The majestic wooden structure of “Kintaikyo Bridge,” spanning Iwakuni City in Yamaguchi Prefecture, is one of Japan’s three most famous bridges and a premier example of wooden bridge architecture. What makes Kintaikyo truly remarkable is how it transforms with the changing seasons and times of day.
In spring, it’s a renowned cherry blossom spot; in summer, it hosts fireworks festivals and cormorant fishing; autumn brings stunning fall foliage, while winter offers a mystical snow-covered scene.
Furthermore, the nighttime view of Kintaikyo is so breathtaking that it has been recognized as part of Japan’s Night View Heritage, making it a must-visit destination at night.

On top of that, Iwakuni is also renowned for its Japanese sake. The pure, clear waters of the region produce a variety of highly acclaimed sake brands, each with its own unique flavor. We recommend trying different varieties side by side to savor their distinct characteristics. Iwakuni’s local sake is not only celebrated locally but also popular abroad due to its exceptional quality.

The perfect companion for domestically and internationally acclaimed Iwakuni sake is the local snacks (otsumami). Iwakuni is home to a wealth of specialties nurtured by its pristine waters and rich natural environment. From Iwakuni lotus root, Kishine chestnuts, konnyaku, Takamori beef, wild-caught sweetfish, Yuu tomatoes, to wasabi—the list goes on. “Tsuman de Chonmage” is a series of meticulously crafted sake snacks made with these exceptional local ingredients from Iwakuni.

While “Tsuman de Chonmage” pairs perfectly with sake on its own, it’s also a versatile product that can be enjoyed in various ways when combined with different dishes! Feel free to explore your own favorite recipe variations and enjoy it to the fullest!

【Sanda Flowers】

The Moss Pink (lawn cherry blossom) garden at Eitakuji Temple is one of the few gardens in Japan specializing in moss pink, and it is known as the “carpet of flowers” because of the way that it completely covers the ground when it blooms. You can also enjoy seasonal flowers that change throughout the year, such as the azaleas at Shingetsu-in Temple, cosmos at the Hazugawa River, and the cherry blossoms of the Mukogawa River Corridor.

【Amazing Views and “Power Spots”】

From the fantastical “Sea of Clouds”, to the beautiful “Ama falls” filled with negative ions, the “Ofuneji Kaya Tree”(a 20m high tree that is heralded as Sanda’s sole natural monument), or the breathtaking yellow foilage of the “Ono Dainichido Ginkgo”, Sanda offers a variety of “power spots” with spectacular views that will sooth your soul.

【Famous Historical Places】

The former Kuki Family Residence Museum, a semi-Westernized building with white walls and a veranda, was designated an Important Tangible Cultural Property by Hyogo Prefecture. Also to be seen is Kazan-in Temple, a popular spot featuring an observation deck for seeing verdant greenery or autumn leaves, with an overlooking view of both Sanda and the distant Seto Inland Sea.

【Outdoors】

Arima Fuji Park is the prefecture’s largest town park, taking advantage of Sanda’s rich natural landscape, and is also a place where you can enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities such as observing traditional Japanese homes and lifestyles, enjoying the creative playground facilities, and an open-air museum. Around Lake Senjoji there is Aono Damside Park, where black bass fishing, barbecues, boating, canoeing and more can be enjoyed, making it a top recommendation for those who would like to enjoy more hands-on outdoor activities.

【Arts and Culture】

In Sanda, visitors can enjoy both art and culture, such as at the Wind Museum, which showcases an array of unique sculptures that move with the wind. Sanda is also renowned for Sanda Celadon, known for its quality as one of the three foremost types of celadon in the world alongside Chinese Longquan Celadon and Korean Goryeo Celadon, and is especially known for its beautiful almost transparent coloring.

【Gourmet and Specialty Products】

Sanda has many delicious foods owing to its ideal natural conditions, such as vegetable and animal products with a quality distinctive to an area blessed with both clean air and water and a mild temperature. When visiting Sanda, be sure to enjoy local gourmet food and specialties such as the tender and flavorful Sanda beef, Sanda strawberries, soba, shiitake mushrooms, Sanda rice, and black bean edamame.