Iwakuni Castle

This mountain castle stands majestically on a mountaintop approximately 200 meters above sea level. From the observation deck on the top floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Nishiki River flowing below, the Kintaikyo Bridge spanning it, Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, and, on clear days, even Miyajima and Shikoku.
This castle was built in 1608 by the first lord of the domain, Kikkawa Hiroie, but it is also known as a castle of misfortune, having been sadly demolished just seven years after its completion due to the Tokugawa shogunate's "One Castle Per Province" decree. The current keep was rebuilt in 1962. Its white walls stand out against the green of the mountain, and it exudes a special presence even when viewed from the Kintaikyo Bridge at the foot of the mountain.
The inside of the keep houses a history museum, displaying a model of the Kintaikyo Bridge, as well as a wide array of valuable weapons, armor, and famous swords. Furthermore, near the reconstructed castle tower, the stone walls of the "former castle tower site," which preserve the original stonework from when the castle was built, still exist and can be freely viewed.

The mountaintop can be accessed by taking a ropeway for an aerial stroll, or by hiking along the mountain trails, which offer a close connection to nature. During the autumn foliage season, Kintaikyo Bridge is illuminated, enveloping the surrounding area in a fantastical and mystical atmosphere.