How to get to Iwakuni

When planning a trip to Iwakuni, you are setting off for an ancient city in the west of Honshu island, famous for its historical heritage and the unique Kintaikyo Bridge. You can reach this picturesque corner of Japan in various ways: from a quick flight to a comfortable journey on a high-speed train or by car. Regardless of the chosen route, the road promises to be interesting and will allow you to appreciate the beauty of the Chugoku region.

The most convenient way to reach the region is to take a flight to the local Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport (IWK), which handles domestic flights and is located very close to the city limits. This allows tourists to start exploring the sights almost immediately after landing.

If there are no direct tickets, an excellent alternative would be the airport of Hiroshima city, located just 33 km away and serving a larger number of destinations. Travellers can also consider flying via the air hubs of Matsuyama or Masuda, situated within a radius of 70 km from the destination.

Rail transport in this region is excellently developed: the city is served by Shin-Iwakuni station, where Shinkansen bullet trains stop, connecting the region with the country's major metropolises. For travel on regular trains, Iwakuni station is available, being an important hub on the main Sanyo line, making the trip convenient and accessible.

Furthermore, just a few dozen kilometres away lies Hiroshima — a major transport hub, from where it is easy to reach your destination by commuter train in just half an hour. A journey by rail will allow you to enjoy views of the Japanese countryside and a high level of service.

Bus services remain a popular and budget-friendly option for tourists wishing to reach the city from neighbouring prefectures. Regular intercity routes connect Iwakuni with a major transport hub — the city of Hiroshima, offering passengers comfortable conditions and scenic views along the way.

Although the route network may be less extensive compared to trains, a bus trip allows you to enjoy the landscapes of the Japanese coast and often costs less. It is recommended to check the schedule at local bus terminals in advance to plan your transfer without unnecessary waiting.

A trip in a rental car will offer freedom of movement, and the shortest route runs from the city of Hiroshima: the distance is about 42 km, which will take less than an hour. Travellers heading from the city of Matsuyama will have to cover approximately 100 km, which will take about 3 hours.

The road from the city of Masuda, with a length of 108 km, will take a little over two hours of driving along picturesque highways. It is worth remembering that taxi services in Japan are expensive, so for such distances, renting a car often becomes a more profitable and flexible solution.

Iwakuni is a hospitable and safe city, but as with any journey through Japan, knowledge of local customs will make your holiday much more comfortable. Here are some practical recommendations for preparing for your trip.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The climate here is moderate but humid. In summer, choose light, breathable clothing, while in winter, a warm coat will be necessary. Comfortable shoes are a must, as there will be plenty of walking, especially when visiting the Kintaikyo Bridge.
2. Transport: To pay for public transport, it is most convenient to use rechargeable IC cards (such as ICOCA or Suica). This will save time on purchasing tickets.
3. Finance: The official currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Although cards are accepted in many places, cash is often required in small shops and upon entry to some temples, so always keep banknotes and coins with you.
4. Health and Safety: Tap water is safe to drink. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, but standard precautions are always advisable. Pharmacies are easily recognised by a green cross or the character 薬.
5. Communication: The main language is Japanese. English is not understood everywhere, especially outside major tourist zones. Download an offline translator on your smartphone for ease of communication.
6. Local Etiquette: Do not forget to remove your shoes when entering homes, traditional restaurants (ryokans), and some temples. Loud conversations on public transport are considered bad manners.
7. What to Avoid: Never leave tips in restaurants or taxis — this is not customary and may be perceived as an insult or a mistake. High-quality service is already included in the bill.
8. Extra Tip: Be sure to try the famous Iwakuni Sushi — a unique local dish of pressed shape, which is often decorated with lotus root and prepared in large wooden moulds.

Observing these simple rules will help you show respect for the local culture and avoid awkward situations. Enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of this amazing Japanese city!