Iwakuni Tour: Kintaikyo Bridge, Castle Town & Seal Engraving
ID: GYG883599-1388960
Category:
Country: Japan
Duration:
08:30 hours
Description
Discover the Kintaikyo Bridge and Iwakuni Castle on a day trip from Hiroshima. Learn about the Kikkawa clan and their history at the Kikko Shrine, and create your own original stamp.
Explore the historic city of Iwakuni on a guided day trip from Hiroshima. Visit the Kintaikyo Bridge, Kikko Park, and Iwakuni Castle, and learn about the art of seal engraving.
Meet your guide at Hiroshima Station and head to your first destination, Kintaikyo Bridge. Learn about the bridge's history and unique architecture from your guide. If the tide of the river is low, have the opportunity to approach the foundation of the bridge and look underneath it.
Cross the bridge and stroll through Kikko Park. 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, explore the grounds of the Kikko Shrine. Learn about Japanese religion and family shrines. Walk through the steps of praying at a Shinto shrine, and have the option to approach the shrine for a quick prayer if you wish to.
Have the opportunity to explore the castle town on your own. Visit one of the nearby restaurants to try some of the local specialties such as Kawara soba or Iwakuni sushi. Have a relaxing picnic within the park and try one of the multiple flavors of soft serve ice cream available at the popular ice cream shops.
Board the Iwakuni ropeway to reach the top of Mount Shiroyama. Admire the city and the lush vegetation of the mountain. At the top of the mountain, take a short stroll towards Iwakuni Castle. Observe a great variety of trees and plants, and 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, tour the different exhibitions displayed on each floor, ending with a viewing platform at the very top.
After finishing the castle tour and descending the mountain on the ropeway, head to the final activity of the day: seal engraving. Create your own original stamp by selecting a Chinese character and carving it upon a square stone. Learn about 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, head back to Hiroshima Station, where the tour will end in front of the Shinkansen gates.
Highlights
- Discover the historic Kintaikyo Bridge and admire the view from the top
- Learn about the Kikkawa clan and their history at the Kikko Shrine
- Enjoy a breathtaking view of the city from the top of Mount Shiroyama
- Take a short stroll through Kikko Park and see the Hiroyoshi Kikkawa Statue
- Create your own original stamp by selecting a Chinese character and carving it
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Wear comfortable walking shoes as there will be a moderate amount of walking.
Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.
The tour involves climbing stairs and walking on uneven surfaces, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments.
Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the tour starts to check in.
The meetup point is under the Tourist Information sign outside of the Shinkansen gates.
If you are arriving via Shinkansen, the sign will be located directly to your left as you exit the gates.
If you are arriving via a JR line, please look for signs directing you towards the Shinkansen gates.
For those coming from outside the station via bus, find the Underground Passage and then follow the signs directing you to Hiroshima Station. At Hiroshima Station, follow the signs directing you to the Shinkansen gates.
For those coming from outside the station via Streetcar, Hiroshima Station will be right next to you. Follow the signs directing you to the Shinkansen gates.
Lastly, if you wish to arrive via taxi, please ask the driver to drop you off at the Shinkansen Entrance (also known as North Entrance). After arriving, please follow signs for the Shinkansen gates.
When you arrive, be sure to look for the guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
