Moopon

1. Once visitors exit immigration and customs at Kansai Airport, visitors will be on the 1st floor. Follow the signs for “Railways”, taking one of the 4 escalators or 3 elevators to arrive at the 2nd floor.

2. Once on the 2nd floor, follow the signs to one of several walkways and walk across the road to Kansai-airport Station. Visitors need to exit the air terminal building to arrive at the JR Station (two separate buildings connected by a walkway). Two train companies use Kansai-airport Station: JR (blue/green) and Nankai (orange). Only JR can take visitor to the platform Haruka departing from. DO NOT use Nankai.

3. Before entering tickets gate, find JR Ticket Office where visitors can purchase ticket or reserved ticket for JR train.(there is a huge sign in English above their head).JR ticket office staff may or may not speak English, but they can read place names and train types written in the Roman alphabet. 

4. With one’s tickets, go through JR ticket gate and take an escalator to get to Platform 4.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (広島平和記念公園 ), located in downtown Hiroshima, is the site of where the first atomic bomb was dropped at 8:15 am on August 6, 1945.  The park is dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb. The park promotes peace while reiterating the horrors of nuclear war.

Within this spacious park visitors will find many structures reflecting peace.  On Peace Boulevard, behind the fountain is the Peace Memorial Museum. Here visitors can witness and learn about Hiroshima’s history and struggle after the attack.

Visitors will see an arched structure, the Memorial Cenotaph, located in the middle of the park. The names of all of the victims of the bomb are written here with the inscription “Let all the souls here rest in peace for we shall not repeat the evil." The structure was constructed on August 6, 1952, with the arch shape reflecting the souls of the victims.

The Peace Flame behind the Cenotaph has been continuously lit since 1964. With a prayer of internal peace, the flame will remain lit until all nuclear weapons have been destroyed and the world is free from the threat of a nuclear war.

Hiroshima Memorial, or commonly known as the Atomic Bomb Dome, lies at the end of park, near the streetcar street (Aioi Street). Known as the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall at the time, this is the only remaining building near the bomb’s epicenter. Though there was some controversy whether the building should be torn down or preserved, it was decided the Atomic Bomb Dome is an important part of local as well as world history. Though the Dome has been reconstructed a few times, the original architecture was always been preserved in remembrance of the victims.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is the site of the annual Peace Memorial Ceremony held on August 6. There are peace exhibits throughout the park as well as narratives from the survivors of the atomic bomb, storytelling activities for children. Near the Peace Memorial Museum, visitors can find information about experiences translated in English.

On that day, i the evening, paper lanterns illuminated by candles are floated down the river next to the park. For a nominal fee, visitors can create their own paper lantern, with their own message of peace, to be floated down the river. Once the lantern is created, the volunteers will assemble the lantern and assist visitors in floating the lantern. Please be aware, as many people wish to participate in this tradition, there is usually a long line to float the lantern. Whether involved in the creation or not, all visitors to the park can view the paper lanterns floating down the river, the candlelight illuminating the black water.
 

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

At its peak, Iwami Ginzan was one of the top producing silver mines in the world. Its yearly output of 38 tons of silver made up approximately a third of the world's production.



Silver from the mine, known as "Soma Silver," was of very high quality, and control of the mine was fiercely contested by local clans until it was acquired by the Tokugawa Shogunate in the early 1600s. Since then it was directly controlled by the Tokugawa government, and several castles, guard stations, and fences were erected to maintain control of the region.



Today the majority of the buildings in the mining area are in ruins but a few attractions remain. The main one is the Ryugenji Mabu Mine Shaft, a 273 meter long tunnel and the only shaft of over 600 that is open to the public. Also in the area are the Shimizudani Refinery Ruins and various temples and shrines.



Near the Ryugenji Mabu Mine Shaft are two trails that lead to castle ruins and nearby port towns. The trail leading to Yunotsu and Okidomari is approximately 12 kilometers long, and the trail to Tomogaura is approximately 7 kilometers.

The mining area isn’t accessible by bus, but can only be reached on foot. The two kilometer walk from the closest bus stop, Omori bus stop, to the Ryugenji Mabu Mine Shaft takes about 30-45 minutes one way along an easy and pleasant walking trail.

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (until 16:00 from late November to late March)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 410 yen

Kinza 【きんざ】
Designed by Naito Rei
Kinza is a small, 200 year old house that has been converted into an artwork of traditional building design and craftsmanship. Located next door to the Gokaisho, Kinza can only be viewed from Friday to Sunday with advance reservations. Visitors enter Kinza one at a time.

