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User:Gorilla Jones/Chg

Okayama is the perfect base for exploring the eastern half of Chugoku, a quite a few train lines converge at JR Okayama Station. So once you've found a hotel that suits you, extend your stay and head out for a few day-trips.

Bizen
Bizen (備前) is an ancient province known for precisely one thing: bizen-yaki (備前焼), the oldest and most revered form of pottery in Japan. You may have seen it for sale in Okayama and Kurashiki. Unglazed and fairly simple in appearance, the pottery gets its cachet from the complex earthy reddish-brown tones that form when the clay is fired. Nearly anything — dishes, cups, vases, bowls, pots — can be made from it, and according to legend it improves the taste of anything you drink from it. Prices are generally steep, with even the simplest tea cups costing several thousand yen and more complex designs going for millions.

Most pottery kilns and shops are near the station of Inbe (伊部). It's connected to Okayama via the small JR Akō Line, which branches off from (and later reconnects to) the San'yo Main Line; trains depart about once per hour and reach Inbe in 35 minutes (¥570).

 *  Just to the north of JR Inbe Station, this concrete block displays both old and new examples of Bizen-style pottery. The large gift shop has a fairly representative array of local pieces for sale.

 * Many kilns around Inbe will let you try your hand at making your very own bizen-yaki. A chunk of clay, firing, and shipping anywhere in Japan (overseas delivery also possible) will set you back around ¥3000.

 *  The easiest place to give the lathe a spin, as it is located right on the third floor of JR Inbe Station. Workshops are held every weekend.

 * In October, the Bizen-yaki Festival is held near the station, drawing some 150,000 visitors.

 *  Ikeda Mitsumasa, a lord of Okayama, commissioned Tsuda Nagatada to build this school. Completed in 1701, it was open not only to samurai but also farmers — exceptionally rare in that period. Now designated a national treasure, the school is still in its original condition, and the shining ebony floor is an impressive sight. Naturally, the roof tiles are made with bizen-yaki. The kai (楷) trees (called "trees of learning") on the grounds are lovely, especially during cherry blossom season and the autumn. It's about 10 minutes by taxi from JR Yoshinaga Station (¥1200), or a longer ride from JR Imbe (¥2500).

Takahashi
Takahashi (高梁市) is on the JR Hakubi Line from Kurashiki (¥570) and Okayama (¥820). Get off at JR Bitchu Takahashi Station.

 *  Dating back to the seventeenth century, Bitchu Matsuyama is the only original mountain castle left in Japan. It is also the nation's highest castle, built atop Mount Gagyu. You can walk from the station if you have the time and energy (1.5 hours), or let a taxi do most of the work (¥1300). (If you choose the latter, there's still a bit of walking to be done — no vehicles are allowed on the path leading to the castle.) The ascent will take you through the well-preserved and highly impressive castle walls. There are not many artifacts inside, but the uniqueness of the castle and the beauty of the surrounding area more than make up for it. Despite its beauty, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle sees few visitors; all the better for you!

 *  A zen temple of the Rinzai sect that dates back to 1504. The beautifully constructed garden within the temple grounds was constructed by Kobori Enshu, one of the founders of the Japanese tea ceremony. It's about 15 minutes from JR Bitchu Takahashi Station.

Tsuyama
Tsuyama (津山) is accessible via the JR Tsuyama Line from Okayama (one hour, ¥1110) and the JR Inbi Line from Tottori (three hours, ¥1450). Direct buses also run from Kyoto and Osaka stations.

During its heyday, Tsuyama Castle was considered to be the most magnificent castle in all of Japan, even more beautiful than Himeji. As Japan came out of isolation, Western learning became increasingly crucial, and scholars from Tsuyama played an important role in translating foreign writings and forming policies to deal with the West. During the Meiji Period, the government ordered Tsuyama Castle demolished.

While not as busy today as it once was, many of the city's historical sites remain well-preserved, making Tsuyama a quiet yet charming place for a visit. Most of the major locations are within walking distance. For a map of the area, visit the information center just to the right of the station. Kakuzan Park will take approximately 20 minutes to reach on foot, and most of the other sites are not far from there.

See

 *  This park contains the ruins of Tsuyama Castle. All that remains are the castle walls, but they are well-preserved, and a walk around the castle grounds offers many great views of the city. The small turret was rebuilt in 2004 to commemorate the castle's 400th anniversary. There is also a small area with animals such as white peacocks, a boar, and rabbits. Some consider this park the best place in the entire Chugoku region for sakura season, with over 5,000 cherry blossom trees in and around the park.

 *  Constructed in 1657 by Mori Nagatsugu, one of Tsuyama's feudal lords, Shurakuen was used to entertain guests. The garden still features many of its original structures.

 *  During the Edo period, Tsuyama was one of the stops for those making the pilgrimage to Izumo Shrine. Joto Street was a key part of the route, and the houses along this street have been preserved so that visitors can get a feel for what the city was like back in its days as a castle town. This is also the best place to purchase souvenirs. The crafts shops that line this street are locally owned and managed, with most of the merchandise hand-made by the shop owners themselves. Look for Tsuyama Neritenjin, clay figures of the Shinto god of learning, and Yokono Washi, the traditional paper of the Yokono area.

 *  Mitsukuri Genpo was an important figure during Japan's early encounters with the West. He translated many Western texts into Japanese and helped create policies in dealing with the Western powers. His former residence is on Joto Street — look for the prominent signs.

 *  A museum with information and artifacts relating Japan's first contact with the West and Tsuyama's role in that process.

 *  Also known as the "Tsuyama Wonder Museum", this is a great destination for those traveling with children. There are a variety of exhibits, from body organs to wildlife displays.

Eat & Sleep
Tsuyama Senbei is the local snack. It's sweet, unlike most other types of senbei crackers.

 *  A popular ramen restaurant.

