en Copyright: (C) Matthew Bystedt mb_pike@hotmail.com (Matthew Bystedt) Pike's Webcc RSS Engine Sun, 19 Nov 2006 14:16:39 GMT Read about the scenic destinations and cities in and around Hiroshima, Japan in Pike's guidebook. Wed, 18 Oct 2006 14:27:21 GMT http://apike.ca/japan.html Japan has no shortage of world-class aquariums which present the mysteries of the ocean to us. This article compares the major aquariums in western Japan. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:42:57 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_aquarium.html Hiroshima Prefecture is opposite Shikoku on the south side of Honshu between Yamaguchi Prefecture (the western most prefecture on Honshu) and Okayama Prefecture. Much of the coastal economy is tied to shipbuilding and fishing. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:48:03 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_hiroshima_prefecture.html Hiroshima City, the city of water, is a modern and culture-rich city. Come to Hiroshima and cheer on the Carp. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:52:42 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_hiroshima.html More than a garden, Hanbe Gardens is a Japanese-style resort that also has a restaurant, ryokan and onsen. Mon, 13 Nov 2006 12:38:01 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_hanbe.html The Hiroshima Asa Zoological Park was opened in 1971 by Hiroshima City in the northern suburb of Asa after its citizens expressed a strong desire to have a local zoo. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:48:56 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_hiroshima_asa_zoo.html The Hiroshima Botanical Garden is located to the west of Hiroshima City in Itsukaichi. They opened in 1976 and a participant in seed exchange programs with other around 200 institutes in 34 countries. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:52:24 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_hiroshima_botanical_garden.html Hiroshima Castle was constructed in 1589 by Terumoto Mori and was the largest in western Japan at the time. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:51:28 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_hiroshima-castle.html Mitaki is to the northwest of Yokogawa Station in Hiroshima City. Mitaki Temple, a popular woodland temple, is located there along with trails up the Mount Mitaki. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:52:35 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_hiroshima_mitaki.html The Shukkuien Garden is Hiroshima's largest Japanese-style garden. It was built by the lord of Hiroshima, Asano Nagaakira, in 1620. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:02:37 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_shukkeien.html Hiroshima City, a real description Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:51:42 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_hiroshima_history.html Hiroshima City: The Top 5 Shopping Locations. Choosen with absolutely no qualitative measurements. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:47:55 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_hiroshima_top5_shopping.html Diamond City is the biggest and newest shopping mall in Hiroshima City. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:40:20 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_diamond.html Fukuyama City is the second largest city in Hiroshima Prefecture. Tomo-no-Ura (a fascinating historic district), the Prefectural Museum of History and Fukuyama Castle are some of this city's attractions. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:44:48 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_fukuyama.html Fukuyama City Zoological Park is located 15 km northwest of Fukuyama Station and while considerably smaller than the prefecture's other zoo, Hiroshima Asa Zoological Park its newer sections offer as good as or better experience. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:39:11 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_fukuyama_city_zoo.html Tomo no Ura is a scenic and historical district of Fukuyama City that is south of the city center. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:46:41 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_fukuyama_tomonoura.html Kure City is southeast of Hiroshima City, Japan. Kure is most famous for being the location where the Yamato, the largest battleship ever, was built. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:56:17 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_kure.html The Akinada Island Chain are in the Seto Inland Sea off the coast of Honshu, Japan near Kure City. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:09:19 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_kamagari_geiyou.html The islands of Shimokamagari and Kamagari in Kure City was a historical crossroads and now grows some of the best oranges in Japan. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:09:43 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_shimokamagari.html Kamagari Island in Kure City is home to Hiroshima-ken's best beach, Kenmin-no-hama. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:10:00 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_kamagari.html A brief history lesson about Kure City. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:59:05 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_kure_history.html A review of Kure City's new Yamato Museum and pictures of the model. Sun, 19 Nov 2006 02:32:04 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_kure_yamato.html Kawajiri, Home of Mount Noro (Norosan), is a town in Kure City. Kawajiri has a proud tradition of brush making that dates back to 1835. Sat, 11 Nov 2006 14:57:25 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_kawajiri.html Kurahashi Island is the second largest in the Geiyo Islands off the south coast of Hiroshima Prefecture. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:58:01 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_kurahashi.html Mihara City, located on the Seto Inland Sea, is home to many famous temples and too many octopuses for their own good. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:58:57 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_mihara.html The Zen Buddhist temple, Buttsuji, was founded in 1397 by Kobayakawa Haruhira who was the lord of the Mihara area. The Buttsuji Temple complex covers a wide area which is matched by the wide variety of specialized buildings used in the training of Zen Buddhism. