Kikko Park 吉香公園

Explore the grounds of the former residence of the Yoshikawa family, the Iwakuni domain lords, which retains several traditional buildings that were built while the clan ruled. The modest residence of the Mekata family provides a glimpse into the lives of mid-level samurai under feudalism.

You can reach the park by train and then by bus or taxi.

Take the JR Sanyo Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Shin-Iwakuni Station, about 15 minutes. Alternatively, take a local train from Hiroshima to Iwakuni Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line, a 50-minute trip. From Yamaguchi, take the JR Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin-Yamaguchi Station to Shin-Iwakuni Station. Kikko Park can be reached from either station by bus or taxi. If flying in to Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport from Haneda Airport, it can be reached by taxi or bus.

Kintaikyo Bridge and Kikko Park are only 500 meters apart, making it easy to visit both.

Look out for the many large trees in the park that were planted in the Edo period (1603–1867), many over 20 meters in height.

Enjoy the many varieties of flowers that bloom with changing seasons. Late February to early March is the time for plum blossoms, and April is the best month to see the park's famous cherry blossoms. There are lots of other gorgeous flowers to admire; the pink azaleas from April to May, indigo irises in June and the stunning blue and purple hydrangeas in July.