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Iwakuni Castle's keep on top of Shiroyama hill. It was rebuilt in reinforced concrete in 1962, about 50 m east of where the original keep stood. May 2018.
そらみみCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

Yamaguchi · Iwakuni

Iwakuni Castle

岩国城

Iwakuni, Yamaguchi

CastleMountain castle (yamajiro)Japan's 100 Fine Castles No. 74

What makes this castle distinctive

The keep on the hilltop was rebuilt about 50 m east of where the original stood, so that it could be seen from the town around Kintaikyo Bridge.

Why?

The original keep was pulled down in 1615 and a new one was built in 1962. Iwakuni City explains that the new keep was moved about 50 m east of the original site so it would overlook the city. The stone base of the original keep survives right nearby, so you can compare the old spot with today's tower.[1]

Three things not to miss

01
The stone base where the original keep stood, a short walk from today's keep. It has been repaired using the original stacking method. May 2018.そらみみCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

The stone base of the original keep

Where
Close to the rebuilt keep on the summit
What to look at
The empty stone platform, and how its position differs from today's keep
Why it's interesting
The keep completed in 1608 stood here. Because the castle was torn down after only seven years, this base is one of the few clues to how it originally looked. The city says it was repaired using the stone-stacking techniques of the time.[1]
Can you see it?
Visible from outsideOutdoors on the summit and open to view.
02
Iwakuni Castle's keep on top of Shiroyama hill. It was rebuilt in reinforced concrete in 1962, about 50 m east of where the original keep stood. May 2018.そらみみCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

The view from the top floor of the keep

Where
Top floor (observation deck) of the rebuilt keep
What to look at
Kintaikyo Bridge and the Nishiki River directly below, the old castle town, and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea in the distance
Why it's interesting
The castle sits on Shiroyama, a hill about 200 m high, and used the Nishiki River below as a natural outer moat. The city says the top floor looks over Kintaikyo Bridge, Kikko Park and the city, and on clear days as far as Miyajima and Shikoku. You can see at a glance how the river and the hill protected the castle.[1][3]
Can you see it?
Visible from outsidePaid entry to the keep. There is no elevator; you climb stairs to the top.
03
Kintaikyo Bridge and Shiroyama hill from the bed of the Nishiki River. The small white keep is visible on the hilltop. May 2018.そらみみCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

The hilltop keep seen from Kintaikyo Bridge

Where
On Kintaikyo Bridge or along the riverbed of the Nishiki River
What to look at
The white keep on top of Shiroyama, beyond the five wooden arches of the bridge
Why it's interesting
Kintaikyo, a National Place of Scenic Beauty, is a wooden bridge first built in 1673 by Kikkawa Hiroyoshi, the third lord of Iwakuni. Because the keep was rebuilt where the town could see it, the bridge and the keep can be viewed together.[1][5]
Can you see it?
Visible from outsideFree to view from the riverbed. Crossing the bridge requires a ticket.

At a glance for visitors

Nearest station
from JR Iwakuni Station
Climb
Steep climb
Time neededEditors' estimate
About 1.5 hours from Kintaikyo Bridge and back including the keep. The city suggests 1.5–2 hours for the bridge, ropeway and castle together.
Admission
Adults (junior high and up) 350 yen, elementary students 200 yen (groups of 15+: 300 / 150 yen). A combined ticket for Kintaikyo Bridge, the ropeway and the castle costs 1,550 yen for adults and 700 yen for elementary students.
Hours
9:00–16:45 (last entry 16:30)
Access
Open to visitors

The hilltop grounds are open to walk around; the keep requires a ticket. Cars cannot go up the hill, so take the ropeway or the hiking trail (about 2 km) from near Momijidani Park. The city warns that parts of the trail are hazardous.

Checked:

View on mapOpen in Google MapsIwakuni Castle (Iwakuni City Tourism)Iwakuni Castle (English)

The story of this castle

01
Historical record

A hill castle with a river for a moat

Iwakuni Castle was a mountain castle on Shiroyama (also called Yokoyama), a hill about 200 m high. The Nishiki River bends around its foot and served as a natural outer moat. The fortress for wartime stood on the hilltop, while the lord lived and governed from a residence called the Doi at the foot of the hill.[1][10]

02
Historical record

Built by Kikkawa Hiroie after Sekigahara

The castle was built by Kikkawa Hiroie. Before the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, he secretly reached an understanding with Tokugawa Ieyasu's Eastern Army to keep the Mori clan's troops out of the fight, hoping to save the Mori family. After the battle the Mori were cut down to two provinces, Suo and Nagato, and Hiroie was given Iwakuni. The castle was finished in 1608.[1][7]

03
Historical record

Torn down after seven years

In 1615 the shogunate issued the "one province, one castle" order, which allowed each lord only one castle, and Iwakuni Castle was demolished just seven years after it was finished. The residence at the foot of the hill then became the seat of government until the Meiji era.[1][10]

