Iwakuni, Yamaguchi
|
Map showing location of Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture (as of 2006). |
 |
Iwakuni, including the Kintai Bridge |
Iwakuni (岩国市; -shi) is a
city located in
Yamaguchi,
Japan.
As of
2003, the city has an estimated
population of 104,647 and the
density of 473.17 persons per
km². The total area is 221.16 km².
The main industries of Iwakuni are
fibres and
spinning,
petroleum and
petrochemicals, and
paper and
pulp. The renkon (
lotus root) is the principal agricultural product.
Iwakuni was formerly the
castle town of the Iwakuni
han and the rebuilt castle stands atop a hill as a reminder of the city's heritage. The
Kikkawa clan ruled the han during the
Edo period. The han was originally assessed at 30 thousand
koku, and later, 60 thousand.
The city was founded on
April 1,
1940.
Shin-Iwakuni Station on the
Sanyo Shinkansen provides access to
high-speed rail transportation.
Iwakuni Station on the
Sanyo Main Line is in the center of the city. Other stations on that line are Minami Iwakuni, Fujio, and Michizu. The JR
Gantoku Line links Iwakuni Station to
Tokuyama (since 2003 merged into
Shunan) and points beyond, and serves Nishi Iwakuni, Kawanishi and Katsurano 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.
Iwakuni is a magnet for tourists from Japan and overseas. Those who visit
Hiroshima and
Miyajima often extend their travels to see Iwakuni. The
Kintai Bridge over the Nishiki river is made completely of wood, without nails. Its five arches are a symbol of western Honshu. The cherry blossoms along the river are unforgettable. Iwakuni Castle, and the preserved temples and buildings at the foot of the hill, give a glimpse into old Japan. Iwakuni's special version of
sushi, preserved for the trip up the hill to the castle, is a memorable special taste.
U.S.
Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni is a forward operational air station that serves the headquarters of the
1st Marine Aircraft Wing. It is home to both Fighter (F/A-18 Hornets) and Attack (AV-8 Harrier) Marine aircraft. These air assets can be deployed through South East and Southern Asia.
*
Iwakuni official website in Japanese
*
Contents in English
*
Photos of Iwakuni at photoguide.jp in English