 *  Business hotel two minutes on foot from JR Tsuyama Station, with LAN Internet access and standard amenities. There's a restaurant on site as well.

 *  Business hotel with a nearby annex if it's over-booked. Also offers LAN Internet access. Cross the river in front of the station and head up to the second traffic light on the main street.

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User:Gorilla Jones/Sanin

Heading west from Tottori on the JR San'in Main Line, you'll notice a distinct thinning of the tourist herd. The San'in Main Line begins in Kyoto and hugs the coast all the way to Shimonoseki; quite a lot of that distance is through Shimane, the second least populous prefecture in Japan. If you're not in a hurry, this is a great trip to spread out over a few days, hopping on and off the train.

Kurayoshi
Kurayoshi (倉吉市) is west of Tottori. It shares some of the charm of Kurashiki, as many of the old kura (storehouses) and Meiji era houses have been restored and filled with small shops. There are also many narrow canals winding through the town, making for a pleasant walk.

Buses from the station run to popular tourist sites like the Pear Museum and the Shirakabe Warehouse District. Bike rentals and tourist information are available just west of the bus platforms.

 *  The Pear Museum celebrates the prefecture's signature product, the 20th Century Pear. As the country's only museum dedicated to pears, this is the only chance you will have to fully explore the history and mysteries of Japanese pear production. There's a tasting area, a dessert parlor, and more.

 *  The warehouses that line this street comprise some of the oldest buildings in the area, dating back to the Edo and early Meiji periods. Shops specializing in sake, oil, rice, and soy sauce once formed a prosperous shopping district, and the old storehouses with white plaster walls, black wall panels, and red tiled roofs lend an air of old Japan. Many of these buildings have since been remodeled to offer regional crafts and souvenirs. Specialty coffees and local favorites (like soy sauce ice cream) are served.

 *  In the Shirakabe area, these craft shops offer visitors the chance to create traditional Japanese crafts. Classes include Hakota doll painting, postcard-making, kite-making, and ceramics. Participants must reserve a spot in advance.

 *  Every April, Utsubuki Park is filled with people admiring its 4,000 cherry blossom trees and 40,000 azaleas.

Yasugi
Yasugi (安来) is east of Izumo and Matsue on the San'in Main Line. Formerly a center of steel production, it's now best known for the comedic yasugibushi dance.

 *  Although it is an art museum, Adachi is most famous for its gorgeous 43,000 square meter garden, frequently rated among Japan's best. However, visitors can only view it through windows inside the museum. The museum itself has a collection of 130 works by Yokoyama Taikan, one of Japan's foremost visual artists, and many other modern Japanese artists. The Ceramic Art Hall showcases work by some of Japan's greatest potters, including Kawai Kanjiro (a native of Yasugi) and Kitaoji Rosanjin.

 *  This museum describes the tatara method of steel-making that was employed here — many fine samurai swords, for example, were made of steel from Yasugi — along with much else about the steel industry in Japan, with cool tech both high (robots) and low (swords) on display. It's next to the Port of Yasugi.

 *  Yasugibushi is one of the most popular folk songs and dances in Japan, featuring the humorous loach-scooping dance dojousukui. (The loach is a kind of fish.) The theater offers four performances daily and a play on the history of the form. You can also try some loach dishes at the theater’s restaurant.

 *  One of the most famous cafes in Japan. The owner, Hiroyuki Kadowaki, won the Japan barista championship and placed 2nd in the 2005 World Barista Competition in Seattle. It's on Route 9 near the border with Yonago.

Matsue
Matsue (松江) is the capital of Shimane. It's on the San'in Main Line east of Izumo. There are also direct buses from Izumo Airport (30 minutes).

In town, the Matsue Walker Bus is handy — it runs in a loop around all of the major attractions, every half hour. An unlimited pass costs ¥300. Matsue also shares some stations of the Ichibata Electric Railway with Izumo.

See

 *  Dating back to 1611, the castle keep is one of only twelve original castles left in Japan. Inside, you'll find an impressive array of original artifacts from the Matsudaira clan including original armor, swords, and helmets. The top of the castle offers a great view of the city and Lake Shinji.

 * Weather permitting, there are boat rides in the moat around Mastue Castle and neighboring canals. You can ride all day getting on and off at the castle, the microbrewery Ji Beer Kan, and Karakoro Square, making this a relaxing way to get around town. The boats feature a traditional charcoal heated low table (kotatsu) during colder weather and your boatman may regale you with a song about Matsue.

 *  The famous Irish writer only spent 15 months here, but during that time he married a Japanese woman, became a naturalized Japanese citizen, adopted the name Koizumi Yakumo, and started his career writing about Japan. A memorial museum dedicated to Hearn is next door (322 Okudani-cho).

 *  As one of the largest greenhouses in the entire world, Vogel Park has an impressive variety of flowers and greenery. It also has an aviary housing many different species of birds.

 *  Built in 1583, Kamosu Taisha is the oldest shrine built in the taisha-zukuri architectural style. The creator gods Izanami and Izanagi are enshrined together inside. It has been designated a national treasure.

 *  This garden has flowers in bloom during every season thanks to its "House of Peony", which produces numerous large blossoms year round.

 * <see name="Buke Yashiki" alt="武家屋敷" address="305 Kitatono-machi" directions="" phone="+81 0852-22-2243" url="" hours="8:30AM-6:30PM April-Sept, to 5PM Oct-March" price="¥300" lat="" long=""> Once owned by a samurai, Buke Yashiki still houses many of his weapons and other artifacts.

 * <see name="Matsue English Garden" alt="松江イングリッシュガーデン" address="369 Nishi-Hamadasa-cho" directions="" phone="+81 0852-36-3030" url="http://www.matsue-englishgarden.jp" hours="9AM-5:30PM, to 5PM Oct, to 4:30PM Nov-March" price="Free" lat="" long=""> This should provide some welcome relief from all those Japanese gardens, as it's an authentic English garden. There's an Ichibata Railway station right outside (named after the garden).