04
Historical record

A domain that was not officially a domain

Iwakuni ran its own government and collected its own taxes, but throughout the Edo period it was not recognized as an official domain (han); its lords were treated as retainers of the Mori family in Hagi. In the 1860s, Kikkawa Tsunemasa worked as a go-between for Choshu and the shogunate to avert war, and in 1868 Iwakuni was finally recognized as a domain.[7][8]

05
Historical record

Rebuilt in 1962 in a new spot

Today's keep is a reinforced-concrete building begun in 1961 and completed in 1962. It was placed about 50 m east of the original site so that it would overlook the city. The stone base of the original keep has been repaired and can be seen nearby. Inside are a detailed model of Kintaikyo Bridge, weapons and armor.[1]

People of this castle

Timeline

  1. After Sekigahara, Kikkawa Hiroie is given Iwakuni[7]

  2. The hilltop castle is completed[1]

  3. Demolished under the one-castle-per-province order[1]

  4. Kikkawa Hiroyoshi builds Kintaikyo Bridge[5]

  5. Iwakuni is officially recognized as a domain[7]

  6. The keep is rebuilt about 50 m east of the original site[1]

  7. Selected as one of Japan's 100 Great Castles[9]

Buildings and remains

The keep today

Modern reconstruction

Rebuilt in reinforced concrete in 1962 (the Japan Castle Foundation lists it as a rebuilt keep). It was placed about 50 m east of the original site, not on the original spot.

The site today

The hilltop site has the rebuilt keep, the original keep base and stone walls, and is reached by ropeway. The site of the lord's residence at the foot of the hill is now Kikko Park.

Main buildings

Modern reconstruction

Keep (tenshu)

Demolished in 1615 and rebuilt in a different spot in 1962. Inside are exhibits and an observation deck.[1]

Site only

Original keep base

The stone platform of the original keep, repaired using the stone-stacking techniques of the time.[1]

Key facts

Type
Castle
Setting
Mountain castle (yamajiro)built on a mountain; expect a climbEditorial article
Period
Early modern (1570s–1871), ModernEditorial article
Keep (tenshu)
Modern reconstructiona keep rebuilt in the 20th century or later; shape or position may differ from the originalEditorial article
Built by
Kikkawa HiroieJapan Castle Foundation
Built
1608Japan Castle Foundation
Main lords
Kikkawa familyJapan Castle Foundation
Abandoned
1615Wikipedia (ja)
Remains to see
Stone walls, Moats, Keep base (tenshudai), Baileys / enclosures (kuruwa)Editorial article
Selection
Japan's 100 Fine Castles No. 74Japan Castle Foundation

Visiting

Access

Open to visitors

The hilltop grounds are open to walk around; the keep requires a ticket. Cars cannot go up the hill, so take the ropeway or the hiking trail (about 2 km) from near Momijidani Park. The city warns that parts of the trail are hazardous.

Address

Yokoyama 3-chome, Iwakuni, Yamaguchi 741-0081[1]

Checked: 2026-10-03

Nearest stations and how to get there

JR Iwakuni StationJR Sanyo Line, Gantoku Line

Steep climb

Bus from the station to Kintaikyo Bridge, about 20 minutes. From the bridge, walk about 10 minutes to the ropeway base station, ride about 3 minutes, then walk about 10 minutes from the summit station to the keep.[3][4]

Checked: 2026-10-03
JR Shin-Iwakuni StationJR Sanyo Shinkansen

Steep climb

Bus from the station to Kintaikyo Bridge, about 15 minutes; then as from Iwakuni Station.[4]

Checked: 2026-10-03

Hours and admission

Iwakuni Castle keep
Hours
9:00–16:45 (last entry 16:30)
Closed
Closed on some ropeway inspection days (see the official closure table)
Admission
Adults (junior high and up) 350 yen, elementary students 200 yen (groups of 15+: 300 / 150 yen). A combined ticket for Kintaikyo Bridge, the ropeway and the castle costs 1,550 yen for adults and 700 yen for elementary students.[1][2][6]
Checked: 2026-10-03
Iwakuni Castle Ropeway
Hours
9:00–17:00, departures at :00, :15, :30 and :45; about 3 minutes per ride
Closed
Suspended on inspection days (check the official schedule)
Admission
Round trip: adults 900 yen, elementary students 400 yen. One way: adults 500 yen, elementary students 250 yen.[2]
Checked: 2026-10-03

By car / parking

Cars cannot drive up to the castle. Kintaikyo Bridge is about 10 minutes by local roads from Iwakuni IC on the Sanyo Expressway.[1][4]

