Iwakuni Day Trip from Hiroshima: Private Car to Kintaikyo Bridge

Hiroshima , Japan

Iwakuni Day Trip from Hiroshima: Private Car to Kintaikyo Bridge

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About this experience

Private Iwakuni Day Tour from Hiroshima

Explore Iwakuni’s highlights on a private car tour from Hiroshima. Walk across the iconic five-arched Kintaikyo Bridge, stroll through scenic Kikko Park, visit the historic Former Mekata Residence, and take a ropeway up Mount Shiroyama to see Iwakuni Castle with stunning panoramic views.

Enjoy a relaxed, personalized itinerary with your own driver, perfect for a memorable day trip.

Available options

Iwakuni Day Trip from Hiroshima: Private Car to Kintaikyo Bridge

What's included

Lunch fee ( Traditional local lunch)

Admission fee

Private car

Licnesed English speaking guide

Detailed itinerary

Kintaikyo is one of Japan’s most famous and picturesque bridges, located in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
Distinctive Design: It’s a wooden, five-arched bridge that stretches across the Nishiki River. The arches create an elegant, wave-like silhouette, especially striking against the backdrop of Iwakuni Castle on the hillside.

Historical Significance: The original bridge was built in 1673 for the feudal lord of Iwakuni, to connect the castle town to the main road without being washed away by floods (a common problem at the time).

Engineering Achievement: The design uses no nails in the main arches—traditional joinery and metal belts hold the wooden beams together. It’s a masterpiece of Edo-period carpentry.

Cultural Symbol: Today, Kintaikyo is a symbol of Iwakuni, often visited in spring for cherry blossoms, in summer for cormorant fishing events, and in autumn for colorful foliage.

Kikko Park is a scenic public park located in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, just a short 5-minute walk from the iconic Kintaikyo Bridge.
Built on the former site of the Yoshikawa clan’s residence (the feudal lords of Iwakuni), the park retains several historical structures from the feudal era, including the former Mekata Family Residence and the elegant Kinunkaku Pavilion

Stunning seasonal flora: Visitors can admire vibrant seasonal blooms—plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, azaleas, irises, hydrangeas, and fall foliage—displayed across various garden areas

The Mekata Residence (also known as the Former Mekata Family Residence) is a mid-18th-century middle-class samurai home located in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
It has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, owing to its significance as one of the rare surviving examples of its kind

Iwakuni Castle is a reconstructed mountain castle located atop Mount Shiroyama in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
The top floor observatory offers spectacular views: Iwakuni city, the famous Kintai Bridge, Islands of the Seto Inland Sea, and even Shikoku on clear days

What's not included

Personal expenses

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The itinerary might be changed due to weather condition or other reasons.

We can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements. Please indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking.

Important notes

Please show the ticket to the guide when you meet.

About Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a vibrant city known for its poignant history and remarkable resilience. It is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture and serves as a powerful reminder of the atomic bombing during World War II, while also offering rich cultural experiences and natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Peace Memorial Park and Museum

A poignant and powerful site dedicated to the memory of the atomic bombing in 1945. The park and museum serve as a symbol of peace and a reminder of the horrors of war.

Historical 2-3 hours Free (Museum: ¥200)

Miyajima Island

A beautiful island known for its floating torii gate, scenic views, and historic temples. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination near Hiroshima.

Nature/Historical Full day Ferry: ¥360 (round trip), Shrine: ¥300

Shukkeien Garden

A beautiful traditional Japanese garden with ponds, bridges, and meticulously landscaped areas. It offers a peaceful retreat from the city bustle.

Nature 1-2 hours ¥260

Hiroshima Castle

A reconstructed castle that offers a glimpse into Hiroshima's feudal past. The castle houses a museum and provides panoramic views of the city.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours ¥370

Hiroshima Okonomimura

A multi-story building dedicated to Hiroshima's famous okonomiyaki (savory pancake). It houses several restaurants and offers a fun, interactive dining experience.

Food/Cultural 1-2 hours Budget to Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki

A layered savory pancake made with noodles, cabbage, and various toppings, typically cooked on a teppan (iron griddle).

Dinner Contains wheat, meat, and seafood. Vegetarian and vegan options may be available.

Hiroshima-style Oysters

Hiroshima is famous for its oysters, which are often grilled, fried, or served raw. They are typically harvested from the Seto Inland Sea.

Snack/Dinner Contains shellfish. Not suitable for those with seafood allergies.

Hiroshima-style Udon

Thick, chewy wheat noodles served in a hot broth, often with various toppings like tempura or beef.

Lunch/Dinner Contains wheat. Vegetarian and vegan options may be available.

Hiroshima-style Anago Meshi

Grilled saltwater eel served over rice, a local delicacy with a rich, savory flavor.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish. Not suitable for those with seafood allergies.

Popular Activities

Hiking on Miyajima Island Cycling around Hiroshima Kayaking in the Seto Inland Sea Visiting Shukkeien Garden Taking a leisurely streetcar ride Enjoying a traditional tea ceremony Visiting the Peace Memorial Park and Museum Exploring the Hiroshima Castle

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

Spring offers cherry blossoms and mild weather, while autumn provides comfortable temperatures and vibrant foliage. These are the best times to visit for pleasant weather and outdoor activities.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Hiroshima is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and pickpocketing or petty theft is uncommon. However, travelers should still exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of unlicensed taxis and always check that the taxi has a meter.
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.
• Use reputable tour guides and services, and be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.

Getting there

By air

Hiroshima Airport • 50 km from city center

By train

Hiroshima Station

By bus

Hiroshima Bus Center

Getting around

Public transport

The streetcar system is the main form of public transport in Hiroshima, offering an affordable and convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Naka-ku Higashi-ku Nishi-ku Minami-ku Asaminami-ku

Day trips

Miyajima Island

10 km from Hiroshima • Full day

A beautiful island known for its floating torii gate, scenic views, and historic temples. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination near Hiroshima.

Onomichi

80 km from Hiroshima • Full day

A charming port city known for its historic temples, scenic views, and literary connections. Onomichi offers a mix of cultural attractions and natural beauty.

Iwakuni

50 km from Hiroshima • Full day

A historic city known for its stunning castle, beautiful gardens, and traditional samurai district. Iwakuni offers a mix of cultural attractions and scenic views.

Festivals

Hiroshima Flower Festival • May 3-5 Hiroshima International Animation Festival • August (varies by year) Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony • August 6

Pro tips

Get a Hiroshima Amazing Pass for unlimited rides on the streetcar, bus, and ferry to Miyajima Island, as well as entry to major attractions.
Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum early in the morning for a more serene and reflective experience.
Try cooking your own Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Okonomimura for a fun and interactive dining experience.
Hike Mount Misen on Miyajima Island for stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea and the surrounding area.
Use IC cards like ICOCA for seamless payments on public transport and to save money on fares.