 * <see name="Geshhoji" alt="月照寺" address="179 Nakahara-cho" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="8:30AM-5:30PM" price="¥400" lat="" long=""> While the actual temple was destroyed during the Meiji Period by the government, the temple grounds contain the graves of the Matsudaira clan, including the first daimyo, who was also the grandson of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Eat

 * <eat name="Daikichi" alt="" address="491-1 Asahi-machi" directions="" phone="+81 0852-31-8308" email="" fax="" url="" hours="5PM-1AM" price=""> A reasonably priced yakitori place with English menus. The chicken hips are great. It's near the train station.

 * <eat name="Yakumo-an" alt="" address="308 Kitabori-cho" directions="" phone="+81 0852-22-2400" email="" fax="" url="" hours="9:30AM-4PM" price=""> A great lunch spot next to the Buke Yashiki samurai house, known for their soba and udon noodles.

Sleep

 * <sleep name="Matsue City Hotel" alt="松江シティーホテル" address="31 Suetsuguhon-machi" directions="" phone="+81 0852-25-4100" email="" fax="" url="http://www2.crosstalk.or.jp/sobido/dalian/ctyhote.html" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rooms from ¥3800 single"> A quirky business hotel. Although fine for a solo traveler, avoid double occupancy as the rooms are small even by business hotel standards and the so-called doubles only have one single bed. The hotel is easy to find, with a large clock tower on top; in fact, the owners have sprinkled their collection of antique clocks and other furniture throughout the hotel. Take the bus from JR Matsue Station to Ohashi Kitazume (about 6 minutes, last departure 9PM).

 * <sleep name="Terazuya Ryokan" alt="" address="60-3 Tenjin-machi" directions="" phone="+81 0852-25-4100" email="" fax="" url="http://www.mable.ne.jp/~terazuya/english" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rooms from ¥4000 single, or ¥7000 with two meals"> Nothing fancy, just a pleasant family run ryokan with shared bathrooms and Internet access. The hosts will pick you up at the train station. There's a nice shrine across the street.

 * <sleep name="Toyoko Inn" alt="" address="498-10 Asahi-machi" directions="" phone="+81 0852-60-1045" url="http://www.toyoko-inn.com/e_hotel/00098/" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rooms from ¥5040 single" lat="" long=""> Conveniently located near JR Matsue Station. (From the north exit of the station, cross the street on the left side and walk for about 2 minutes.) All rooms have a TV, and the beds are quite comfortable. Internet access is available in the lobby, and coin laundry is available as well.

 * <sleep name="Tokyu Inn" alt="" address="590 Asahi-machi" directions="" phone="+81 0852-27-0109" url="http://www.tokyuhotelsjapan.com/en/TI/TI_MATUE/" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rooms from ¥8200 single" lat="" long=""> Of course they're in Matsue! They're everywhere. This one is also a couple minutes walk from JR Matsue Station.

Izumo
Izumo (出雲) is west of Matsue on the San'in Main Line. It's served hourly by the Yakumo (やくも) limited express train from Okayama. From Hiroshima, the bus is the best option. Ichibata Bus and Chugoku JR Bus operate eight round-trips per day from Hiroshima Station and the Hiroshima Bus Center (3 1/2 hours, ¥4000 one way, ¥7200 round trip).

Izumo Airport (出雲空港 IZO) fields flights to major Japanese cities.

In town, the Ichibata Electric Railway (一畑電車株式会社) includes a stop at Izumo Taisha-mae Station, near Izumo Taisha, and out to Matsue Shinji-ko Onsen Station. Ichibata trains can be boarded next to JR Izumo Station.

 * <see name="Izumo Taisha" alt="出雲大社" address="195 Kizuki-higashi" directions="" phone="+81 0853-53-3100" email="" fax="" url="http://www.izumooyashiro.or.jp" hours="" price="Free"> Although the date of its construction is unknown, Izumo Taisha is regarded as one of the oldest shrines in Japan — and certainly one of the grandest. Although the current shrine is quite large at about 25 meters tall, records suggest that it is only half the size it was 800 years ago. In the Kojiki, the shrine is said to have been built for Ōkuninushi (god of marriage), who then became the shrine's patron deity. Naturally, then, this is a popular shrine for couples to pray for happy marriages. Every year in November, Shinto gods are said to gather inside the shrine for one week. Note that if you wish to pray at Izumo Taisha, it is customary to clap four times instead of the typical two claps, because you are praying for yourself, as well as your partner (or future partner). Watch many people attempting to toss small change into the large rice-straw rope of one of the shrines outside the main shrine. If you are able to get ¥45 stuck in or on the rope, you'll have good luck.

 * <see name="Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo" alt="" address="99-4 Kitsuki-Higashi" directions="" phone="+81 0853-53-8600" url="http://www.izm.ed.jp/english" hours="9AM-6PM March-Oct, to 5PM Nov-Feb. Closed the third Tuesday of each month" price="¥600 adults, ¥400 yen university students, ¥200 children" lat="" long="" email="" fax=""> This elegantly designed complex is near the shrine. Exhibitions feature speculative designs of the original Izumo Taisha, displays on the history and development of nearby Iwami Ginzan, and a dramatic collection of ceremonial bronze bells and swords.

 * Izumo soba (出雲そば) is the region's most famous food, but the beef (Shimane wagyu) is good as well.

Oda
Oda (大田市) is a fantastic old silver mining town. At their peak, Oda's mines accounted for about a third of the world's silver production. It's accessible via JR Odashi Station along the San-in Main Line, with Izumo the closest major city. Buses run the main street to the mines; it's about a 2km walk uphill.

