scenic viewpoint
Mount Misen (Miyajima)
The highest peak on Miyajima Island with ancient forests, wild deer, and panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea from its summit.
16 km · about 30 min drive
AsiaJapanYamaguchi
Iwakuni
Yamaguchi, Japan · Asia
About Iwakuni
Iwakuni is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Waki, 16km from Mount Misen (Miyajima).
Iwakuni is in Yamaguchi, Japan, with about 130,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Waki, about 4 km away.
Iwakuni (岩国市, Iwakuni-shi) is a city located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 June 2023, the city had an estimated population of 127,512 in 65182 households and a population density of 157 people per km2. The total area of the city is 873.72 square kilometers (337.35 sq mi).
Where to Stay in Iwakuni
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Iwakuni?
Within an hour or so of Iwakuni: Mount Misen (Miyajima) (16 km), Miyajima Island (17 km), Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima) (17 km), Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (33 km).
Are there any good drives near Iwakuni?
The nearest famous roads are Shimanami Kaido and Shikoku Karst.
Where is Iwakuni?
Iwakuni is in Yamaguchi, Japan, about 4 km from Waki.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 129,125
- Continent
- Asia
- Country
- Japan
- Region
- Yamaguchi
- Timezone
- Asia/Tokyo
- Coordinates
- 34.1630, 132.2200
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in Japan
Japan Helpline (24h English assistance): 0570-000-911. An International Driving Permit (1949 convention) is required to drive.
Full driving guide for JapanTags
Worth the detour from Iwakuni
6 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
Miyajima Island
A sacred island home to the floating Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic torii gate rising from the sea.
17 km · about 20 min drive
landmark
Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima)
A Shinto shrine on Miyajima Island famous for its iconic floating torii gate that appears to hover above the water at high tide.
17 km · about 20 min drive
museum
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
A profoundly moving museum documenting the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and advocating for the elimination of nuclear weapons.
33 km · about 40 min drive
landmark
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Atomic Bomb Dome)
The skeletal ruins of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, preserved as a haunting symbol of nuclear devastation and a call for peace.
34 km · about 40 min drive
museum
Mazda Museum
Factory museum offering tours of Mazda's assembly line and showcasing the marque's rotary engine heritage.
35 km · about 40 min drive
Driving roads near Iwakuni
- 16 kmMount Misen (Miyajima)The highest peak on Miyajima Island with ancient forests, wild deer, and panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea from its summit.
- 71 kmShimanami KaidoA 60 km island-hopping expressway across the Seto Inland Sea from Onomichi to Imabari, leaping between six islands on soaring suspension bridges including the world-class Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge.
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