Checked: 2026-10-03
Grounds opening hours
Kikko Park at the foot of the hill is open 24 hours.[11]Checked: 2026-10-03
Time neededEditors' estimate
About 1.5 hours from Kintaikyo Bridge and back including the keep. The city suggests 1.5–2 hours for the bridge, ropeway and castle together.
Steps, slopes and footing
About a 10-minute walk on hill paths from the summit station to the keep. Stairs only inside the keep.[1][3]
Wheelchairs and strollers
There is no elevator in the keep. Discounts on castle and ropeway fees are available with a disability certificate.[1][2]Checked: 2026-10-03
Toilets and rest
Not confirmed (the city publishes a toilet map for the Kintaikyo area).[1]
English signs / audio guide
Iwakuni City's tourism website has English pages on the castle, the ropeway and access. The ropeway gondola plays an audio guide on local history (languages not confirmed).[3][2]
Seasons
Cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves on the natural forest of Shiroyama can be enjoyed together with Kintaikyo Bridge.[5]
Photography
Not confirmed
Works, closures and restrictions
The ropeway and castle are closed all day on Thursday October 29 and Thursday November 26, 2026, and from 14:00 on Wednesday December 23 and Thursday December 31. Night ropeway events are held on Saturday October 17 and Saturday November 21.[2][1]Checked: 2026-10-03

Suggested routes

From Kintaikyo Bridge to the keep by ropeway 75 min

  1. Cross Kintaikyo Bridge and look up at the keep on Shiroyama
  2. Walk through Kikko Park to the ropeway base station (about 10 minutes)
  3. Ride the ropeway to the summit station (about 3 minutes)
  4. Walk to the keep (about 10 minutes), seeing the original keep base on the way
  5. Visit the exhibits and look down on the bridge and town from the top floor (about 30 minutes)
  6. Return the same way to the summit station and ride down

An editorial estimate built from the official times for each leg; time spent on the bridge itself is not included.

Around the castle

Castle town

Kintaikyo Bridge

A wooden bridge about 193 m long and a National Place of Scenic Beauty. Admission 500 yen for adults (round trip).[5][6]

Checked: 2026-10-03

Garden

Kikko Park

A park on the site of the Kikkawa family residence, with the ropeway's base station. About 5 minutes' walk from Kintaikyo Bridge; free.[11]

Checked: 2026-10-03

Editors' guide

An editorial guide based on sources and confirmed information — not a first-hand visit report.

Who will enjoy it

Good for anyone visiting Kintaikyo Bridge who wants to add a castle, and for those who love wide views from a hilltop. Easy to fit into a day trip from Miyajima or Hiroshima.

What makes it interesting

The most interesting thing is the gap between the original keep base and today's keep. The new keep was moved so the town could see it, so comparing the two shows the difference between the historic spot and a spot chosen for display.

Before you go

Today's keep is a 1962 concrete reconstruction and does not stand on the original site. The castle may close on ropeway inspection days, so check the closure table first. There is no elevator inside the keep.

Ways to enjoy it

First spot the keep on the hilltop from Kintaikyo Bridge or the riverbed, then ride up and look back down at the bridge from the top floor to see how castle and town fit together. The combined ticket for bridge, ropeway and castle saves money.

Photos

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Open questions

Sources

  1. 1
    岩国城岩国市観光振興課municipalChecked:
  2. 2
    岩国城ロープウエー岩国市観光振興課municipalChecked:
  3. 3
    Iwakuni Castle (English)Iwakuni CitymunicipalChecked:
  4. 4
    Access (English)Iwakuni CitymunicipalChecked:
  5. 5
    錦帯橋岩国市観光振興課municipalChecked:
  6. 6
    令和8年9月1日からの入橋料改定について岩国市municipalChecked:
  7. 7
    岩国藩の活躍と悲願成就岩国市観光振興課municipalChecked:
  8. 8
    長州を救った 吉川経幹岩国市観光振興課municipalChecked:
  9. 9
    日本100名城 一覧公益財団法人日本城郭協会jokakuChecked:
  10. 10
    岩国城(補助資料)Wikipedia日本語版otherChecked:
  11. 11
    Kikko Park (English)Iwakuni CitymunicipalChecked:
  12. 12
    List of Japan's 100 Fine Castles and the Next 100公益財団法人日本城郭協会jokakuChecked:
  13. 13
    Wikipedia「岩国城」Wikipedia日本語版wikipediaChecked:
  14. 14
    Wikidata Q1156906WikidatawikidataChecked:
  15. 15
    OpenStreetMap way/436641226© OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)osmChecked:

Listing status

  1. Candidate foundChecked
  2. Confirmed as a castle siteChecked
  3. Basic informationChecked
  4. In-depth articleChecked
  5. Photo rights checkedChecked
  6. Visit info checkedChecked

Castles nearby

Kamei Castle8.2 km · Not yet confirmedMiyao Castle19.4 km · No keep recordedIwakisan Kōgoishi24.2 km · Not yet confirmed

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