Iwami Ginzan (石見銀山) was one of the world's largest silver mines during the 16th and 17th centuries. It was officially registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

 * <see name="Ryugenji Mabu Mine Shaft" alt="龍源寺間步" address="Omori-cho" directions="" phone="+81 0854-89-0347" email="" fax="" url="" hours="9AM-5PM, to 4PM winter" price="¥400"> The only mine shaft that visitors can tour on their own without a tour, although guides are available. This covers only a fraction of the tunnels that were dug around here, but a walk through the shaft is impressive nonetheless.

 * <see name="Okubo Mabu Mine Shaft" alt="大久保間步" address="Omori-cho" directions="" phone="+81 0854-84-0750" url="" hours="Tours begin at 9:30AM, 10:30AM, 12:15PM, and 1:15PM, lasting 2 1/2 hours. No tours F-Su from March-Nov" price="¥3800" lat="" long=""> The largest and most impressive mine shaft in Iwami Ginzan, only recently opened to the public for guided tours. Reservations are not necessary but are recommended, as a limited number are offered per week. Meet at the Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center, where a bus will take you to the mines. Despite the time and money required, it's well worth the effort to gain a deeper appreciation of Iwami Ginzan.

 * <see name="Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center" alt="石見銀山世界遺產中心" address="1597-3 Omori-cho" directions="" phone="+81 0854-89-0183" email="" fax="" url="" hours="9AM-5PM" price="¥500"> Typically the first stop visitors make when visiting the mines. This museum displays the history of the mines through artifacts, recreated scenes, and interactive computers. It's a nice place to prepare for everything you are about to see.

 * <see name="Gohyaku-Rakan" alt="五百羅漢" address="804 Omori-cho" directions="" phone="+81 0854-89-0005" email="" fax="" url="" hours="9AM-5PM" price="¥500"> An interesting temple cut into the side of the hill, housing 500 carved Boddhisatva statues. It's located alongside the road leading to the World Heritage Center.

Yunotsu
Yunotsu (温泉津) is a one-street onsen town in Shimane with several inns and two beautiful old public bath houses. It's a piece of 1920s Japan (think Studio Ghibli) that somehow survived into the 21st century — full of classic wooden buildings and geta sandals clip-clopping on the street.

JR Yunotsu Station is on the San'in Main Line, west of Izumo. The station is a 1km walk from the main part of town. There is limited bus service to and from the station. If you have a reservation at a ryokan or inn in town, ask them to pick you up.

Do
As an onsen town, the main activity here is bathing. Although your inn or hotel may have natural hot spring water pumped in, going out to visit other baths is well worthwhile.

 * <do name="Senyakuto" alt="泉薬湯" address="208-1 Yunotsu-chō" directions="" phone="+81 0855-65-2052" email="" fax="" url="" hours="5:30AM-8:20PM" price="¥300"> The first bath developed in the area. It's extremely simple without any of the typical small showers or taps for washing. Just scoop water from the pools.</do>

 * <do name="Yakushiyu" alt="薬師湯" address="Yunotsu-chō" directions="" phone="+81 0855-65-4894" email="" fax="" url="" hours="5AM-9PM" price="¥300 adults, ¥150 children"> A short walk up the main street. This Meiji-era (1872) building is highly ranked by the Japan Onsen Association. The upstairs is a relaxing place to take a break.</do>

Sleep

 * <sleep name="Asagiya" alt="" address="1109-17 Yunotsu-chō" directions="" phone="+81 0855-65-2126" email="" fax="" url="http://www.izumo-net.ne.jp/~asagiya" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rooms from ¥4200 per person"> On the road into town, next to the water on the bend just before the large parking area. Though the room rate only includes breakfast, the restaurant has reasonable prices.

 * <sleep name="Kiunso" alt="" address="202-1 Yunotsu-chō" directions="" phone="+81 0855-65-2008" email="" fax="" url="http://www.kiunsoh.com" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rooms from ¥8500 per person, including two meals"> 14 tatami rooms and a lovely facility. Great food.

Hamada
Further along the San'in Main Line, the seaside recreation of Hamada (浜田市) is worth a stop during nice weather, especially if you have kids or a surfboard in tow. Tourist information is available at JR Hamada Station.

 * <see name="Aquas Aquarium" alt="" address="1117-2 Kushiro-cho" directions="" phone="+81 0855-28-3900" email="" fax="" url="http://www.aquas.or.jp/english/e-index.html" hours="W-M 9AM-5PM, to 6PM August" price="¥1500 adults, ¥500 children"> A small but interesting aquarium with 10,000 fish and mammals across 400 species. The main tank has a tunnel you can walk as sharks swim above. Buses run from the station (15 minutes).

 * The park next to the aquarium has a great adventure playground for kids. Kagura shows are held in the park on weekends (winter excepted). Kagura is traditional outdoor theater performed by actors with fixed-expression masks and spectacular costumes. They're accompanied by musicians on traditional instruments, notably drums and bamboo flute. Shows last for about an hour and tell stories of heroes vanquishing dragons. Entrance to the park and the kagura show is free.

 * <do name="Iwami Seaside Park" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="+81 0855-28-2231" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""> Also close to Aquas, Iwami Seaside Park has nice beaches for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. There are cabins and campsites for rent. Beware of strong currents on rough days, though. Nearby Kokufu Beach is said by some to be the best surf spot in Shimane. The surf varies — better in winter, but extremely cold. In the summer, the water is warm, but the sea may be flat.</do>

 * Look for the Iwami Tatami ga Ura rock configuration out in the water — it was created by an earthquake in 1872 that caused the seabed to rise 1.5 meters and left circular rocks protruding above the seashore.

 * Hamada Castle was built in 1620 and destroyed in the final days of the Tokugawa shogunate. The foundations are surrounded by a pleasant park, on a hill overlooking the harbor. The ruins of Iwami-Kokubunji also have some interest — the temple was believed to have been built in the late 8th century, although today only the great foundation stones of its tower remain.

