Iwakuni

Yamaguchi Prefecture

• Hikari
• Yanai
• Shūnan
• Waki
• Tabusei

Hiroshima Prefecture

• Ōtake
• Hatsukaichi

Shimane Prefecture

• Masuda
• Yoshika

Iwakuni has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa) with hot summers and cool winters. Precipitation is significant throughout the year, but is much higher from March to October, which encompasses the monsoon season from June to July, as well as peak typhoon season in September.[3] The average annual temperature in Iwakuni is 15.1 °C (59.2 °F). The average annual rainfall is 1,781.4 mm (70.13 in) with July as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 26.9 °C (80.4 °F), and lowest in January, at around 4.2 °C (39.6 °F).[4] The highest temperature ever recorded in Iwakuni was 38.3 °C (100.9 °F) on July 16, 1994; the coldest temperature ever recorded was −12.9 °C (8.8 °F) on February 19, 1977.[5]

As of August 1, 2016, the city has an estimated population of 137,128 (which the city has decreased in population by 50,000 over the last 25 years) and a population density of 156.95 of persons per km². The total area is 873.72 km².

• Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni - A civilian passenger terminal was completed in 2012. Scheduled daily commercial flights to Tokyo started December 13, 2012.[17]

JR West – San'yō Shinkansen

• Shin-Iwakuni

JR West (JR West) - San'yō Main Line

• Iwakuni - Minami-Iwakuni - Fujū - Tsuzu - Yū - Kōjiro

JR West (JR West) - Gantoku Line

• Iwakuni - Nishi-Iwakuni - Kawanishi - Hashirano - Kimmeiji - Kuga - Suō-Takamori - Yonekawa

Nishikigawa Railway - Seiryū Line

• Iwakuni - Nishi-Iwakuni - Kawanishi - Seiryū-Shin-Iwakuni - Shuuchi-Kasagami - Minami-Gōchi - Yukaba - Kita-Gōchi - Mukuno - Naguwa - Seiryu Miharashi - Nekasa - Kawayama - Yanaze - Nishikichō

• San'yō Expressway
• Chugoku Expressway
• National Route 2
• National Route 187
• National Route 188
• National Route 189
• National Route 376
• National Route 434
• National Route 437

• Yamaguchi Shimbun
• Stars and Stripes (On-base)

• YAB TV (ANN)
• KRY TV (NNN)
• TYS TV (JNN)
• NHK TV

Kintai Bridge, or Kintaikyō.

The famous Kintai Bridge (Kintai-kyō) is the city's most popular sightseeing spot. The Kintai Bridge spans the Nishiki River and was first constructed in 1673 by Hiroyoshi Kikkawa. The bridge stood until September 14, 1950 when it was destroyed by the typhoon “Kijiya”.[20] The bridge began being rebuilt only a week later and was completed in 1953. It was a recreation of the original and was built using traditional techniques. Since the first reconstruction, the Kintai Bridge has undergone some renovation. The latest renovation was completed in 2004.[21] Its five arches are a symbol of western Honshū. The Kintai Bridge is about 20 minutes from Iwakuni Station by bus and about 15 minutes from Shin-Iwakuni Station of Sanyo-Shinkansen. Several buses provide service from Iwakuni and Shin-Iwakuni Station to the Kintai Bridge every day.

Kikko Park is located on the other side of the Kintai Bridge. This area used to be the residence of the Kikkawa family.[22] The park has a big fountain and contains numerous shops as well as a variety of flowers. Kikko Park is also home to a sanctuary for white snakes. These snakes are found only in Iwakuni, and have been designated as special national treasures by the Japanese government. The white snake is a symbol of Benten, the Japanese goddess of wealth. The white snake is considered a sign of good luck in Japan. Many people come to pray to the snakes so that they might be successful in their businesses.[23]

In Japanese folklore, if a white snake is found in your home it is said to bring good fortune. The white snakes found in Iwakuni are usually the albino variety of the Japanese Rat Snake. They are gentle ivory white snakes with ruby colored eyes which can only be found in concentration at Iwakuni. There is a viewing facility near Kikko Park.

Iwakuni Castle (Momoyama Nanban-zukuri),[24] as well as the preserved temples and buildings at the foot of the hill, provide a glimpse into old Japan. The castle was originally constructed in 1608 by Hiroie Kikkawa, but was destroyed only seven years later.[25] It was reconstructed in 1962. Iwakuni Castle is situated at the top of Mount Shiroyama, and can be reached on foot or by cable car. The castle includes a history museum containing armor, weapons, and other artifacts of the Kikkawa family.[26] From atop of the castle, there is an impressive view of Iwakuni. The castle area also offers several trails for hiking and exercise.

On the Nishiki river, traditional cormorant fishing can be seen in the summertime. Fishermen wearing traditional clothing such as the noble's headgear called “kazaore eboshi”, aprons, straw skirts, and straw sandals, perform this more-than-300-year-old fishing technique. The fishermen control the cormorant, making them catch a fish, which is then retrieved from the cormorant's mouth by the fisherman.[27] Also, in early spring, the sight of cherry blossoms along the Nishiki river is unforgettable.

The Mekata Residence was the home of a mid-ranking samurai family from the 18th century. It is one of the last few remaining and so it is considered national property.

The Momijidani Maple Park used to be the garden of a temple. Located near the beginning of a mountain trail, many visitors come each autumn to view the colorful leaves on the many maple trees here.

The Nagayamon Gate of the Kagawa Family Residence is another well preserved piece of history. The appearance of this samurai residence has also been well kept and is considered prefectural cultural property.

The Iwakuni Art Museum contains ceramics, armor, furniture, and other artifacts which were once used by feudal lords.

Iwakuni also offers several different kinds of plants and trees which people like to view. In addition to the cherry trees and maple trees along the Nishiki river, there are also Japanese apricot trees, peony bushes, azalea, Japanese iris, and hydrangea. Many of these plants and trees are located around Kikko Park.[28]

The Kintai Bridge Festival is held annually on April 29 at Kikko Park. The festival includes a parade across the bridge called the “Sankin-koutai” Feudal Lords’ Procession featuring locals dressed in historic samurai costumes. The date of this festival is subject to some controversy as it is former emperor Hirohito's birthday. From the death of Hirohito in 1989 until 2005, the day was officially called “Greenery Day”. In 2005, it was voted to change the name to “Showa Day” in reference to Hirohito despite the fear of opposition from other countries such as China and North Korea and South Korea, against which war crimes were committed under the direction of the late emperor. However, according to the Liberal Democratic Party, this day would “encourage public reflection of the turbulent 63 years of Hirohito's reign, rather than glorify the emperor himself”.[29]

The Nishiki River Water Festival is held on the first Saturday of every August. There is a large fireworks display and many people attend dressed in traditional clothing such as kimono.

The Ishi ningyo is a hand-made stone doll which is made from the nests of an insect called “ningyoutobikera” which are found in the rivers in Iwakuni. The dolls have been said to be the incarnations of the souls of ones who died during the construction of the Kintai bridge. People buy these dolls as souvenirs.[33]

Kikkougama Iwakuni-yaki is ceramic ware that was used during the time of the Iwakuni han about 300 years ago that is still produced today.[34] It is noted for its elegance and warm texture.