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Iwakuni, Yamaguchi
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is a city located in Yamaguchi, Japan.
On March 20, 2006, the old city of Iwakuni merged with the towns of Kuga, Mikawa, Miwa, Nishiki, Shuto and Yu, and the village of Hongo (all from Kuga District) to form the new, expanded city of Iwakuni.
uni was formerly the castle town of the Iwakuni han, which was formed by Lord Hiroie Kikkawa after he was banished there for supporting the defeated shogun.
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Encyclopedia
is a city located in Yamaguchi, Japan.
On March 20, 2006, the old city of Iwakuni merged with the towns of Kuga, Mikawa, Miwa, Nishiki, Shuto and Yu, and the village of Hongo (all from Kuga District) to form the new, expanded city of Iwakuni.
History
Iwakuni was formerly the castle town of the Iwakuni han, which was formed by Lord Hiroie Kikkawa after he was banished there for supporting the defeated shogun. The Kikkawa clan ruled the han during the Edo period. The han was originally assessed at 30 thousand koku, and later, 60 thousand. Iwakuni han prospered for 300 years up until the Meiji Restoration. Before being re-founded with the same name following the mergers in 2006, the city was first founded on April 1, 1940.
Geography
Located at 34° N, 132° E, Iwakuni is in the western part of Yamaguchi Prefecture, bordering the Seto Inland Sea. The total area of the city is 872.71 km².
Demographics
As of January 1, 2008, the city has an estimated population of 146,885 with a population density of 168 /km2 (435 /sq mi).
Industries
Iwakuni is part of the Seto Inland Sea industrial area. Petroleum is a major industry with Nippon Oil’s Marifu refinery producing 127,000 barrels per day. Pulp is also produced in Nippon Paper’s Iwakuni mill using a relatively new process called “methane fermentation treatment” which requires almost no energy. Other main industries include fibers and spinning, petrochemicals, and paper. The renkon (lotus root) is the principal agricultural product and is cultivated in the Hasuda field which is in the Ozu area, located near Minami Iwakuni station.
Transportation
Shin-Iwakuni Station on the Sanyo Shinkansen provides access to high-speed rail transportation.
Iwakuni Station on the Sanyo Main Line is about 45 minutes from Hiroshima Station, and is in the center of the city. Other stations on that line are Minami Iwakuni, Fuju, and Tsuzu. The JR Gantoku Line links Iwakuni Station to Tokuyama (since 2003 merged into Shunan) and points beyond, and serves Nishi Iwakuni, Kawanishi and Hashirano stations within the Iwakuni.
The Nishikigawa Railway Seiryu Line has six stations in Iwakuni, including Kawanishi Station.
The Sanyo Highway carries automobile traffic to and from Iwakuni. National highways 2, 187, 188 and 189 bring local traffic to nearby cities.
Education
The city of Iwakuni has 39 elementary schools, 19 junior high schools, and nine high schools. One high school, Iwakuni-Kogyo, is the alma mater of Shinji Mori who is a Major League Baseball player with the Tampa Bay Rays. He graduated there in 1993. Iwakuni also has two vocational schools, a junior college, and no universities.
Sightseeing
Tourists from both Japan and overseas who visit Hiroshima and Miyajima often extend their travels to include Iwakuni.
Kintai Bridge
The famous Kintai Bridge (Kintai-kyo) is the city's most popular sightseeing spot. The Kintai Bridge spans the Nishiki river and was first constructed in 1673 by Hiroyoshi Kikkawa. The bridge stood until September 14, 1950 when it was destroyed by the typhoon “Kijiya”. The bridge began being rebuilt only a week later and was completed in 1953. It was a recreation of the original and was built using traditional techniques. Since the first reconstruction, the Kintai Bridge has undergone some renovation. The latest renovation was completed in 2004. Its five arches are a symbol of western Honshu. The Kintai Bridge is about 20 minutes from Iwakuni Station by bus. Several buses provide service from Iwakuni Station to the Kintai Bridge every day.
Kikko Park
Kikko Park is located on the other side of the Kintai Bridge. This area used to be the residence of the Kikkawa family. The park has a big fountain and contains numerous shops as well as a variety of flowers. Kikko Park is also home to a sanctuary for white snakes. These snakes are found only in Iwakuni, and have been designated as special national treasures by the Japanese government. The white snake is a symbol of Benten, the Japanese goddess of wealth. The white snake is considered a sign of good luck in Japan. Many people come to pray to the snakes so that they might be successful in their businesses.
