Moopon

Kokusaidori (literally "International Road") is Naha's main street, stretching for around two kilometers through downtown Naha.
The street takes its name from the former "Ernie Pyle International Theater",a movie theater which was built along the road after the war.

Starting around the Naha Bus Terminal and Prefectural Hall, Kokusaidori is lined by restaurants, cafes,
bars, hotels, boutiques, department stores and souvenir shops.
Many shops are open until 11pm,and live Okinawa music is played at several restaurants..
If you are looking for even more shopping opportunities, you are encouraged to go into the colorful Heiwadori,
Mutsumidori and Ichiba Hondori arcades,which branch off Kokusaidori around the intersection with Okieidori,
halfway along the street.
The shops in the arcade are smaller than those along Kokusaidori.

The Tamaudun Mausoleum was built around the beginning of the 16th century as the mausoleum for the royal family of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
It was restored after suffering extensive damage during Battle of Okinawa.
The mausoleum is located only a short walk from Shuri Castle.
It was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on December 2, 2000,
as a part of the site group Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.

The mausoleum consists of three closed chambers:
the left one for kings and queens, the right one for princes and princesses,
and the central one for storing recently deceased bodies before undergoing a ritual of bone cleaning a few years later. 

Visitors require an entry fee, which also covers admission to a small museum located in the basement of the reception building.
Although the museum is small and the English is limited, visitors are able to see pictures of the mausoleum from before the war. 

Facility Information:
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (last entry at 17:30)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 300 yen
Level of English: Minimal

Access Information:

The Churaumi Aquarium (Churaumi Suizokukan) is widely considered Japan's best aquarium.
The highlight of a visit to the Churaumi Aquarium is the massive Kuroshio Tank,which is one of the largest in the world.
The tank takes its name from the warm Kuroshio(black) current which plays a large part in the variety of Okinawa's of marine life.
The tank contains a wide range of species, the most striking of which are the giant whale sharks and manta rays.

The aquarium is spread out over three floors with the entrance on the third floor and the exit on the first floor.
Passing through the entrance, there is a pool where visitors can touch living seashells and starfish with their own hands.
Next there is a tank with the world's first large scale exhibit of living coral.
The route through the aquarium then leads past the Kuroshio Tank,where feeding shows are held twice daily.
Located just beside the tank is a Hi-Vision movie theater about Okinawa's marine life.
Past the Kuroshio Tank there are a few more amusing tanks and displays including an area dedicated to sharks with live tiger sharks and bull sharks.
Another area is dedicated to marine life in much of the deep sea of Okinawa and includes displays of various bioluminescent fish.

In addition to the main aquarium building, there are a few outdoor pools near the waterfront where animal shows of dolphins,
manatees sea and turtles can be viewed free of charge.
There are only a few shows per day, so visitors might as well check show times before entering the aquarium.

Facility Information:
Hours: 8:30 to 20:00 (until 18:30 from October to February)
Admission ends one hour before closing time
Closed: First Wednesday of December and the following day.
Admission: 1850 yen (1290 yen if you enter after 16:00)
Access Information:
The Churaumi Aquarium is part of the Ocean Expo Park on the Motobu Peninsula in northern Okinawa Honto,about 90 kilometers from Naha.

Tsumago was a post town on the Nakasendo route between Kyoto and Edo.
It is known today as one of the best preserved post towns in Japan.
The town and its residents go to great lengths to recreate the environment and atomosphere of the Edo Period.
Cars are not allowed on the main street in the day and phone lines and power cables are kept concealed,
allowing visitors to imagine they have slipped back to an earlier time.

Tsumago also recreates the post town ambience by maintaining its Honjin and Wakihonjin.
In all post towns, the Honjin was the principal inn and served government officials who were traveling through.
When more accomodations were required, the Wakihonjin served to accommodate the travelers of lower status.
Tsumago also maintains the office where laborers and horses were rented to aid in travel.                                          
Tsumago's Honjin was reconstructed in the 1990s, but great efforts have been taken so that it resembles its condition in the 1830s,
when it served as an inn.

Tsumago was a post town on the Nakasendo route between Kyoto and Edo.
It is known today as one of the best preserved post towns in Japan.
The town and its residents go to great lengths to recreate the environment and atmosphere of the Edo Period.
Cars are not allowed on the main street in the day and phone lines and power cables are kept invisible, allowing
visitors to imagine they have slipped back to an earlier time.