Open:Thursday to Sunday and holidays
Hours:11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Admission:510 yen
Viewing Kinza
Visitors are requested to enter one at a time and finish viewing Kinza within 15 minutes.
A reservation: Required.

Kurokami (Shōwa crater) Observation Point


Around here, flowing lava were flowing and the view from here gives you the situation of the Shōwa Eruption.


You can watch its Crater and its frequent small eruptions. You also get sound of explosive and rumbling.


There are other lave areas (eruptions in1471 and 1914) and plant succession can be compared.
 

How to get there

This Observation point is 19km ahead of the ferry terminal.

 It takes 29minutes by car and 6minute walk from “Kurokami syougakkou mae” bus stop.


It’s located a few hundred meters from the Kurokami Shrine Gate close to the volcano's eastern coast. 
 

About Sakurajima

Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes and is the symbol of Kagoshima.

The volcano emits smoke constantly, and minor eruptions often occur many times per day.

Located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay,

Sakurajima is the area's most splendid geographic feature as it is located in the middle of Kagoshima Bay.

It has an elevation of 1117 meters and a circumference of about 50 kilometers.

A Powerful eruption happened and burned everything in 1914,

however, grasses and plants are growing these days.
 

Access information
 

In Sakurajima

Travelers visiting Sakurajima can find many attractions just around the Ferry Terminal,

including an onsen, foot baths, short hiking trails and an information center.

Those who would like to further explore the volcano should travel by rental car,

which can be taken across the water from Kagoshima by the ferries.


Sightseeing buses, regular buses and rental bicycles are other possible methods of travel.

 

The way up to Sakurajima

Kagoshima and Sakurajima are connected around the clock by frequent ferries.
 

The one way ride takes 15 minute and costs 160 yen.

The ferry terminal is a ten minute walk from JR Kagoshima Station or a five minute walk from the Suizokukan-guchi tram stop,

and is also served by the City View Buses.

There are also regular city buses that run infrequently from the ferry terminal along the northern coast (departures every 1-3 hours)



and along the southern coast (departures every 40-90 minutes) of Sakurajima.

Kagoshima Aquarium ( Io World Kagoshima Suizokukan) is located on the Kagoshima Port,

close to the Sakurajima ferry terminal.


The aquarium which has a total of seven floors was opened in 1997.


There is an emphasis on local marine life,

including the chain of islands to the south that are part of Kagoshima Prefecture.

 

The most impressive attraction is its massive Kuroshio Tank,

which holds fish of all sizes.
 

There are schools of tiny fish and rays.


Other exhibition areas include coral reefs,
 

sea otters, giant crabs, mangroves and electric eels.



There are three dolphins in a Dolphin Pool that shows per day.



Occasionally the dolphins are allowed to swim freely in the canals outside the aquarium

where you can see their trick performs.

 

How to get Kagoshima Aquarium

It is a five minutes walk from the Suizokukan-guchi tram stop (170 yen)

or can be reached directly by the City View Bus (190 yen for one ride, 600 yen for one day pass).

 

Schedule & cost

Hours: 9:30 to 18:00 ( last entry 17:00)

Closed: Four days beginning from the first Monday of December

Admission:1500 yen



 

Visitors to Kagawa Prefectures in Shikoku, will want to visit Marugame (丸亀),

the second largest city in the Prefecture.


 Marugame is a port city in the western part of Kagawa Prefecture and includes

many of the Shiwaku Islands located in the Seto Inland Sea.  



Many of the Shiwaku Islands are hosts to the famous Setouchi Treiennale,

a contemporary art festival with venues on several of the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. 

 

Marugame has many points of interests for its visitors.


For young visitors, we recommend the New Reoma World,

an amusement park filled with rides and fun for the whole family.


The Marugame Castle, one of the twelve remaining “original” castles of Japan,

was constructed on a hill to “control” the city it governed.


The Mimoca, Marugame Genichiro Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art,

houses fascinating objects and other art pieces.



A famous round fan or uchiwa museum is also in this city.


The people of Marugame originally made these hand-held

round fans for the pilgrims who came to Shikoku to visit the temples. 

 

Visitors can enjoy all the delicious delights this city has to offer.


 From udon, which is famous throughout Kagawa Prefecture to Marugame grilled chicken on the bone,


there is something for everyone here.


Many locals love the sanuki cow which is used as toppings for udon,


or the beef is available in lunchboxes in this region.


Fruits are also popular, with peaches being a favorite.  


 

Visitors will find this city located west of the Seto Ohashi,

the bridge connecting Shikoku to Honshu, fascinating.