Iwakuni Castle
Iwakuni Castle (Momoyama Nanban-zukuri), as well as the preserved temples and buildings at the foot of the hill, provide a glimpse into old Japan. The castle was originally constructed in 1608 by Hiroie Kikkawa, but was destroyed only seven years later. It was reconstructed in 1962. Iwakuni Castle is situated at the top of Mount Shiroyama, and can be reached on foot or by cable car. The castle contains a history museum containing armor, weapons, and other artifacts of the Kikkawa family. From the top of the castle, you can get an impressive view of Iwakuni. The castle area also offers a large number of trails for hiking and exercise.
Cormorant Fishing
On the Nishiki river, traditional cormorant fishing can be seen in the summertime. Fishermen wearing traditional clothing such as the noble’s headgear called “kazaore eboshi”, aprons, straw skirts, and straw sandles, perform this over 300 year old fishing technique. The fishermen control the cormorant, making them catch a fish, which is then retrieved from the cormorant’s mouth by the fisherman. Also, in early spring, the sight of cherry blossoms along the Nishiki river is unforgettable.
Other Places
Other Places
The Mekata Residence was the home of a mid-ranking Samurai family from the 18th century. It is one of the few remaining and so it is considered national property.
The Momijidani Maple Park used to be the garden of a temple. Located near the beginning of a mountain trail, many visitors come each autumn to view the colorful leaves on the many maple trees here.
The Nagayamon Gate of the Kagawa Family Residence is another well preserved piece of history located here. The appearance of this samurai residence has also been well kept and is considered prefectural cultural property.
In addition to the artifacts in Iwakuni Castle, more of the Kikkawa family’s things are displayed at the Kikkawa Museum.
The Iwakuni Art Museum contains ceramics, armor, furniture, and other artifacts which were once used by feudal lords.
Iwakuni also offers several different kinds of plants and trees which people like to view. In addition to the cherry trees and maple trees along the Nishiki river, there are also Japanese apricot trees, peony bushes, azalea, Japanese iris, and hydrangea. Many of these plants and trees are located around Kikko Park.
Festivals
The Kintai Bridge Festival is held annually on April 29 at Kikko Park. The festival includes a parade across the bridge called the “Sankin-koutai” Feudal Lords’ Procession featuring locals dressed in historic samurai costumes. The date of this festival is subject to some controversy as it is former emperor Hirohito’s birthday. From the death of Hirohito in 1989 until 2005, the day was officially called “Greenery Day”. In 2005, it was voted to change the name to “Showa Day” in reference to Hirohito despite the fear of opposition from other countries such as China and Korea, against which alleged war crimes were committed under the direction of the late emperor. However, according to the Liberal Democratic Party, this day would “encourage public reflection of the turbulent 63 years of Hirohito's reign, rather than glorify the emperor himself”.
The Nishiki River Water Festival is held on the first Saturday of every August. There is a large fireworks display and many people attend dressed in traditional clothing such as kimonos.
Cuisine
Visitors to Iwakuni may also wish to sample the town's special local version of sushi, which is made in a square mold. What is unique about this sushi is that it is prepared in large amounts, generally enough to feed about 150 people.
Iwakuni is famous for fresh lotus roots which many people enjoy. These are cooked in different ways such as sautéed or simmered.
Iwakuni Chagayu is a tea-flavored rice porridge originally created about 400 years ago by Hiroie Kikkawa as an inexpensive means of providing food for his suboordinates. The tea which was originally used to flavor the chagayu is called “bancha”. Although a simple dish, this food has a long history in Iwakuni.
Ohira is a dish with simmered vegetables as well as wild plants and chicken.
Other Products
The Ishi ningyo is a hand-made stone doll which is made from the nests of an insect called “ningyoutobikera” which are found in the rivers in Iwakuni. The dolls have been said to be the incarnations of the souls of ones who died during the construction of the Kintai bridge. People buy these dolls as souvenirs.
Kikkougama Iwakuni-yaki is ceramic ware that was used during the time of the Iwakuni han about 300 years ago that is still produced today. It is noted for its elegance and warm texture.
MCAS Iwakuni
Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni is an air station of the United States Marine Corps. Originally, the air base was a Japanese military base formed in 1939. After World War II, the base was occupied by the Royal Australian Airforce. Then in 1952, the base officially became a United States military base. Today, MCAS Iwakuni is also shared with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force. MCAS Iwakuni has an air station that many people in Iwakuni want to be made into a public international airport. However as of 2009, it is only authorized for military use. In 2014, it is planned to move the U.S. Carrier Air Wing from Atsugi to Iwakuni which will further increase the size of the base.
Sister Cities
Iwakuni’s sister cities include Everett (Washington), Jundiai (Brazil), Tottori (Tottori Prefecture, Japan), and Taicang (China).
External links
- in Japanese
- in English
- in English
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