Tsumago also recreates the post town ambience by maintaining its Honjin and Wakihonjin.
In all post towns, the Honjin was the principal inn and served government officials who were traveling through.
When more accomodations were required, the Wakihonjin served to accommodate the travelers of lower status.
Tsumago also maintains the office where laborers and horses were rented to aid in travel.                            
Kotoku Temple (Kotokuji) is a Buddhist temple which is believed to have been built in 1500.
It is not really remarkable, but still quite pleasant.

Located near Hiroshima Station, visitors to Hiroshima’s mini-Kyoto garden, Shukkeien (縮景園) are able to view Japan’s seasonal beauty, reflected through nature. A popular spot for tea ceremonies, cherry blossom/autumn foliage viewing, this tranquil garden is visited by locals and tourists.

The name Shukkeien is loosely translated as "shrunken-scenery garden," which is also a good description of the garden. Visitors will find mini-valleys, mini-mountains, even mini-forests within the garden's landscapes. Through carefully cultivated land and vegetation, the garden mimics a variety of natural formations and scenic views.

Shukkeien has a long history dating back to 1620, just after the completion of Hiroshima Castle. The garden displays many features of the traditional aesthetics of Japanese gardens. Around the garden's main pond there are a number of tea houses which offer visitors ideal views of the surrounding scenery.

The entire garden is connected by a recommended path which leads visitors around the pond at the center of the garden. The path passes through all of Shukkeien's various miniaturized sceneries. Following this path around the garden is the best way to enjoy Shukkeien.

Shukkeien is a 15 minute walk from Hiroshima Station. Alternatively, it is a few steps from "Shukkeien-mae" tram stop along tram line 9. From Hiroshima Station, take tram line 1, 2 or 6 to Hacchobori and transfer to tram line 9. The entire journey takes about 15 minutes and costs 160 yen.

The garden has Japanese-style café, offering green tea, sweets, and so on.

Facility Information: 
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 from October to March) 
Closed: December 29th to 31st
Admission: 260 yen

An old fashioned town located along the Seto Inland Sea in the eastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture, Onomichi (尾道) has many interesting sites and places for locals and tourists to explore. In addition to the temples, museums, parks and gardens, Onomichi is the “Honshu” mainland point for the Shimanami Kaido Bridge.  And is the major port for the small islands within the Seto Inland Sea.

Onomichi is the home to many temples. In the past, rich merchants donated money to build temples within the port town to ensure prosperity. Visitors may choose to explore Onomichi’s famous “Temple Walk” which leads visitors to 25 temples. However, as Onomichi is also famous for its steep slopes, proper footwear is recommended. 

Onomichi is the home to many respected authors, such as Fumiko Hayashi, author of “Horoki” (“Vagabond’s Song” in English) which was adapted into the anime “Wandering Days.” Artists will enjoy looking the museums such as the Hirayama Museum, famous for Artist Hirayama’s Silk Road desert landscapes paintings of Iran, Iraq and China. Many movies have been filmed here, including Yasujiro Ozu’s globally famous film “Tokyo Monogatari.” 

Cyclists love Onomichi and its access to the Shimanami Kaido Bridge, the bridge which connects Honshu to Shikoku. The Shimanami Kaido Bridge has exits and entrances for drivers and cyclists to visit the small islands lying in the Seto Inland Sea. Onomichi, being the Honshu home of the bridge, has cycle rental stores, repair stores, even bicycle storage for those who opt the island hopping via ship.

Yet, there is more to the city of Onomichi. From the old-fashioned family owned business in the covered shopping arcade near the train station, to the modern U2 cycling support facility, there is something for everyone here. Traditional Japan meets Modern Japan with family fun festivals such as the summer fireworks festival or autumn Betcha Matsuri (where local “demons” run around hitting children on the head to knock some sense into them). Beautiful cherry blossom parks in the spring, artwork and history, cycling and temple touring…all available in the small, port city of Onomichi.

Visitors to Hiroshima often overlook Onomichi, a quaint port town along the Seto Inland Sea, located about 90 minutes via local train from Hiroshima Station. With its steep hills and sloping geography, Onomichi did not suffer many damages during the war. As a result, many historic buildings are still intact, allowing visitors a glimpse of Japanese history.

Onomichi is famous for its temples. Being a port town, in the past, successful merchants donated heavily to build temples to ensure the town’s prosperity. Visitors can explore the 25 temples along the “Temple Walk”, a popular temple route. Visitors can find maps of “Temple Walk” available at the Tourist Information Office at Onomichi Station. The route is marked and there are many signs as well. Though the route is only 2.5 kilometers, as Onomichi is famous for its slopes, proper footwear is strongly advised.

