Kintaikyo Bridge, Castle Town and Seal Carving Iwakuni Day Tour

This tour will begin at Hiroshima Station at 9:00 AM. Your guide will meet you by the Shinkansen Gates under the Tourist Information sign. There are coin lockers available at the station if you wish to leave any belongings behind, but we ask that you show up a bit earlier to the meet-up spot if this is the case. From here you will depart to your first destination, Kintaikyo Bridge. Once you arrive at the bridge, your guide will give you a detailed description of the bridge’s history, along with its unique architecture. If the tide of the river is low, you will have the opportunity to approach the foundation of the bridge and look underneath it. You will then cross five arches with plenty of time to take pictures and admire the view from different parts of the bridge.

After crossing to the other side, we will begin our stroll through Kikko Park. As you walk, you will be able to admire the abundant greenery and stunning fountains. Your guide will lead you through a series of stops, highlighting the most relevant landmarks within the park, such as the Hiroyoshi Kikkawa Statue and former Mekada Residence. Next to Kikko Park, you will be able to explore the grounds of the Kikko Shrine. This is where the ancestral spirits of the Kikkawa clan are enshrined. Here, your guide will provide further insight into Japanese religion and family shrines. Your guide will walk you through the steps of praying at a Shinto shrine, and you will have the option to approach the shrine for a quick prayer if you wish to. You will then have the opportunity to explore the castle town on your own. During this free time you can visit one of the nearby restaurants to try some of the local specialties such as Kawara soba or Iwakuni sushi.

Our next activity of the day will be boarding the Iwakuni ropeway to reach the top of Mount Shiroyama. This is a very brief ride, but one which still provides a breathtaking view of the city, as well as the lush vegetation of the mountain. This view is particularly stunning during spring and fall, when one can admire the cherry blossoms or autumn foliage from an aerial view. At the top of the mountain, your guide will take you on a short stroll towards Iwakuni Castle. As you walk, you will be able to observe a great variety of trees and plants, as well as breath in the fresh and crisp air of the mountain. Once you arrive at the castle, your guide will give you a detailed explanation of its history and its relation to the Kikkawa family. Inside, you will tour the different exhibitions displayed on each floor, ending with a viewing platform at the very top. From here, you will once again be able to experience a fantastic view of the city and the Kintaikyo Bridge.

After finishing the castle tour and descending the mountain on the ropeway, we will head to the final activity of the day: seal engraving. It is said that the art of seal engraving was popularized in Japan by the Chinese monk Obaku Dokuryu, the same man who provided the inspiration for the construction of the Kintaikyo Bridge. Thus, seal engraving is one of the activities guests can enjoy in the castle town. You will be able to create your own original stamp by selecting a Chinese character and carving it upon a square stone. Your guide will provide the historical context and explanations, while the experts at the facility walk you through the process of engraving. There is also an adjacent museum where you can admire different exhibits of art, calligraphy, and seal carving. By the end, you will have learned a new skills and will have a unique souvenir to take home with you! Finally, we will head back to Hiroshima Station where the tour ends