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Hiroshima
Iwakuni Day Tour: Kintaikyo Bridge, Castle & Seal Carving
480
Overview
Kintaikyo Bridge, Castle Town and Seal Carving Iwakuni Day Tour immerses visitors in the rich cultural and historical heritage of Iwakuni, a city nestled in the Yamaguchi prefecture, near Hiroshima. This full-day guided tour explores the iconic Kintaikyo Bridge, celebrated as one of Japan's most famous wooden bridges. Iwakuni flourished under the Kikkawa clan, becoming a domain known for its cultural achievements and artistic promotion.
On this tour, guests can expect to cross the magnificent Kintaikyo Bridge, wander through the serene Kikko Park, pay respects at the Kikko Shrine, and explore the grounds of Iwakuni Castle. A unique highlight is the opportunity to participate in a traditional seal engraving experience, offering a hands-on connection to Japanese artistry. With an expert English-speaking guide, the tour provides seamless transportation between locations via public transport, ensuring an enriching and hassle-free exploration of Iwakuni's key landmarks.
The tour includes entry fees to all locations and ropeway tickets for convenient access to Mount Shiroyama and Iwakuni Castle. Please note that lunch is not included, allowing guests to explore local dining options at their leisure. This Iwakuni day tour offers a captivating journey through history, culture, and natural beauty, creating lasting memories of this remarkable castle town. 
Highlights
See the Kintaikyo Bridge: Walk across one of Japan's most famous and beautiful wooden bridges.
Explore Kikko Park and Shrine: Discover peaceful gardens and a traditional Shinto shrine.
Visit Iwakuni Castle: Take a ropeway up to the castle and enjoy amazing views.
Make Your Own Seal: Try seal engraving and take home a unique souvenir.
Sentiment Analysis
People really liked seeing the famous bridge and castle and doing the seal carving. The guide and how the tour was planned were also big hits. Some wished for more time at each stop and noted that there was a lot of walking.
Customers loved seeing the Kintaikyo Bridge and Iwakuni Castle.
They enjoyed the seal engraving and thought it was special.
The guide was helpful and shared interesting facts.
Many said the tour was well organized and they would recommend it.
Some people wished they had more time at each place.
A few found the walking to be tiring.
The Journey
Kintaikyo Bridge
Marvel at the Kintaikyo Bridge, an architectural wonder composed of five wooden arches gracefully spanning the Nishiki River. Originally constructed in 1673 and rebuilt following a flood, this iconic bridge represents the ingenuity of Edo-period craftsmanship. Stroll across its unique structure, admire the reflections on the water, and capture breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The bridge also offers opportunities to walk along the riverbed when the tide is low, providing a different perspective of its foundations.
Kikko Park & Kikko Shrine
Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Kikko Park, a verdant oasis adorned with stunning fountains and historical landmarks. Stroll through the park, discovering monuments like the Hiroyoshi Kikkawa Statue and the preserved Mekada Residence. Adjacent to the park lies Kikko Shrine, a sacred site dedicated to the ancestral spirits of the influential Kikkawa clan. Discover Shinto religious practices and the significance of family shrines in Japanese culture. After your visit, explore the surrounding castle town, sampling local delicacies such as Kawara soba or Iwakuni sushi.
Mount Shiroyama & Iwakuni Castle
Ascend Mount Shiroyama via the Iwakuni Ropeway, enjoying a brief yet breathtaking ride offering panoramic views of Iwakuni city. At the summit, explore Iwakuni Castle, a reconstructed fortress showcasing the history of the Kikkawa family and the region. Wander through the castle's exhibits, ascend to the viewing platform for sweeping vistas of the city and the Kintaikyo Bridge, and breathe in the fresh mountain air surrounded by lush vegetation.
Seal Engraving Experience
Delve into the art of seal engraving, an activity deeply rooted in Japanese culture and popularized by the same Chinese monk, Obaku Dokuryu, who inspired the Kintaikyo Bridge's construction. Craft your own unique souvenir by carving a chosen Chinese character into a square stone. Learn about the history of seal engraving from the experts, and explore an adjacent museum exhibiting calligraphy, art, and seal carving masterpieces. Leave with a newfound skill and a personalized memento of your journey.
Know Before You Go
This day tour includes an English-speaking guide, all entry fees to the tour locations, ropeway tickets, and transportation between activities using public transport. Guests will also participate in a seal engraving experience. Lunch is not included in the tour. This tour does not include Hotel Pick up or Drop off.Meet up location is at Iwakuni Station.
Hot Tip
Some reviewers suggest wearing comfortable shoes since there is a good amount of walking involved. One reviewer also noted that they wished they had more time at each location so keeping that in mind will help you enjoy the experience.
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