Iwakuni Castle: Yamaguchi's historical masterpiece protected by an unlikely hero

Iwakuni Castle is located in Yamaguchi Prefecture. To access the castle site, you can either hike or take the ropeway from the bottom of the mountain (200-meter-high Shiroyama). Once at the very top you have an outstanding view of the city of Iwakuni. You’ll have the ability to see the complete city stretching out in to the tranquil inland sea of Japan. In the castle you will see three floors of historical artifacts from Iwakuni’s past, swords, samurai armor and art work.

Originally constructed in 1601 by the daimyo (feudal lord) Kikkawa Hiroie, the castle was supposed to cement his power over the region. For a long time, the daimyo used his castle to rule over Iwakuni, instructing his subjects to create elaborate grounds around the mountain it sits atop.

After the ruling Shogunate heard bout the castle’s construction they ordered its destruction fearing it could take power away from Hiroshima castle. The castle was partially deconstructed and became the Daimyo’s private residence before 1960’s when it had been refurbished and turned into a museum. The lands later became Kikko park, and so are now open to the general public. The park is wonderful, filled with statues, water features and stunning pathways that cause a sombre yet beautiful cemetery.