クルーズ振興・port_information　Port of Iwakuni

Iwakuni Port is located on the eastern end of Yamaguchi Prefecture, and serves as an important window to the Iwakuni and Waki area which has been developing as part of the Setonaikai Industrial Area, including neighboring Otake City, Hiroshima.

The history of the port stretches back to 1600, when the Iwakuni Domain’s navy built a wharf at the mouth of the Imazu River. Since then, it has evolved into the industrial port that it is today, and plays an important part in the Setonaikai industrial area.

Since the water of Iwakuni is generally deep, it is easy for large vessels to enter the port, and since the port is located in the western part of Hiroshima bay, it is a good harbor with calm seas. It also is blessed with an excellent harbor location, close to the main Setonaikai ship routes as well as main roads, airports and railways.

Overview of Port Facilities

Port Area Information

Port Area Tourist Information

Main Attractions

Kintaikyo Bridge

This bridge was built in 1673 by the lord of the Iwakuni Domain. The beautiful five linked wooden arches are a very impressive sight, and Kintaikyo Bridge is one of the three most famous bridges of Japan. As suggested by the name “nishiki” (silk brocade), the bridge can be enjoyed in changing splendor in each of the seasons, with cherry blossoms in spring, cormorant fishing and nighttime views highlighted by fireworks in summer, the fall colors of theforest on Mt. Shiroyama in autumn, and blankets of snow in winter.

• Access：　20 min by car
• Season：　Year-round
• Location：　1 Iwakuni, Iwakuni city
• Hours：　The bridge is open for crossing 24 hours a day.
• Fee：　Adults: 300 yen　Elementary school students: 150 yen
• Parking：　Cars:Yes / Buses:Yes
• Remarks：　Group prices (15 persons or more) are available.

Iwakuni Castle

Constructed in 1608 by the first lord of the Iwakuni Domain, this castle was demolished just seven years later under the imperial order limiting each domain to one castle. The present tower was restored in 1962. Inside the Momoyama Nanban style tower scale models of the Kintaikyo Bridge, photographs, swords, and other items are on display. There is an observation deck on the top floor and on a clear day it is possible to see all the way to Shikoku.

• Access：　20 min by car + 40 min by foot and ropeway from Kintaikyo Shimogawara parking area
• Season：　Year-round
• Location：　2 Yokoyama, Iwakuni City
• Hours：　9:00 - 16:45 (Last entry 16:30)
• Fee：　Adults: 260 yen　Elementary school students: 120 yen
• Parking：　No
• Remarks：
  • 5 min on foot from the Iwakuni Castle Ropeway summit station
  • Group prices (15 persons or more) are available.

Iwakuni Art Museum

Located a 10 minutes’ walk from Kintaikyo Bridge, Iwakuni Art Museum exhibits a collection of ancient armor and weapons that is among the best in Japan. The collection of approximaTely 6,000 items includes porcelain ware, glass crafts, calligraphy, armor, swords, battle coats, and harnesses dating from the Nara Period to the Edo Period. ApproximaTely 200 items are on permanent display, including the Battle of Kawanakashima and Battle Array of the Takeda Army 8-part folding screens. The museum earned a star in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.

• Access：　20min by car + 20min on foot from Kintaikyo Shimogawara parking Area
• Season：　Year-round
• Location：　2-10-27 Yokoyama, Iwakuni City
• Hours：　9:00 - 17:00 (Until 16:00 from December - February)
• Fee：
  • Adults: 800 yen　High school and university students: 500 yen
  • Elementary and junior high school students: 200 yen
• Parking：　Cars: Yes / Buses: No
• Remarks：　Buses should use the Kintaikyo Shimogawara parking area.

Events

Iwakuni Port Fireworks Festival

The wide variety of fireworks at this festival include the impressive ”2-shaku Dama” that is the largest in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions, as well as the ”1-shaku Dama” that creates a great blossom 300m in diameter in the night sky, and a continuous thundering of fireworks that light up the port and the sea.

• Access：　－
• Season：　Summer
• Location：　Iwakuni Port
• Date：　20:00, 3rd Saturday in July every year