is a city

Cities of Japan

||A is a local administrative unit in Japan. Cities are ranked on the same level as and , with the difference that they are not a component of...

 located in Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi Prefecture

is a prefecture of Japan in the Chūgoku region on Honshū island. The capital is the city of Yamaguchi, in the center of the prefecture. The largest city, however, is Shimonoseki.- History :...

, Japan

Japan

Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...

.

On March 20, 2006, the old city of Iwakuni absorbed the towns of Kuga

Kuga, Yamaguchi

was a town in Kuga District, Yamaguchi, Japan.On March 20, 2006 Kuga, along with the towns of Mikawa, Miwa, Nishiki, Shūtō and Yū, and the village of Hongō, all from Kuga District, was merged into the expanded city of Iwakuni....

, Mikawa

Mikawa, Yamaguchi

was a town located in Kuga District, Yamaguchi, Japan.On March 20, 2006 Mikawa, along with the towns of Kuga, Miwa, Nishiki, Shūtō and Yū, and the village of Hongō, all from Kuga District, was merged into the expanded city of Iwakuni....

, Miwa

Miwa, Yamaguchi

was a town located in Kuga District, Yamaguchi, Japan.On March 20, 2006 Miwa, along with the towns of Kuga, Mikawa, Nishiki, Shūtō and Yū, and the village of Hongō, all from Kuga District, was merged into the expanded city of Iwakuni....

, Nishiki

Nishiki, Yamaguchi

was a town located in Kuga District, Yamaguchi, Japan.On March 20, 2006 Nishiki, along with the towns of Kuga, Mikawa, Miwa, Shūtō and Yū, and the village of Hongō, all from Kuga District, was merged into the expanded city of Iwakuni....

, Shūtō

Shuto, Yamaguchi

was a town located in Kuga District, Yamaguchi, Japan.On March 20, 2006 Shūtō, along with the towns of Kuga, Mikawa, Miwa, Nishiki and Yū, and the village of Hongō, all from Kuga District, was merged into the expanded city of Iwakuni....

 and Yū

Yu, Yamaguchi

was a town in Kuga District, Yamaguchi, Japan.On March 20, 2006 Yū, along with the towns of Kuga, Mikawa, Miwa, Nishiki and Shūtō, and the village of Hongō, all from Kuga District, was merged into the expanded city of Iwakuni....

, and the village of Hongō

Hongo, Yamaguchi

was a village located in Kuga District, Yamaguchi, Japan.On March 20, 2006 Hongō, along with the towns of Kuga, Mikawa, Miwa, Nishiki, Shūtō and Yū, all from Kuga District, was merged into the expanded city of Iwakuni....

, all from Kuga District

Kuga District, Yamaguchi

Kuga is a district located in Yamaguchi, Japan.As of 2005 Census, the district has an estimated population of 6,442. The total area is 10.56 km².The district has one town.*Waki-District Timeline:...

, to form the new, expanded city of Iwakuni.

History

Iwakuni was formerly the castle

Castle

A castle is a type of fortified structure built in Europe and the Middle East during the Middle Ages by European nobility. Scholars debate the scope of the word castle, but usually consider it to be the private fortified residence of a lord or noble...

 town of the Iwakuni han

Han (Japan)

The or domain was the name of the estate belonging to a warrior in Japan after the 17th century. The fiefs of the daimyos of the samurai class of Japan during the Edo period were called han.-Edo period:...

, 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

Edo period

The , or , is a division of Japanese history which was ruled by the shoguns of the Tokugawa family, running from 1603 to 1868. The political entity of this period was the Tokugawa shogunate....

. The han was originally assessed at 30 thousand koku

Koku

The is a Japanese unit of volume, equal to ten cubic shaku. In this definition, 3.5937 koku equal one cubic metre, i.e. 1 koku is approximately 278.3 litres. The koku was originally defined as a quantity of rice, historically defined as enough rice to feed one person for one year...

, 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.

On March 20, 2006, the old city of Iwakuni absorbed the towns of Kuga

Kuga, Yamaguchi

was a town in Kuga District, Yamaguchi, Japan.On March 20, 2006 Kuga, along with the towns of Mikawa, Miwa, Nishiki, Shūtō and Yū, and the village of Hongō, all from Kuga District, was merged into the expanded city of Iwakuni....

, Mikawa

Mikawa, Yamaguchi

was a town located in Kuga District, Yamaguchi, Japan.On March 20, 2006 Mikawa, along with the towns of Kuga, Miwa, Nishiki, Shūtō and Yū, and the village of Hongō, all from Kuga District, was merged into the expanded city of Iwakuni....

, Miwa

Miwa, Yamaguchi

was a town located in Kuga District, Yamaguchi, Japan.On March 20, 2006 Miwa, along with the towns of Kuga, Mikawa, Nishiki, Shūtō and Yū, and the village of Hongō, all from Kuga District, was merged into the expanded city of Iwakuni....

