Iwakuni, Yamaguchi
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Iwakuni.jpg
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.
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Economy
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.
History
IwakuniCastle.jpg
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.
Transportation
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.
Sightseeing
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 headquaters of the 3rd 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 throught South East and Southern Asia.
External links
- Official website (http://www.city.iwakuni.yamaguchi.jp/) in Japanese
- Official website (http://www.city.iwakuni.yamaguchi.jp/cgi-bin/odb-get.exe?WIT_template=AC020000&WIT_oid=icityv2::Contents::1955) in English
- Photos of Iwakuni at photoguide.jp (http://photoguide.jp/pix/index.php?cat=79) in English