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:46:29 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_buttsuji.html Mitsuki-hachimangu is a famous shrine to the god of war (hachiman) which is located north of Mihara City. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:57:50 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_mitsuki.html Sunami Beach Park is a large ocean recreation area which is nationally recognized in Japan for its design. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:33:38 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_beach_sunami.html Miyoshi City is the largest city in northern Hiroshima-ken and famous for its wine and shark cuisine. Every year local fishers show off their skill use cormorants to fish from mid-June to August. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:01:15 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_miyoshi.html Hirata Farms with its all you can eat fruit tours is a tasty addition to any trip to Miyoshi. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:52:04 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_hirata.html Come to Onomichi and take the temple walk. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:02:47 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_onomichi.html Takehara City is also known as little Kyoto because of its large historic preservation area. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:05:20 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_takehara.html Okunoshima is a beautiful resort island in the Seto Inland Sea with an extraordinary past. It is in Takehara City and is part of the Seto Inland Sea National Park. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:05:29 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_okunoshima.html Bihoku National Hillside Park is a huge park in central Hiroshima Prefecture. Except in the winter, the park's large flower beds always have thousands of blossoms to look at. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:39:34 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_bihoku.html Kosanji Temple was built in Setoda on Ikuchijima Island by Kanemoto Kozo, a successful business manager for steel-tube company in Osaka, as an expression of his love and respect for his dear departed mother. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:00:23 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_kosanji.html Miraishin no Oka sits on top of a hill in Setoda Town above the Seto Inland Sea. It is world renowned marble artist Kazuto Kuetani's masterpiece. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:01:04 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_miraishin_no_oka.html Geihoku Pine Ridge Resort is the Hiroshima's best ski resort. See pictures and read about it here. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:04:26 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_ski_geihoku.html Itsukushima Island (or Miyajima) is considered sacred and pure in the Shinto religion. The strict rules applied to the island to maintain its purity throughout history have also preserved its wealth of native plants and animals. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:00:34 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_miyajima.html Miyajima's Mt. Misen rises from the Itsukushima shrine at sea level to 529.8 meters. There are a number of interesting temples and shrines near the summit. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:57:32 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_miyajima_misen.html Ono and the Imose Waterfalls. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:03:10 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_ono_take.html Sandankyo is a famous and beautiful 16 km ravine in north west Hiroshima Prefecture. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:04:33 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_sandankyo.html Taishakukyo Gorge Mon, 13 Nov 2006 12:04:13 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_taishakukyo.html Tottori Prefecture is on the north side of Honshu between Shimane Prefecture and Gunma Prefecture. It has the lowest population of all prefectures in Japan and is close to being the smallest as well. It does, however, have some of the most beautiful and unspoiled scenery in Japan. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:05:51 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_tottori_prefecture.html Karoichi is a large fish market in Tottori City where you can buy fresh local seafood or try out eating it in one of the attached restaurants. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:07:52 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_tottori_karoichi.html The Tottori Sand Dunes are Japan's only large dune system. The dunes stretch along the coast east of Tottori City for 16 kilometers. The area is strikingly at odds with the rest of Japan which is known more for its humidity and rain. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:07:43 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_tottori_sand_dunes.html Uradome National Park is an incredibly stunning section of quintessential Japanese cliffs with naturally stunted pine trees along eastern Tottori Prefecture's coastline. The beach at Uradome is one of the best shallow sandy beaches in Japan. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:10:17 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_tottori_uradome.html More than half of all peaches produced in Japan come from Okayama Prefecture. It is suitable then that The Legend of Peach Boy or Momotarou which is one of Japan's most famous legends has its source here. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:58:28 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_okayama_prefecture.html Okayama is the home of Peach Boy and is famous for Okayama Castle, Korakuen Garden and near naked men fighting over sacred sticks. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:03:39 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_okayama.html Kurashiki City in Okayama prefecture features a western influenced canal district and the Ohara Museum of Art. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:56:47 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_kurashiki.html >Yamaguchi Prefecture is the westernmost prefecture on Honshu, the main island of Japan. It is surrounded on 3 sides by water and so enjoys a mild ocean climate. Its capital, Yamaguchi City, is the smallest in Japan and only the 4th largest city in the prefecture. