimpse of what the castle looked like at the time. Iwakuni Castle is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot. In spring, the cherry blossom trees inside and around the castle turn pink, making for a beautiful sight. Iwakuni Castle is a popular tourist spot and attracts many tourists. There are souvenir shops and restaurants inside the castle, so you can enjoy it all day long. You can access Iwakuni Castle by car, train, or bus. * By car: * Approximately 10 minutes from Iwakuni IC on the Chugoku Expressway * Approximately 15 minutes from Iwakuni IC on the Sanyo Expressway * By train: * Approximately 10 minutes by bus from JR Iwakuni Station to Iwakuni Castle Ropeway Station * By bus: * Approximately 10 minutes by bus from Iwakuni Station Bus Terminal to Iwakuni Castle Ropeway Station Iwakuni Castle is a must-see spot when you visit Yamaguchi Prefecture.

#Spring0yenTrip The Iwakuni Castle Ropeway is located in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The Iwakuni Castle Ropeway connects the base of Iwakuni Castle to the summit. The view of Iwakuni Castle and Kintai Bridge from the ropeway is spectacular. The Iwakuni Castle Ropeway takes about 5 minutes one way. The fare for the Iwakuni Castle Ropeway is 1,200 yen round trip for adults and 600 yen round trip for children. The Iwakuni Castle Ropeway is open all year round. The Iwakuni Castle Ropeway is a transportation you should definitely use when sightseeing at Iwakuni Castle. You can access the Iwakuni Castle Ropeway by car, train, or bus. * By car: * Approximately 10 minutes from Iwakuni IC on the Chugoku Expressway * Approximately 15 minutes from Iwakuni IC on the Sanyo Expressway * By train: * Approximately 10 minutes by bus from JR Iwakuni Station to Iwakuni Castle Ropeway Station * By bus: * Approximately 10 minutes by bus from Iwakuni Station Bus Terminal to Iwakuni Castle Ropeway Station The Iwakuni Castle Ropeway is a must-use means of transportation when touring Iwakuni Castle.

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 #JapanAttractions Iwakuni City Kintai Bridge In April, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the weather is refreshing. The Kintai Bridge in Yamaguchi Prefecture is one of the three most famous bridges in Japan. You must visit it once in your life. The water of the Nishiki River is so clear that you can see the bottom. There is a cable car going up the mountain to see the panoramic view. It is a good place for tourism to heal your body and mind. There are museums, restaurants and souvenir shops, enough to enjoy a day's visit. . 🕰️Opening hours: until 5pm, until 7pm in summer 💞Recommendation reason: A paradise for healing the body and mind, suitable for couples and families Suitable for all ages 💰Average consumption: Sightseeing package 940 yen per person

March is a good season for cherry blossom viewing. Looking back, I went to Japan to view cherry blossoms in March 2023. Here I would like to share my itinerary starting from Osaka and using JR as transportation. March is a good season for cherry blossom viewing. Looking back, I went to Japan to view cherry blossoms in March 2023. Here I would like to share my itinerary starting from Osaka and using JR as transportation. Osaka - Yuda Onsen - Iwakuni City - Yuda Onsen - Kurayoshi - Tottori - Himeji Castle - Osaka Because I like hot springs, I stayed in 5 different hot spring hotels this time and went to different scenic spots to enjoy the flowers. The most unforgettable one was the Kintai Bridge in Iwakuni City. Utsubuki Park near Kurayoshi and the Tottori Nichisei Pear Memorial Museum were also in full bloom with cherry blossoms and pear blossoms, which was a beautiful sight. There is a giant shimenawa rope weighing 5 tons in front of the Kagura Hall of Izumo Taisha Shrine. Tottori Castle Ruins and Hisamatsu Park are not crowded, so you can enjoy them carefully and slowly. Himeji Castle is too crowded and not as beautiful. One day, we had an oyster-themed dinner at Banshu Ako Onsen Hotel, which was very satisfying.

📍Location: Kintai Bridge in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture. ✨Reasons why we recommend it: It is said to be one of five bridges, and has a very unusual shape. The water of the Nishiki River, over which the bridge spans, is also beautiful. In spring, it is surrounded by cherry blossoms, and you can take photos that capture the season. At night, the cherry blossoms and the bridge are lit up, and you can enjoy a different atmosphere. There are also food stalls, so you can eat while walking around. There is also a castle on top of the mountain, which can be reached by ropeway or mountain climbing. #Spring0yentrip #Domestictravel #KintaiBridge

#springwander Located in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, "Kintaikyo" is a wooden bridge with five rows over the Nishiki River in Yamaguchi prefecture. Its history is old, and since it was first built in 1673, it has been completed in 2014 after several disasters. The bridge with beautiful supple arches is also counted as one of the "three famous bridges in Japan".

This is a shop located deep in the mountains of Yamaguchi! These big bomb rice balls and meat on skewers are popular! You can eat them in a kotatsu in the winter! There are various shops and photo spots around, so the waiting time wasn't painful! Be sure to check out the night illuminations! I recommend waiting in advance and visiting while you're waiting! Please go and check it out!! 📍Irori Sanzoku Address: 1380-1 Kugamachi, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, 742-0314 Opening hours: 10:00-24:00 #0 yen trip February 2025

Last month, I went on a trip to Hiroshima! First, I went to Hanabi in Higashi-Hiroshima to eat abura-soba noodles! It was so delicious that even I, who don't like greasy food, ate it all up (^^) Day 1 → Abura-soba noodles, Onomichi, Miraishin-no-Oka, drinking at a pub in the city Day 2 → Sightseeing in Miyajima, enjoying oysters and alcohol, staying at a ryokan in Miyajima Day 3 → Return to the city, Atomic Bomb Dome, okonomiyaki, Moved to Iwakuni and went to Irori Sanzoku. I rented a car to get around, so it was a trip where I was able to go to many places I wanted to go! #0yentripFebruary2025

📍Location: Iwakuni, Yamaguchi🇯🇵 Irori Sanzoku Kuga Branch (1380-1 Kugamachi, Iwakuni, Yamaguchi 742-0314) 🕰️Business hours: 10:00-22:00 Closed on Wednesdays *Reservations recommended! Located in the mountains, surrounded by nature, the atmosphere of old Japan is very relaxing. I visited around 5pm on a Saturday, but there was a long line and I was able to wait about an hour before I could enter. Not only was the atmosphere great, but the food was also very delicious, so I was very satisfied. #0yentravel2025February #Yamaguchitourism #Yamaguchigourmet #Domestictravel