Masuda
At Masuda (益田市), it's decision time — either continue on the San'in Main Line to Hagi or catch the JR Yamaguchi Line toward Tsuwano and Yamaguchi. Alternately, direct buses run between Masuda and Hiroshima.

Iwami Kotsu buses run to the temples from JR Masuda Station.

 * <see name="Ikoji" alt="医光寺" address="4-29 Someba-cho" directions="Bus to Ikoji-mae" phone="+81 0856-22-1668" email="" fax="" url="" hours="8:30AM-5PM" price="¥500"> Built in 1363, this temple is known for having hosted the famous Zen Buddhist monk and artist Sesshu (1420-1506) as its fifth chief priest from 1460 to 1485. Sesshu designed a garden here, now designated an important cultural property. The main gate was relocated from Nanao Castle.

 * <see name="Manpukuji" alt="万福寺" address="25-33 Higashi-Masuda" directions="Bus to Orido" phone="+81 0856-22-0302" email="" fax="" url="http://www13.ocn.ne.jp/~mannyou/" hours="8:30AM-5PM" price="¥500"> Built by the Masuda family, this temple's garden was also designed by Sesshu, and its Kamakura-style main hall was designated a nationally important cultural property.

 * <eat name="Minori Shokai" alt="寿し処みのり" address="11-7 Ekimae-cho" directions="Minori Masuda building" phone="+81 0856-22-1356" email="" fax="" url="http://www.minori-shokai.jp/" hours="Tu-Su 11AM-2PM, 5-10PM" price="Lunch ¥800, Dinner ¥1500-4000"> Good sushi made from local catch, close to the station.

Tsuwano
Tsuwano (津和野町) is on the JR Yamaguchi Line, which branches from the San'in Main Line at Masuda and terminates at Shin-Yamaguchi, the closest shinkansen station. However, on weekends (daily in July/August), there's a second option: a train pulled by a steam locomotive built in the early 1900s, the SL Yamaguchi-gō, runs once a day between Shin-Yamaguchi and Tsuwano (¥1620 adults, ¥810 children).

Much of Tsuwano can be covered on foot, but there are bicycles for rent across the street from JR Tsuwano Station.

See
Tonomachi (殿町通り) is the main thoroughfare in town. It's lined with old shops, samurai houses, and sake breweries, along with a number of small, charming museums. Tens of thousands of koi (carp) live in the narrow canals that run through the area.

Washi (paper) has been made in Tsuwano for hundreds of years. Several craft shops along the road sell traditional washi, and a few allow you to try your hand at making some.

 * Tsuwano Castle (津和野城跡) was built around 1325 and demolished during the Meiji Restoration, five and a half centuries later. The massive stone foundations are pretty much all that remains, but the summit offers views over the valley and town. It can be reached via chair lift (¥450, 10AM-5PM) near Taikodani Inari Jinja; alternatively, from Taikodani, walk down to the car park and along the road about 50 meters, then follow a small path on your right — the walk will take around 30 minutes.

 * <see name="Taikodani Inari Jinja" alt="太皷谷稻成神社" address="409 Ushiroda, Tsuwano-cho" directions="" phone="+81 0856-72-0219" email="" fax="" url="http://www.tsuwano.ne.jp/inari" hours="" price="Free"> One of the Five Great Inari Shrines. Taikodani was built in 1773 by Tsuwano's seventh generation feudal lord Kamei Norisada to enshrine a share of the fox spirit worshipped at Fushimi Inari in Kyoto. The walk up the mountain-side, through a thousand bright red torii, leads to a great view over the town.

 * <see name="Chapel of Saint Maria" alt="瑪麗亞教堂" address="Ushiroda, Tsuwano-cho" directions="" phone="+81 0856-72-0251" email="" fax="" url="" hours="7:30AM-5PM" price=""> In the area known as Otome-toge behind the station. 36 Japanese Christians were martyred here during the Meiji Period. This small church is run as a memorial to them by the Tsuwano Catholic Church (津和野天主教會), which has a larger facility for worship nearby on Tonomachi.

 * If you're lucky enough to be in town on April 2, follow the crowds to the local shrine Washibara Hachiman-gu for yabusame, the awe-inspiring annual horseback archery festival.

Eat & Sleep
There are plenty of food stands along Tonomachi. Many visitors come through on tour buses, so most restaurants serve lunch but close early in the evening. If you are staying overnight, and your accommodation does not include meals, take care not to leave eating until too late.

 * <sleep name="Star Inn" alt="民宿星旅館" address="53-6 Oaza Ushiroda, Tsuwano-cho" directions="" phone="+81 0856-72-0136" email="" fax="" url="http://www.iwami.or.jp/dai/school/yado.htm" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rooms from ¥6500, includes breakfast and dinner"> Family ryokan just a minute from JR Tsuwano Station.

 * <sleep name="Noren-yado Meigetsu" alt="明月メイゲツ" address="665 Oaza-Ushiroda, Tsuwano-cho" directions="" phone="+81 0856-72-0685" email="" fax="" url="" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rooms from ¥10,500, includes breakfast and dinner"> Very nice ryokan just off Tonomachi. Some rooms have own bath; others just use the ofurou.

Yamaguchi
Yamaguchi (山口) is on the JR Yamaguchi Line from Masuda, and is connected to the San'yo Shinkansen via Shin-Yamaguchi Station; local trains run between the two (15-25 minutes). Only a few Nozomi trains stop at Shin-Yamaguchi, but most Hikari and all Kodama trains do. Other transit options include the SL-Yamaguchi steam locomotive from Tsuwano and the Hagi-go bus from Hagi.

Hiroyo Ouchi, lord of the region, founded the city in 1360. It was planned in conscious emulation of far-off Kyoto, but the city's fall in 1551 brought an end to those comparisons. Today, it is the prefectural capital. Most of the sights are in the "old town" near JR Yamaguchi Station. City buses run from the station.