, Nishiki

Nishiki, Yamaguchi

was a town located in Kuga District, Yamaguchi, Japan.On March 20, 2006 Nishiki, along with the towns of Kuga, Mikawa, Miwa, Shūtō and Yū, and the village of Hongō, all from Kuga District, was merged into the expanded city of Iwakuni....

, Shūtō

Shuto, Yamaguchi

was a town located in Kuga District, Yamaguchi, Japan.On March 20, 2006 Shūtō, along with the towns of Kuga, Mikawa, Miwa, Nishiki and Yū, and the village of Hongō, all from Kuga District, was merged into the expanded city of Iwakuni....

 and Yū

Yu, Yamaguchi

was a town in Kuga District, Yamaguchi, Japan.On March 20, 2006 Yū, along with the towns of Kuga, Mikawa, Miwa, Nishiki and Shūtō, and the village of Hongō, all from Kuga District, was merged into the expanded city of Iwakuni....

, and the village of Hongō

Hongo, Yamaguchi

was a village located in Kuga District, Yamaguchi, Japan.On March 20, 2006 Hongō, along with the towns of Kuga, Mikawa, Miwa, Nishiki, Shūtō and Yū, all from Kuga District, was merged into the expanded city of Iwakuni....

, all from Kuga District

Kuga District, Yamaguchi

Kuga is a district located in Yamaguchi, Japan.As of 2005 Census, the district has an estimated population of 6,442. The total area is 10.56 km².The district has one town.*Waki-District Timeline:...

, to form the new, expanded city of Iwakuni.

Geography

Located at 34° N, 132° E, Iwakuni is in the eastern part of Yamaguchi Prefecture, bordering the Seto Inland Sea. The total area of the city is 872.71 km².

Demographics

As of March 1, 2010, the city

City

A city is a relatively large and permanent settlement. Although there is no agreement on how a city is distinguished from a town within general English language meanings, many cities have a particular administrative, legal, or historical status based on local law.For example, in the U.S...

 has an estimated population

Population

A population is all the organisms that both belong to the same group or species and live in the same geographical area. The area that is used to define a sexual population is such that inter-breeding is possible between any pair within the area and more probable than cross-breeding with individuals...

 of 144,225 with a population density of 165 /km2 (427.3 /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 127000 oilbbl/d. 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

Spinning (textiles)

Spinning is a major industry. It is part of the textile manufacturing process where three types of fibre are converted into yarn, then fabric, then textiles. The textiles are then fabricated into clothes or other artifacts. There are three industrial processes available to spin yarn, and a...

, petrochemicals, and paper

Paper

Paper is a thin material mainly used for writing upon, printing upon, drawing or for packaging. It is produced by pressing together moist fibers, typically cellulose pulp derived from wood, rags or grasses, and drying them into flexible sheets....

. 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.

Railway

Shin-Iwakuni Station

Shin-Iwakuni Station

is a train station in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.-Adjacent stations:...

 on the Sanyo Shinkansen

Sanyō Shinkansen

The is a line of the Japanese Shinkansen high-speed rail network, connecting Shin-Ōsaka in Osaka with Hakata Station in Fukuoka, the two largest cities in western Japan...

 provides access to high-speed rail

High-speed rail

High-speed rail is a type of passenger rail transport that operates significantly faster than the normal speed of rail traffic. Specific definitions by the European Union include for upgraded track and or faster for new track, whilst in the United States, the U.S...

 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

Gantoku Line

The is a railway line operated by West Japan Railway Company in western Japan connecting Iwakuni Station in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture and Kushigahama Station in Shūnan, Yamaguchi Prefecture....

 links Iwakuni Station to Tokuyama

Tokuyama, Yamaguchi

was a city located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.On April 21, 2003 Tokuyama was merged with the city of Shinnan'yō, the town of Kumage, from Kumage District, and the town of Kano, from Tsuno District, to form the new city of Shūnan....

 (since 2003 merged into Shunan

Shunan, Yamaguchi

is a city located in east central Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.The city was founded on April 21, 2003, merging two former cities, Tokuyama and Shinnan'yō and two towns, Kano and Kumage....

) 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.

Highway

The Sanyo Highway carries automobile traffic to and from Iwakuni. National highways 2, 187, 188 and 189 bring local traffic to nearby cities.

Airport

A civilian passenger terminal is being built at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni or MCAS Iwakuni is a United States Marine Corps air station located in the Nishiki river delta, southeast of the Iwakuni Station in the city of Iwakuni, Yamaguchi in Japan.-Tenant commands:...

 and will be completed by 2012. Scheduled commercial flights to Tokyo

Tokyo

, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...

 will start after the completion of the terminal.