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:10:05 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_yamaguchi_prefecture.html Akiyoshidai (Akiyoshi Plateau) is the largest karst formation in Japan and is located northwest of Yamaguchi City in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:39:27 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_akiyoshidai.html Akiyoshido is the largest cave system in Japan and is located northwest of Yamaguchi City in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Since the cave is always 17C (62.6F) it really doesn't matter when you go or what the weather is like outside. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:38:41 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_akiyoshido.html Omijima in Nagato City faces Korea across the Sea of Japan (East Sea) on the northern coast of Honshu in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The island's scenic outcroppings on the north coast are called the "Sea Alps." Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:15:08 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_yamaguchi_omijima.html Hofu City is east of Yamaguchi City and sits in the Hofu Plains which was created by the Saba river. An estimated 118,566 people live in the city which prides itself with its natural beauty and rich cultural history. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:52:13 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_hofu.html Hofu-Tengmangu Shrine was built in 904 and is considered as one of the top three Tenmangu shrines in Japan. Sugawara Michizane who was deified as Tenjin after his death in 903 was a top scholar in the Heian Period. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:51:58 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_hofu_tenmangu.html The Mori Museum and Garden is north east of of JR Hofu Station and contains a number of important cultural artifacts. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:47:46 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_hofu_mori_museum.html Iwakuni City is the eastern-most city in Yamaguchi Prefecture of over 100,000 people. Kintai Bridge in Iwakuni is considered one of the top three in Japan. The area is also famous for its unique white snakes. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:49:08 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_iwakuni.html Irori Sanzoku loosely translated means "The hearth of the mountain pirates." It single-handedly proves that romanticized bandits are profitable in any culture. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:48:41 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_iwakuni_sanzoku.html Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:04:11 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_shimonoseki.html Shimonoseki Kaikyokan which overlooks the Kanmon Straits is the area's biggest modern attraction. Operated by the city, the aquarium has over 100 types of puffer fish, penguins, a highly enjoyable dolphin and sea lion show and more. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:04:55 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_shimonoseki_kaikyokan.html The Kaikyo Yume Tower is the tallest tower in western Japan. This landmark tower in Shimonoseki City enables visitors to get a birds-eye view from 143 meters of the Kanmon Straits. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:01:58 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_shimonoseki_kaikyo_tower.html Tsunoshima is a scenic island in the Sea of Japan (East Sea) off the northwest end of Honshu in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Tsunoshima Lighthouse was the first modern lighthouse built on the Sea of Japan. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:03:59 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_shimonoseki_tsunoshima.html Shimane Prefecture is on the north side of western Honshu and its coastline is part of the Sanin Coast which has some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Japan. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:05:12 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_shimane_prefecture.html Aquas is the largest and best aquarium in western Honshu with around 500 different animals in 5,000 tons of water. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:35:40 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_aquas.html Tokyo is Japan's capital and is the most densely populated metropolitan area in Japan. Read Pike's guidebook to Tokyo. Sun, 19 Nov 2006 07:02:03 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_tokyo_guide.html Asakusa is 10 minutes east of Ueno on the subway and beside the Sumida River. Since the Edo era, the river banks in Asakusa have been a famous place to view cherry blossoms in the spring. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:08:06 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_tokyo_asakusa.html Senjoji Temple, located close to the Sumida River, is the center of the charm of Tokyo's Asakusa district and is the oldest and most famous buddhist temple in Tokyo. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:03:31 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_tokyo_asakusa_senjoji.html Kyu Iwasaki-tei Gardens is the former estate of the Iwasaki clan who were the founders of Mitsubishi. The first thing you see as you enter the park is the pale golden rod manor house that was designed to look like a Pennsylvania country house. Sun, 19 Nov 2006 06:55:07 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_tokyo_kyuiwasakitei_gardens.html The Kyu-Shiba-rikyu Gardens are one of two surviving feudal era Japanese gardens in Tokyo today. It is located next to JR Hamamatsucho Station to the south of Tokyo Station and east of Tokyo Tower. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:06:14 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_tokyo_kyushibarikyu_gardens.html Tokyo Disneyland was the first Disney resort to be opened outside of America. It will celebrate its 25th anniversary on April 15, 2008. Tokyo Disneyland places regularly as one of the top three most visited theme parks in the world. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:07:06 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_tokyo_disneyland.html The 10th Tokyo Game Show took place September 22 to 24 at the Makuhari Messe. