Iwakuni
Iwakuni-shi 岩 国 市 |
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Geographical location in Japan | ||
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Region : | Chūgoku | |
Prefecture : | Yamaguchi | |
Coordinates : | 34 ° 10 ' N , 132 ° 13' E | |
Basic data | ||
Surface: | 872.32 km² | |
Residents : | 130,372 (October 1, 2019) |
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Population density : | 149 inhabitants per km² | |
Community key : | 35208-0 | |
Symbols | ||
Flag / coat of arms: | ||
town hall | ||
Address : |
Iwakuni City Hall 1 - 14 - 51 , Imazu-chō Iwakuni -shi Yamaguchi 740-8585 |
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Website URL: | http://www.city.iwakuni.lg.jp/ | |
Location of Iwakunis in Yamaguchi Prefecture | ||
Iwakuni ( Japanese 岩 国 市 , - shi ) is a city in Yamaguchi Prefecture , Japan .
location
The Nishiki River flows through the old city in a north-south direction . To the west of it is the Kikkō Park ( 吉香公 園 Kikkō-kōen ) with the samurai district, which is connected to the old town to the west by the Kintai Bridge ( 錦 帯 橋 Kintai-kyō ).
history
The city was formerly the main place of the fiefdom ( Han ) Iwakuni. During the Edo period , the Kikkawa family had their seat at Iwakuni Castle . The income of the fief was increased during their reign by the Shogun from 30,000 Koku to 60,000 Koku.
On April 1, 1940, the old city was given the status of a district-free city (shi) on the occasion of a regional reform .
On March 20, 2006, the old city of Iwakuni merged with the small towns ( chō ) Kuga ( 玖 珂 町 , -chō ), Mikawa ( 美 川 町 , -chō ), Miwa ( 美 和 町 , -chō ), Nishiki ( 錦 町 , -chō ) , Shūtō ( 周 東 町 , -chō ) and Yuu ( 由 宇 町 , -chō ), as well as the village ( son ) Hongō ( 本 郷 村 , -son ) of the district of Kuga to the new, larger city of Iwakuni.
traffic
The Shin-Iwakuni train station is located in the old western part of the city, around five kilometers from the old town. He is approached by the JR San'yō Shinkansen . The Cape-gauge main station Iwakuni is located about five kilometers from the old town, in the eastern part of the old city, and is served by the JR San'yō main line. The Nishikigawa Railway serves six stations in Iwakuni with the Seiryū line .
The San'yō Highway takes over some of the passing traffic. The following national motorways run through or near Iwakuni: 2 , 187, 188 and 189.
Attractions
Most of the sights are in and around the old town. There is a reptile house in Kikkō Park that has white snakes inside. These are said to embody the spirit of the goddess of luck Benzaiten . So it is not surprising that people come here to ask for business success. Right next to it is the valley station of the cable car, which leads up to Iwakuni Castle . Next to the valley station is the historical museum with a comprehensive collection of samurai weapons and equipment. Alternatively, a 2.3 kilometer long footpath can be used to get to the castle. The Mekata House and the Kimun-kaku Pavilion are also in the immediate vicinity of the valley station.
Kintai Bridge
The Kintai Bridge , built in 1673, is also known as the Brocade Sash Bridge. This was destroyed by a tidal wave in 1950, but rebuilt in 1953. In feudal times it was only allowed to be used by the samurai , the common people had to cross the river by boat.
Iwakuni Castle
The castle was built between 1603 and 1608, but had to be abandoned after seven years on the orders of the daimyo. The now existing castle was built in 1960 in a photographically better location.
Festivals
On April 29, the festival of Kintai-kyō- Matsuri takes place, during which historical robes are worn.
On the first Saturday in August there is a big fireworks display (Nishiki-gawa Hanabi Taikai) .
sons and daughters of the town
- Uno Chiyo (1897–1996), writer and fashion designer
- Hironaka Heisuke (* 1931), mathematician
- M. David Mullen (* 1962), cameraman
- Mikami Shinji (* 1965), video game designer (including the Resident Evil series)
- Matthew Kiichi Heafy (* 1986), singer and guitarist with the band Trivium
- Ayumu Kawai (* 1999), soccer player
Neighboring cities and communities
- Yamaguchi Prefecture
- Shimane Prefecture
- Hiroshima Prefecture