 * <see name="Rurikōji" alt="瑠璃光寺" address="7-1 Kayama" directions="Bus to Kenchōmae" phone="+81 083-924-9139" email="" fax="" url="" hours="9AM-5PM" price="Free"> This temple's five-story pagoda is something of a city symbol. Also noteworthy are the lovely temple grounds and the tombs of several medieval lords.

 * <see name="Sesshu's Garden at Joueiji" alt="常栄寺雪舟庭" address="2001 Miyanoshita" directions="JR train to Miyano" phone="+81 083-922-2272" email="" fax="" url="" hours="8AM-5PM" price="¥300"> This rock garden was designed by the landscape master Sesshu, with placements intended to evoke various mountains of Japan and China.

 * <see name="Xavier Memorial Church" alt="ザビエル記念聖堂" address="4-1 Kameyama-chō" directions="" phone="+81 083-920-1549" email="" fax="" url="http://www.xavier.jp" hours="Museum Thu-Tu 9AM-5:30PM, Catholic mass Su 9:30AM" price="¥300 for the museum"> Dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, who visited Japan as a missionary in 1549–51 and spent several months in Yamaguchi. The first floor is a museum dedicated to "Sabieru" and his travels, and mass is held on the second floor. The dazzling white interior and angular sea-blue windows of the chapel were designed by a pair of Italian architects, Father Constantino Ruggeri and Luigi Leoni.

 * <see name="Akiyoshidai National Park" alt="秋吉台" address="" directions="" phone="+81 083-762-0640" email="" fax="" url="http://www.ymg.urban.ne.jp/home/akihaku/Englishpage/English.html" hours="" price=""> This fascinating park unfolds across 50 sq. miles of karst topography, with more than 400 limestone caves. It is the second largest grassland in Japan, kept that way with annual grass burn-offs each February. The area is also rich in fossils — ancient rhinos, tigers, and elephants have been excavated from the plateau. The star attraction is Akiyoshi-do (秋芳洞), the largest cave in Japan and the second largest in all of Asia. It's open for tours 8:30AM-4:30PM (¥1200 adults, ¥600 children). There's also a natural history museum. The park is best reached by direct bus from Shin-Yamaguchi Station, though there is also service from JR Yamaguchi Station, Hagi, and Shimonoseki. Once inside the park, Akiyoshi-do and the main observatory can be reached on foot, but cars or "karst taxis" are necessary to reach other caves. A one-day taxi pass will cost ¥800.

Eat & Sleep
Most hotels are in the expensive Yuda Onsen area, which can be reached via JR Yuda Onsen Station on the JR Yamaguchi Line (10 minutes). Some will offer transfers to and from Shin-Yamaguchi Station.

Shrimp is the best of the local catch — it's on almost every menu in town.

 * <eat name="ANDO Luck" alt="ANDO吉祥" address="Terminal Hotel 1F" directions="" phone="+81 083-973-3246" email="" fax="" url="http://ando.kissho.info" hours="11:30AM-2PM, 5:30-11PM" price="¥3500"> Cocktails and creative takes on Japanese hors d'oeuvres. It's outside the north entrance of Shin-Yamaguchi Station.

 * <eat name="La Francesca" alt="ラ・フランチェスカ" address="7-1 Kameyama-chō" directions="" phone="+81 083-934-1888" email="" fax="" url="http://www.xavier-cam.co.jp/lafrancescajp" hours="11:30AM-4:30PM, 5:30-9:30PM" price="Lunch sets from ¥1575, dinner sets from ¥5250, a la carte dishes from ¥1260"> Pizza, pasta, and seafood. It's in the Hotel Francesca.

 * <sleep name="Comfort Hotel Shin Yamaguchi" alt="" address="1255-1 Ogori-Shimogo" directions="" phone="+81 083-974-2511" email="" fax="" url="http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-yamaguchi-japan-JP063" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rooms from ¥5500 single"> Western style rooms with free continental breakfast and Internet access. As the name suggests, it's about 40 meters from Shin-Yamaguchi Station.

 * <sleep name="Matsudaya Hotel" alt="" address="3-6-7 Yuda Onsen" directions="" phone="+81 083-922-0125" email="" fax="" url="http://www.matsudayahotel.co.jp" checkin="" checkout="" price="Rooms from ¥32,550 single, ¥42,000 double"> Beautifully sculpted hotel situated in a garden from the Edo period. Natural hot springs and seasonal cuisine are available.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: User:Gorilla Jones/Sanin


text:
User:Gorilla Jones/Shk

Naruto
Naruto (鳴門) is best known for the Naruto Whirlpools (鳴門の渦潮 Naruto no uzushio), which form in the narrow Naruto Strait between Awaji Island and Shikoku. The vortexes can be seen up to four times daily, but their size and speed depends the height of the tide, which in turn depends on the alignment of the moon and the sun. In general, the new moon and full moon are the best times to see the whirlpools, which can reach a depth of 2m and a width of 20m. They can be seen from the viewpoints at either end of the Onaruto Bridge or from sightseeing boats in the strait.

Naruto's second claim to fame is as the starting point of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage. The first two temples on the trail, Ryōzenji (霊山寺) and Gokurakuji (極楽寺), are both located in Naruto.

 *  The Otsuka family has created a "backup" of the world's painting masterpieces. Their museum displays no original paintings; all works on display are duplicates of originals that have been printed onto ceramic surfaces using the most advanced printing technology available. Buses run to Naruto Park from JR Naruto Station.

Naruto claims to be home to the world's best sweet potatoes (kintoki), from which all sorts of products are derived: cakes, cookies, and liquor (Naruto Kintoki Shochu).

Trains to Naruto are sparse, even from other cities in Shikoku. Starting on the JR Kotoku Line from Tokushima, change at Ikenotani to the small JR Naruto Line. Alternately, buses leave from Osaka (3 1/2 hours, ¥3150) and Kobe (2 3/4 hours, ¥2750).