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:08:18 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_tokyo_game_show.html The 10th Tokyo Game Show took place September 22 to 24 at the Makuhari Messe. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:09:15 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_tokyo_game_show2.html The Tokyo Metropolitan Government's No 1 building is the tallest building in Tokyo at 243 meters and has free observatory floors in both towers. Tue, 14 Nov 2006 15:08:28 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_tokyo_metropolitan_offices.html Tokyo Sea Life Park is part of Kasai Rinkai Park. It showcases a diverse number of locations in a clear and consistent way and delivers a strong message about the necessity for ocean conservation. Sat, 18 Nov 2006 13:20:21 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_tokyo_sea_life_park.html Tokyo Tower was built to celebrate Japan's booming economy in the 1950s. It is modeled after the Eiffel Tower but is 9 meters taller (333 meters) and much lighter. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Tokyo. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:08:58 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_tokyo_tower.html Ueno Zoo in Tokyo is the most famous and prestigious zoo in Japan. The zoo welcomes over 3 million visitors a year. Ueno Zoo is one of three zoos that has pandas in Japan. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:07:38 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_tokyo_ueno_zoo.html Yume no Shima (Dream Island) is a large recreation park north of JR Shinkiba Station to the east of central Tokyo. The Yume no Shima Tropical Greenhouse Dome is a surprisingly cheap Tokyo attraction, but, still offers plenty to see. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:06:05 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_tokyo_yume_no_shima.html The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka City is a one of a kind museum about animation. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:06:27 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_tokyo_ghibli_museum.html A whirlwind weekend tour of Tokyo. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:09:08 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_tokyo.html Beer Museum Yebisu allows visitors to look back at the century of beer making at Ebisu. Wed, 15 Nov 2006 15:03:25 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_tokyo_yebisu_beer_museum.html Sun, 19 Nov 2006 13:34:49 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_tokyo_yoyogi.html Amami-Oshima is the third largest (715 sq. km) of all offshore islands in Japan and is a tropical island gem that is often overlooked by tourists. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:35:19 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_amami_oshima.html Amanohashidate in Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture is one of Japan's three most famous scenic spots. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:39:45 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_amanohashidate.html Himeji Castle is a unified combination of art and overwhelming defensive power. "White Heron Castle" is a national treasure of Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:43:26 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_himeji.html Kinosaki Marine World is located on the scenic Hiyoriyama Coast in Hyogo Prefecture. The aquarium has made a name for itself with its innovative showcasing of its marine mammals and spectacular effects in its main show. Thu, 18 May 2006 02:47:04 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_kinosaki_marine_world.html Kobe City in Hyogo Prefecture is the often overlooked third and smallest city in the Osaka-Kyoto-Kobe metropolis. Kobe City's place in modern history was established in 1868 when it was one of the first cities in Japan to be opened for foreign trade and residence. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:58:38 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_kobe.html Kobe Luminarie is an annual illumination festival in Kobe held from the second week in December that around 5 million people view each year. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:00:11 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_kobe_luminarie.html Luminous Kobe 2 is a large cruise ship that docks at the Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel. It takes passengers out on a tour of the harbour and down the coast. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:59:58 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_kobe_luminous.html ... Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:00:40 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_kobe_ropeway.html USJ in Osaka, Japan is the best amusement park in western Japan. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:09:31 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_usj.html The truth about chopsticks and compliments in Japan. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:43:16 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_chopsticks.html The truth about Japan. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:40:15 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_dummy.html Omikuji or folded fortune paper are found in shrines all over Japan. Find out what they mean by looking at an example form Miyajima's Itsukushima Shrine. Mon, 13 Nov 2006 12:05:20 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_omikuji.html An introduction to my trip to Japan. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:53:09 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_intro.html Pike's Japan Checklist. A guide on what to take to Japan. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:46:13 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_checklist.html Pike has gone to Japan. This is his experiences living in Japan for the first two months. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:58:47 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_living_one.html Pike has gone to Japan. This is his experiences settling into his placement in Kawajiri. Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:58:16 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_living_placement.html The most hyped pages in the Western Japan Guidebook. Mon, 13 Nov 2006 13:35:57 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_top.html How to send feedback about the Western Japan Guidebook Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:41:03 GMT http://apike.ca/japan_feedback.html