The most famous temple on the Temple Walk would have to be Senkoji Temple. Founded by Kobo Daishi in 806, Senkoji is located on the mountain. Though visitors can hike up the mountain, most visitors opt to take the ropeway. Visitors may be interested in the 15 meter tall Tama no Iwa or Jewel Rock. This rock is said to have glowed all night illuminating the surrounding sea. The temple has many miniature Jizo statues which are also popular. The park above the temple is a beautiful place to rest and take in the beautiful surrounding. Please note, this park is quite crowded during the cherry blossom season, as the Senkoji Park is one of hundred most beautiful cherry blossom places in Japan.

Jidoji Temple, the final temple on the Temple Walk is also quite popular. Dating back to the early 7th century, it is said to the oldest temple in this region. Visitors should take time to take in the main hall and the 2 storey pagoda as they are both National Treasures. Though the entrance to the temple is free, a nominal fee (600 yen) will allow visitors into the temple buildings. The temple has many beautiful, historic statues which are registered as Cultural Treasures. Though there is a Japanese guided tour, the beauty of the artwork on the fusuma, sliding door, elegant rooms and breathtaking paintings holds no language barriers. The temple’s well maintained karesansui style garden is also a point of interest.

There are many things to take in, experience and observe on Onomichi’s Temple Walk. This 2.5 kilometer route on the varying terrains allows visitors to understand Japan’s proud cultural past.

Visitors to Hiroshima are strongly encouraged to try Hiroshima local delicacy, okonomiyaki.

Sometimes referred to as a Japanese pancake, okonomiyaki consists of meat, egg, cabbage and noodles (soba or udon) layered into a flour based batter, grilled on a large, heated steel plate. Though the contents vary, the meat used is usually pork, though diners may opt for a seafood version which uses shrimp, squid, octopus or oyster, or a combination of the previously mentioned seafood.  Additional toppings of chopped green onions, cheese, corn, seafood, etc., can be added for a nominal fee. After the okonomiyaki is grilled on the steel plate, it is garnished with okonomiyaki sauce, finely grated seaweed, and bonito flakes. There are restaurants which add mayonnaise as well.

There are variations of okonomiyaki throughout Japan, though Hiroshima and Kansai (Osaka) okonomiyaki are the most famous. Whereas Kansai okonomiyaki is more simple, Hiroshima okonomiyaki is more filling as it uses more cabbage (about 3 times the amount of its Kansai counterpart) and has noodles included in the okonomiyaki (Kansai okonomiyaki does not contain noodles).

Okonomiyaki is available throughout Hiroshima prefecture, though there is a larger concentration of okonomiyaki stores near Hiroshima station and in the downtown area. Behind Parco Department Store is Okonomiyaki Mura, a building containing only Okonomiyaki food stalls. As each okonomiyaki stall is independent, the contents, price and taste of okonomiyaki vary from stall to stall.

In most cases, the chef of the okonomiyaki establishment will prepare the okonomiyaki in a location where diners can observe. Diners wishing to watch the cooking process can opt to try this Hiroshima local delicacy at a food stall (as the diners will sit around the heated large steel plate) or at the counter of a restaurant. However, as the steel plate does emit a large amount of heat, it is quite hot near the cooking steeled plate, so please be careful.

Once the okonomiyaki is prepared, the way it is served varies according to the restaurant.  There are stores which will serve its patrons okonomiyaki on a heated plate, and there are others, which will bring their diners a small skillet containing the warm okonomiyaki. And yet, there are places where diners can eat their okonomiyaki off the large, heated steel plate. Diners have the choice of eating their okonomiyaki with chopsticks or a steel spatula called a hira. Similar to a steel spoon, the hira will preserve the heat the okonomiyaki, making okonomiyaki a great meal during cool/cold weather.  Diners opting to eat okonomiyaki with a hira, please be cautious not to burn the tongue!

A popular food, with healthy vegetables and very reasonable price-wise, visitors to Hiroshima will surely have their stomachs and hearts warmed with this Hiroshima soul food.

Noodle lovers will enjoy the variations of the noodles Japan has to offer. From thick udon noodles, to the various types of soba and ramen, there are many types of noodles which are prepared in a variety of different styles and flavors.

Hiroshima Tsukemen is a Hiroshima born noodle dish available throughout Hiroshima with some shops in Tokyo and Osaka featuring this Hiroshima delicacy as well. A cold, spicy dish, tsukemen is available throughout the year, though popular in the summer.

Tsukemen consists a bowl of cold noodles with vegetables and a dipping sauce. The sauce is spicy, though diners can make a request as to the level of spiciness they desire (the higher the number, the spicier the sauce).  As the noodles have no flavor, diners dip the noodles in the spicy sauce before consuming. Though there is a difference among tsukemen shops, diners who order tsukemen can expect sliced pork, hard or soft boiled egg, boiled vegetables and cucumbers to be served with their noodles and spicy sauce. Most diners will dip the garnishing in the dipping sauce as well before consuming.  

