Kikko Park — Samurai Gardens and White Snakes

Kikko Park (吉香公園) occupies the former grounds of Iwakuni Castle's outer fortifications, where samurai residences and administrative buildings once stood. Today the 13-hectare park preserves Edo-period atmosphere with samurai gates (nagaya-mon), white walls, traditional gardens, museums, and 500 cherry trees that create one of western Japan's most celebrated hanami (cherry blossom viewing) destinations each April. The park sits adjacent to Kintaikyo Bridge, forming a cultural complex where Iwakuni's history concentrates.

The park's unusual attraction is the Iwakuni White Snake Museum, dedicated to the albino Japanese rat snakes (シロヘビ, shirohebi) endemic to Iwakuni — designated a National Natural Monument and considered messengers of Benzaiten (goddess of wealth and fortune). These snakes, pure white with red eyes, have been protected in Iwakuni for 500+ years, with colonies maintained in outdoor habitats throughout the park. The museum displays live specimens, explains the genetic mutation causing albinism, and explores the snakes' cultural significance. Walking Kikko Park feels like strolling through an Edo-period castle town — if that castle town also had sacred white snakes.