The five-arched Kintaikyo Bridge, the coastal torii of Motonosumi Shrine and Shimonoseki’s pufferfish.
Yamaguchi sits at the western tip of Honshu. Iwakuni pairs with Hiroshima; Shimonoseki is across the strait from Kyushu.
JapaLens editorial guide · Read in about 5 minutesKintaikyo is a wooden bridge of five arches over the Nishiki River, first built in 1673. Cross it to Kikko Park and take the ropeway to Iwakuni Castle.
Buses run from Iwakuni and Shin-Iwakuni stations; it is an easy half-day from Hiroshima.
Read this area guide →At Motonosumi Shrine, 123 red torii gates run down to the sea cliffs. Nearby, the Tsunoshima Bridge crosses emerald water to Tsunoshima island.
Public transport is very limited; a rental car or tour is the practical choice.
Read this area guide →Shimonoseki is Japan’s fugu capital; Karato Market sells sushi and seafood on weekends. Walk under the Kanmon Strait through a pedestrian tunnel to Kyushu, or take the ferry to Mojiko.
Shin-Shimonoseki is the Shinkansen station; the city centre is near JR Shimonoseki.
Read this area guide →An editorial route idea, not a timed tour. Adjust it for weather, opening days and your walking pace.
Karato Market for a seafood breakfast.
Walk the Kanmon tunnel to Mojiko.
Ferry back and visit Akama Shrine.
Fugu course dinner in Shimonoseki.
Try fugu, Kawara soba served on a hot tile, uiro sweets and Iwakuni-zushi.
Stay in Shimonoseki, or in Yamaguchi City’s Yuda Onsen. Iwakuni is easily visited from Hiroshima.
The Sanyo Shinkansen stops at Shin-Iwakuni, Shin-Yamaguchi and Shin-Shimonoseki. The north coast is best by car.