Though tsukemen shops are located throughout Hiroshima, the downtown area has its fair share of tsukemen shops. As it is a popular midnight snack after a night out, visitor will find many tsukemen with late operating hours in the drinking areas around the Nagarekawa Area.

Visitors to the beautiful island of Miyajima, located in the city of Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, are often entranced by the mystical Mount Misen located on the island. 

Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon sect and a prominent religious figure, brought Buddhism to the mountain in 806, the first year of the Daido era. In addition to the Buddhist structure, the mountain is home to a variety of unusual plants, a platform for beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea and a fun mountain course for trekkers.

Visitors to the island have the option of ascending Mount Misen on foot or via ropeway.  Visitors have a choice of three hiking trails: the Momijidani Course, the Daisho-in Course and the Omoto Course.

**The Momijidani Course begins in Momijidani Park, located near the lower ropeway station. With a length 2.5 kilometers, it is estimated the hike should take about an hour and a half to two hours to arrive at the summit.  This route will take hikers along the Momiji river.  Though the route is quite steep at times, hikers will encounter rare plant life, like the primitive Angiospermal here.  Unusual shaped rocks such as “Sakura Rock” and “Screen Rock” can be found here.  As the trail leads into the forest, autumn and the changing colors is beautiful time on this trail.

****The Omoto course begins at Omoto Park, near the Omoto Shrine, a little past Miyajima Aquarium. The 3.2 kilometer trail has an estimated hiking time of 2 hours to the summit. There are steep parts along the trail but hikers will find a lot of history along this trail. At the beginning of the course, hikers will find 100 year old large fir trees along the trail leading into the Komaga Forest, the second largest forest in Misen.  Hikers will enjoy natural and spiritual delights along this route. The giant “Fuji Rock” where Kobo Daishi secluded himself is located on this trail.

**The Daisho-in Course begins in front of the Nioh Gate of Daishoin Temple. The estimated hike time for the 3 kilometer trial is 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours (to the summit). Though there are many stone steps, the scenery is breathtaking. The Shiraito Falls are along this course. At the sixth marker stone (near Satomiya Mura), there is a spot where hikers can view the Torii Gates. A guardian deity for children is also along this trail.

Visitors also have the option to utilize the Miyajima Ropeway. The Ropeway will take visitors from the foothills of the mountain to Shishiiwa Observatory.  From Shishiiwa Observatory, visitors can view the beautiful Seto Inland Sea. 

From Shishiiwa Observatory, visitors wishing to advance to the summit will need to advance on foot. The summit is 100 meters from the upper ropeway station along a rather steep rock road. The estimated hiking time from Shishiiwa Observatory to the summit is 30 minutes.
Please note: though the summit was an observation tower, presently neither food nor beverages are sold. Visitors are able to purchase beverages at the good luck-souvenir shop next to Kiezu-no-Reikado Hall, during the shop’s operating hours.

Along the route to the summit, hikers will come across a plateau with religious structures. The Misenhondo (the Main Hall) is the holy hall Kobo Daishi built for 100 day Buddhism training sessions. In the Kiezu-no-Reikado Hall is the holy fire Kobo Daishi used for his religious training. This flame has been burning for over 1200 years. Visitors to the Kiezu-no-Reikado Hall can help themselves to a cup of the hot tea brewed over the flame.
It is believed water boiled this flame will heal various ailments. The fire from the Kiezu-no-Reikado Hall was used to light the Flame of Peace in Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park.

From the plateau, there are trails to other religious structures or deities. Among the structures is Miyamajinja Shrine. This shrine enshrines the same deities as Itsukushima. With a beautiful view from the shrine, a sense of tranquility can be felt while visiting this shrine.  From the plateau containing Kiezu-no-Reikado Hall, it is an estimated ten to fifteen minute walk.

From the Kiezu-no-Reikado Hall plateau it is a 10 minute hike to the summit of Mount Misen.  Near the entrance to the summit, hikers will see a large rock they may need to duck under. Known as the “Kugiri-iwa” the origins are unknown. Various “strange” rocks can be found near or at the summit.

At the summit, there is a rock structure with a sign signifying the summit of Mount Misen. There is an observatory tower/rest area at the summit. Many hikers use this tower to rest or eat lunch boxes while breathing in the fresh air. Visitors can view the Seto Inland Sea from 360 degrees without any obstructions. As said by the first Prime Minister of Japan Itoh Hirobumi “The true value of the Number 1 of the Japan’s three most beautiful spots is in the view of the top.” Though Miyajima has more than its share of beautiful spots, the view from the summit of Mount Misen is truly special.