In addition to the areas mentioned above,

there are an array of restaurant and shops to explore here.




 

Located within the hot springs prefecture of Oita in Kyushu is the world famous hot springs resort town of Beppu.

Visitors can experience eight different springs here:
Beppu, Kannawa, Myoban, Kankaiji, Hamawaki, Kamegawa, Horita and Shibaseki.

It has eight major geothermal hot spots, sometimes referred to as the "eight hells of Beppu.
They are presented to visitors in a rather touristy fashion, which might not appeal to everyone.
Six of them are located in the Kannawa district and two in the more remote Shibaseki district.

Chinoike Jigoku
The "blood pond hell" features a pond of hot, red water effected by ferrous Oxide, Magnesium Oxide and etc.
Aluminium Oxide and a large souvenir shop. It is one of the more photogenic of the eight hells.
People in Japan's past named the Onsen Chinoike-jigoku based on an image of hell found in Buddhism.

Hours: 8:00 to 17:00
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: 400 yen


 

Naruto, part of Tokushima Prefecture, is the northeastern most city on Shikoku Island.
The city is known for its swirling whirlpools.
You can see them in the Strait of Naruto underneath the Onaruto Bridge which connects Tokushima to Awaji Island. 
Naruto is also the starting point of the Shikoku Pilgrimage or Henro. which is a religious pilgrimage where one goes around visiting the 88 holy temples on Shikoku.
 

Otsuka Museum of Art
It was built in Naruto Park on the occasion of the Otsuka Pharmaceutical Group's 75th anniversary.
It is the largest museum in Japan. Inside, there are more than 1,000 replicas of priceless masterpieces of Western art selected by a committee of 6,
from ancient murals to modern paintings, and collection from more than 190 art museums in 25 countries worldwide.
These masterpieces are reproduced to their original size using special techniques Visitors will able to appreciate the true artistic value of the original works,
and experience art museums of the world while being in Japan.

Access Information 
The Otsuka Museum of Art stands in Naruto Park, several kilometers outside central Naruto. 
Via Bus:
Buses between Naruto Station and Naruto Park make a stop in front of the museum along the way.
The one way journey from Naruto Station takes about 15 minutes with a cost 280 yen.
There is one departure per hour.
The museum is also about a ten minute walk from the Naruto Koen bus stop.

Gunkanjima is a small island located about 20 kilometers from Nagasaki Port.
The island was populated from 1887 to 1974 as a coal mining facility. 

The island's most notable features are the abandoned and undisturbed
concrete apartment buildings and the surrounding sea wall.

Over 5000 residents called the 480 meter long, 150 meter wide island home,
resulting in the highest population density in history recorded worldwide.

To accommodate so many people in such a small area, every piece of land
was built up so that the island came to resemble a huge battleship.
As a matter of fact, "Gunkanjima" is a nickname that means "battleship island" in Japanese.
The island's formal name is Hashima. 

Coal was first discovered on Gunkanjima in 1810 by the feudal lord of Saga.
Industrial mining began in the late 1800s, and soon after, the island was purchased by the Mitsubishi Corporation.
As production increased, the island was expanded, and large residential, industrial buildings and high sea walls were constructed. 

Managers, workers and their families all called the little island home.
The residents of the island were able to live out a just about typical life.
Half of the island was devoted to the workings of the mine, the other to
residential space, schools, shops, restaurants, a hospital and a public bath.

In April 1974, the mine was closed, and its residents had to leave the islands, abandoning the island with all its buildings.
Over the years since that, direct exposure to typhoons has caused the residences and mining facilities to deteriorate,giving the island an ghostly and haunting atmosphere.

Boat tours
Multiple companies operate boat tours to Gunkanjima.
Tours typically take around three hours, including close to an hour spent on the island itself,
and cost about 4000 yen per person.
Note that in case of bad weather or high waves, landing on the island
might not be possible or boats might not be able to operate at all.
One company also offers a 2-hour tour that only circles around the island for 3300 yen.
Advance reservations are recommended especially on weekends and during holidays.
 

Access Information:
Tour boats are operated by plural companies and depart from various locations in Nagasaki Port.

From the Nagasaki train station 
Get into the street tram number 1, heading for "Syokakujishita", and get off at the "Tsukimachi" station.
Don’t forget receiving a transfer ticket and get into the street tram number 5 from the other side of the home, heading to "Ishibashi".
Get off at the "Ourakaigandori Street" station (2 stations away from the "Tsukimachi" station),
and head for the "Gusto" restaurant, which stands in front of the Tokiwa Terminal.