Takamatsu
Takamatsu (高松) is the main entry point for Shikoku, and from here the entire island is your oyster. Though long known as the "Gateway to Shikoku", Takamatsu has also come to be celebrated as the "Udon Kingdom".

Get in
The Marine Liner (マリンライナー) runs directly between Okayama and Takamatsu. Trains run twice per hour in both directions (¥1470 one-way; 55 minutes). The ride is covered by a JR Pass. Because the Marine Liner is classified as a 'rapid' (快速 kaisoku) train, the Seishun 18 Ticket is also valid.

If you're skipping Chugoku entirely, the Sunrise Seto (サンライズ瀬戸) overnight sleeper train makes daily runs between Takamatsu and Tokyo Station. The train ride lasts about 9 1/2 hours. One-way prices vary, but a regular seat will cost at least ¥15,000, and a sleeper car will cost at least ¥20,000.

A number of bus companies, including JR Bus and Takamatsu Express, operate buses to and from major cities in the Kansai area. Prices may very slightly from company to company, but in general the prices and trip times are nearly identical. Some examples:

 * Namba Station in Osaka, 3 hrs 20 min, ¥3800 one-way, 48 round-trips daily.
 * San'nomiya Station in Kobe, 2 hrs 30 min, ¥3600 one-way, 27 round-trips daily.
 * Kyoto Station in Kyoto, 3 hrs 40 min, ¥4800 one-way, 7 round-trips daily.
 * Hiroshima (via the 'Setouchi' bus), 3 hrs 45 min, ¥4000 one-way, 5 round-trips daily.

Night bus service from Tokyo is also available; the 'Dream-Takamatsu-go' runs twice nightly in both directions (10 hours, ¥10000 one-way, ¥18200 round-trip).

Seven buses make round trip runs each day day (¥3750 one-way; 3.5 hours) between Takamatsu and Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka.

Get around
To match the city's bike-friendly design, Takamatsu has one of the best rental cycle systems in Japan. You can rent a bike for just ¥100 per day...and by "day" they mean a full 24-hour period from the moment you rent the bike. So, if you arrive in the afternoon, stay one night, and then leave in the morning; that only requires one "day" of bicycle rental. That means ou can keep your bike overnight, so there are no problems biking to a hotel in the evening and then returning the bike in the morning.

There are four rental cycle stations around town. The easiest to locate is in the basement of the bicycle parking area located in front of JR Takamatsu Station. You will need a photo ID to rent a bike for the first time. Before your first rental you'll be asked to fill out a short application and submit some kind of official photo ID. A few minutes later you'll be issued a renter ID card and for future rentals you will only need this card. While it may help to know some Japanese, filling out the application should not be a challenge as the staff will understand what you want and at least one of them should be able to manage basic English.

The Kotoden (琴電) train, officially known as the Takamatsu-Kotohira Electric Railroad, is also a viable means of getting around Takamatsu. In particular, the Kotoden is convenient for Ritsurin Park, Kawaramachi, and the Takamatsu Station/Castle area.

See

 *  A beautiful and very large Japanese landscape garden built for the Sanuki and Sasuma lords. It's full of intriguing items and spectacular views, and it benefits from being less crowded than its more famous counterparts. Highlights include the Engetsu-kyo bridge, Okedoi-no-Taki waterfall, and the 'Red Wall of Rocks'. The park also contains three tea houses, a restaurant, and a folk craft museum. You can experience the 'lite' version of the famed tea ceremony for a small additional fee.

 *  A picturesque park conveniently located close to the main station area. It is home to the old site of Takamatsu Castle. The main tower of the castle, dismantled during the Meiji era, is currently being rebuilt. There are a number buildings within the complex, and in early April it is a popular place to take in the cherry blossoms.

 *  An interesting open-air museum with old houses collected from all around Shikoku. There's also a small art museum, designed by Tadao Ando, with works by Western artists such as Picasso. It's about 20 minutes from the center of town. Take a Kotoden train from Takamatsu-Chikko Station to Kawaramachi Station, transfer to the Shido Line, and disembark at Kotoden Yashima. From there, you can explore other sights in the Yashima area, such as the area's namesake temple (below).

 * Takamatsu has five stops on the 88 Temple Pilgrimage: #80 Kokubunji (国分寺) and #82 through #85, Negoroji (根香寺), Ichinomiyaji (一宮寺), Yashimaji (屋島寺), and Yakuriji (八栗寺).

Eat
Takamatsu is famed for its udon. Though you'll find it served in cities and villages throughout Japan, Takamatsu does udon better and cheaper than anywhere else. There are hundreds of udon shops within city limits. Because local foods are a driving force in Japanese tourism, many people flock to Takamatsu on "chain-eating" tours of the more famous udon shops.

The average udon shop will have several varieties available. These are some of the standard types:

 * Kake udon — the most basic variety, the noodles come in a hot dashi and soy-flavored broth and will likely have sliced onions thrown in, some places may also add a slice of kamaboko (fish sausage) as well. You're also likely to have a pinch of ginger added to the broth.
 * Kitsune udon — like the kake variety, but with a large slab of fried tofu in the bowl as well.
 * Tempura udon — also like the kake variety, but with some tempura thrown in for good measure. At most places the tempura will be a shrimp plus a vegetable or two; however, at the cheapest places the tempura will be kaki-age, a circular mish-mash of vegetables and shrimp into a kind of tempura cake.
 * Zaru udon — cold noodles on a wooden tray. Pick them up, dip them into a soy-based broth, and then eat.
 * Kama'age udon — identical to zaru in manner of eating; however, the noodles come hot instead of cold.

It's rare for a bowl to exceed ¥1000, and not uncommon for the simpler types to hover around ¥400. ¥100 bowls are even available at some places.