Hiroshima most famous and favorite souvenir would have to be Momiji Manju, sweet maple-shaped cakes with various fillings.

Visitors to Hiroshima can find souvenir boxes of momiji manju at department stores, train/airport kiosks and various souvenir stores in the Hondori Shopping Street and Miyajima Island.

There are many tales concerning the origin of the maple leaf shape of these sweets. Among the most famous is that the sweets were created by an observation made by Japan’s first Prime Minister Itoh Hirobumi. Itoh Hirobumi loved Miyajima and would often visit the island and the sacred Misen Mountain. Once during a visit in fall, Hirobumi saw the delicate hands of a young girl serving him tea and exclaimed, “Your hand is like a maple leaf!”  This sparked an idea within the proprietress of an inn, who had her baker create sweets in the maple leaf shape.

In the past, each momiji manju was handmade. However with the onset of technology, they are now produced using machines. Visitors can see the machines in many of the momiji manju stores on Miyajima Island and in some stores in Hiroshima city. Also, there are momiji manju making workshops available for visitors whoh have a desire to create this nationwide favorite Japanese confectionary. One of the places which offers momiji manju making workshops on a regular basis is the Miyajima Traditional Crafts Center. This workshop is offered every day except on Mondays, when the center is closed. Though a small fee will be charged, visitors can create their own momiji manju in about an hour.

Momiji manju has a variety of different fillings.  Traditionally, the sweets were filled with red bean paste, or anko.  However, nowadays the flavors have expanded to additional Japanese flavors of smooth bean paste or koshian, lightly crushed bean paste or tsubuan, white sweet beans or shiroan, chestnuts with bean paste or kurian, green tea or matcha as well as foreign-ish flavors of cheese, chocolate and cream. Hiroshima Seto Inland Sea’s Lemon is new addition as well as various other seasonal flavors.

Though usually baked and eaten solo, the way momiji manju is partaken is expanding. Visitors may wish to try an unbaked “rare” momiji manju. Visitors may find momiji manju in Japanese parfaits in Hiroshima. On Miyajima Island, there are stores which deep-fry momiji manju. The bread like coating is quite crispy with the filling creamy. Be careful not to burn the tongue as cream or cream is quite hot once deep fried.

Whether purchasing a box as a souvenir for friends back home or sampling an individual momiji manju, this small piece of Japanese delight is a delicious symbol of Hiroshima.
 

Museum of History and Folklore(歴史民俗資料館)

The Tomonoura Museum of History and Folklore provides information about the industries of Tomonoura and historical events that took place at the town. It displays exhibits relating to the daily life of the local people, such as festival floats, models of merchant ships and artifacts of the former Tomo Castle. The museum is only somewhat interesting with little English information.

Hours: 10:00 - 17:00
Closed: Mondays (Open on Mondays for national holidays), New Year holidays
Admission: 150 yen
 

Fukuzenji Temple【福禅寺】

Fukuzenji Temple offers the arguably most famous view at Tomonoura - that of the nearby Bentenjima Island and Sensuijima Island through the veranda of the temple. As a side note, the temple also houses a statue of Maria Kannon, who is Virgin Mary made to look like the Buddhist Bodhisattva Kannon during the Edo Period, when Christianity was banned in Japan and Christians had to practice their religion in secret.

 
Hours: 8:00 to 17:00
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 200 yen

Surrounded by water, it seems only appropriate there would be an aquarium displaying its neighboring creatures on the island of Miyajima, located in the Seto Inland Sea in Hiroshima Prefecture.  Located on the far western end of the island, the Miyajima Public Aquarium (宮島水族館) was rebuilt and reopened in August 2011 to offer even better information and services to all who visited the facility.

The aquarium houses creatures of the sea residing in both salt water and fresh water. Visitors can view sea life from the waters surrounding Miyajima, Seto Inland Sea as well as from various bodies of water around the world.  Visitors will encounter various aquatic unique displays such as the oyster farm, showing how Hiroshima’s specialty, the oysters are grown. The aquarium has an interactive section for children to touch sea creatures such as starfish and other “safe” sea life. At designated times during the day, the aquarium hosts sea lion shows which bring laughter and delight to visitors of all ages. In addition to the sea lion show, the aquarium has a penguin parade for visitors to see the penguin at a closer distance.

Facility Information
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:00)
Closed: from December 26th to 30th
Admission: 1400 yen

Access Information:
on foot:
**10 minutes from Itsukushima Shrine
**20 minutes from Miyajima Ferry Port