Iwakuni

Tokotoko Train

とことこトレイン

A 40-minute sightseeing train that travels through a "Dream Tunnel" that is filled with pictures made of fluorescent glowing stones, to Sozukyo Onsen.

¥650 (Discounts for those who come via Nishikicho Station)

Underground Kingdom Mikawa Muvalley

美川ムーバレー

An entire adventure theme park located underground. The premise of the adventure is based on ancient writings found in a mineshaft that leads to questions about whether the world and its history is really as we perceive it to be. The ancient underground kingdom appears to have been inspired by Mayan culture, at least as far as the statues, art, and motifs used. They have a variety of mission quests with tasks you can complete, panning for gold, digging for gemstones, as well as caves and waterfalls, a restaurant, and an onsen.

Friendship Day

日米親善デー nichibei shinzen dē

At the other end of Golden Week, the Marine Corps puts on a public air-show attended by up to 250,000 curious Japanese nationals. Follow the crowds out of JR Iwakuni Station for the best viewing spots.

Closed

Iwakuni Festival

岩国まつり

A lively autumn celebration with food, a flea market, and goofy events like a public tug-of-war.

third weekend of October

Kintai-kyo Festival

This is the busiest day of the year around the Kintai bridge area of Iwakuni, with more than 40,000 visitors. It's held annually on Showa Day, at the beginning of the Golden Week national holidays. The centerpiece of the festival is the mid-day Daimyo Procession, featuring a traditional dress march across the bridge; there's also food, festivities, and samurai demonstrations around Kikko Park.

April 29

Nishiki River Water Festival

錦川水の祭典 nishiki-gawa mizu no saiten

Fireworks in the skies over the bridge.

first Sat of August