Iwakuni Castle (overlooking Kintai-kyo Bridge)

Originally built by the prefectural lord Kikkawa Hiroie in 1608 (Edo period), Iwakuni Castle took 5 years to construct. Chosen for its natural defense advantages, the castle sits atop Mount Yokoyama and looks down on the Nishiki River and modern day Iwakuni. Only 7 years after construction, the castle was torn down under the ‘one castle per province’ decree of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Reconstruction of the existing castle, built in similar style to the original castle, didn’t occur until 1962.