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

Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine is a Shinto shrine on the island of Itsukushima in the city of Hatsukaichi in Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan...

 often extend their travels to include Iwakuni.

Kintai Bridge

The famous Kintai Bridge

Kintai Bridge

The is a historical wooden arch bridge, in the city of Iwakuni, in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.The bridge was built in 1673, spanning the beautiful Nishiki River in a series of five wooden arches, and the bridge is located on the foot of Mt.Yokoyama, at the top of which lies Iwakuni...

 (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 Honshū. The Kintai Bridge is about 20 minutes from Iwakuni Station by bus. It also takes about 15 minutes from Shin-Iwakuni Station of Sanyo-Shinkansen.Several buses provide service from Iwakuni and Shin-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

Iwakuni Castle

is a castle in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi, Japan.-History:This castle was constructed by Kikkawa Hiroie from 1601 to 1608 as his own castle.Kikkawa was a retainer of a vassal of the Shogun under the Mōri clan...

 (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

Cormorant

The bird family Phalacrocoracidae is represented by some 40 species of cormorants and shags. Several different classifications of the family have been proposed recently, and the number of genera is disputed.- Names :...

 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

Samurai

is the term for the military nobility of pre-industrial Japan. According to translator William Scott Wilson: "In Chinese, the character 侍 was originally a verb meaning to wait upon or accompany a person in the upper ranks of society, and this is also true of the original term in Japanese, saburau...

 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

Sushi

is a Japanese food consisting of cooked vinegared rice combined with other ingredients . Neta and forms of sushi presentation vary, but the ingredient which all sushi have in common is shari...

, 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. There are also many "sushi-go-rounds" where sushi makes its way around the restaurant for patrons to pick and choose from via a moving belt.

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

United States Marine Corps

The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...

. Originally, the air base was a Japanese military base formed in 1939. After World War II, the base was occupied by the Royal Australian Air Force

Royal Australian Air Force

The Royal Australian Air Force is the air force branch of the Australian Defence Force. The RAAF was formed in March 1921. It continues the traditions of the Australian Flying Corps , which was formed on 22 October 1912. The RAAF has taken part in many of the 20th century's major conflicts...

. 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

Tottori

Tottori, Tottori

is the capital city of Tottori Prefecture in the Chūgoku region of Japan.As of 2006, the city has an estimated population of 200,974 and a density of 262.48 persons per km². The total area is 765.66 km²....

 Everett, Washington

Everett, Washington

Everett is the county seat of and the largest city in Snohomish County, Washington, United States. Named for Everett Colby, son of founder Charles L. Colby, it lies north of Seattle. The city had a total population of 103,019 at the 2010 census, making it the 6th largest in the state and...

, USA Jundiaí

Jundiaí

Jundiaí is a city and municipality in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The population in 2009 was 349,929, and the area is 433.958 km². The elevation is 761 m. Distance is 60 km north of the city of São Paulo.- History and Geography :...

, Brazil

Brazil

Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...

 Taicang

Taicang

Taicang is a coastal city in Jiangsu Province of People's Republic of China. It is approximately to the northwest of Shanghai, and to the east of Suzhou. It is a county level city under jurisdiction of Suzhou prefecture level city. In 2008, the registered population was at 466,300, and total GDP...

, China

China

Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...

TV

• YAB
  YAB
  YAB or yab may refer to:* Arctic Bay Airport* Yamaguchi Asahi Broadcasting, A television station in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan* Yann Arthus-Bertrand , a French photographer* Youth Advisory Board...
  
   TV(ANN
  All-Nippon News Network
  , or ANN, is a commercial television news network in Japan run by TV Asahi Corporation.-All-Nippon News Network stations:-Remote Controller Buttons of Digital TV:*1: Kyushu Asahi Broadcasting*3: TV Miyazaki*5: 20 ANN stations...
  
  )
• KRY TV(NNN
  Nippon News Network
  Nippon News Network is a commercial television news network in Japan. The network is owned by Nippon Television, which itself is controlled by publishing company Yomiuri Shimbun. NNN operates a 24-hour news network, News 24, and its programming is aired on NTV stations.-Nippon News Network...
  
  )
• TYS
  TYS
  TYS can refer to*IATA code for McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA.*Ten year series, a compilation of Singaporean examination papers.*TV Yamaguchi Broadcasting Systems, a television company in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan...
  
   TV(JNN)
• NHK
  NHK
  NHK is Japan's national public broadcasting organization. NHK, which has always identified itself to its audiences by the English pronunciation of its initials, is a publicly owned corporation funded by viewers' payments of a television license fee....
  
  TV

External links

• Iwakuni official website in Japanese
• Iwakuni official website in English
• Japanese National Tourist Organization Iwakuni page in English