Feel free to ask around, as people in Takamatsu will almost certainly have a favorite restaurant to recommend. The de-facto "most famous" one is Tsurumaru (鶴丸), located on a road that runs right along the Kotoden Line — almost exactly halfway between Kataharamachi and Kawaramachi Stations.

Sleep
There are cheap business hotels around JR Takamatsu Station and Ritsurin-koen.

 *  Nice capsule hotel with several varieties of saunas. It's for men only, though.

 *  A short walk from JR Takamatsu Station. All rooms have LAN Internet access. Large Western-style business hotel, well-suited for single travelers or large groups.

 *  A modern Western-style hotel with a pleasant rotemburo (open-air bath) at the top.

Kochi
Kōchi (高知), known in ancient times as Tosa (土佐), is the eponymous capital of Kochi prefecture. The JR Dosan Line runs down from Okayama via Takamatsu and the Oboke gorge, passing through Kochi on its way to the terminus at Kubokawa.

The fastest way to get to Kochi from Okayama is to take the Nanpu Limited Express train, which departs every hour. It costs ¥5990 (no cost with the Japan Rail Pass) and takes 2 1/2 hours.

Trams run south from JR Kochi Station and east-west along Route 32. Within the downtown area, the fare is ¥190 per trip. The My-Yu bus (MY遊バス) service runs from the north side of JR Kochi Station. Day passes are ¥900. The bus stops at 3 locations on Mt. Godaisan and continues on to Katsurahama.

See

 *  Kochi-jo is one of the few remaining original castles in Japan. Access to the castle grounds is free, and the entrance fee for the castle itself (¥400) is well worthwhile.

 *  Art by Japanese and foreign artists, including Marc Chagall. Noh plays are held in the museum hall.

 *  Godaisan Park is located near Chikurinji (竹林寺) (8:30AM-5PM), the 31st temple along the 88 Temple Pilgrimage. The park gives beautiful views of the city, and can be paired with a visit to the Makino Botanical Garden (below).

 *  Celebrating the life and career of Dr. Makino Tomitarou, this botanical garden covers six acres with more than 1,500 plants.

 * If you've brought your swim trunks or surfboard, Katsurahama (桂浜) is a popular beach on the south coast of the city.

Eat & Drink
Every Sunday, rain or shine, Kochi's farmers and fisherman flock to the capital to present their goods at Nichi O Ichi (Sunday Market). You'll find friendly vendors offering everything from antiques to zucchini. Look for katsuo bushi (bonito flakes). It's used as a topping for many Japanese dishes, and some Kochi katsuo bushi makes a great omiyage (gift) for a Japanese friend.

Katsuo no tataki is Kochi's specialty dish. Katsuo is a type of tuna fish, and tataki is the style in which it is prepared. The tataki style means that the fish is held over a fire and cooked only on the outside layer (about 3mm to 1cm deep), leaving the inside of the fish red and raw. After the firing it is cut into thick juicy slices that look like oversized sashimi, and served with sliced garlic and onions, shiso (a Japanese leaf with a distinct and delicious taste), and of course some fresh wasabi. Once it is at your table, clutch a slice with your chopsticks along with a generous portion of the garlic, onions, and/or wasabi. Take it all in in one bite.

Denizens of Kochi are famously prolific drinkers. Nevertheless, gokkun-umajimura is a popular non-alcoholic drink with residents of all ages. It's made of yuzu, which is a kind of citrus fruit, and tastes sweet-and-sour. It's fantastic when mixed with shochu on the rocks.

Sleep

 *  An excellent place to stay, run by a former sake brewer who will, for ¥500, provide a sake tasting workshop. It's a 5 minute walk from JR Engyoujiguchi Station.

 *  A modern Western-style hotel with clean rooms. Internet access is available at the desk or in the rooms (wired LAN). It's a 15 minute walk from JR Kochi Station.

Kubokawa
Kubokawa (窪川) is a small town on the southern coast of Shikoku. It's the terminus of the JR Dosan Line from Kochi, Takamatsu, and Okayama. It's also the starting point of the Tosa Kuroshio private railway, which crosses overland past Cape Ashizuri to Sukumo.

Most of Kubokawa's few visitors are here to see the nearby Shimanto River (四万十川 Shimantogawa), the longest in Shikoku and Japan's last un-dammed river of any size. If just looking at a river seems a little dull, do what the Japanese do and go fishing. With no dams in the way, there are 94 species in the river, the most of any Japanese river.

 *  Almost reason enough to spend the night in town, Iwamotoji is #37 on the 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Run by a friendly bunch of nuns, a night in a classical tatami room inside its pilgrims' lodge will cost you ¥6500.

Cape Ashizuri
Cape Ashizuri (足摺岬 Ashizuri-misaki) is the southernmost point of Shikoku. The cape is part of the Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park (足摺宇和海国立公園 Ashizuri-Uwakai -kokuritsukōen), and the cliffs here, featuring a sparkling white lighthouse, are a popular sightseeing point. The small town of Ashizuri lies just north of the cape, at the intersection of two highways. The cape itself has been turned into a pleasant park of sorts, with wooded paths winding from point to point. It's only a few kilometers away and easily reached on foot along a seaside walking path. Entry is free.

From the east, there are occasional direct buses from Kochi (4h40m; ¥4000) and the nearest train station Nakamura (1h30m). If heading north towards Sukumo, Uwajima, and Matsuyama, you will have to take a bus to Tosa-Shimizu and transfer there. Hitchhiking is also a viable option.

See

 * Tengu-no-Hana (天狗の鼻, lit. "Devil's Nose") is the main observation point, from which you can contemplate the thousands and thousands of miles of ocean stretching out from here to California.

 * The paths are marked with occasional signs for the rather underwhelming Seven Mysteries (七不思議), including supposedly bottomless wells (drop a coin and see!) and such.

 * A statue of Nakahama "John" Manjirō stands in front of the park. A small museum dedicated to Manjiro can be found in the village nearby, around 20 min by foot from the statue.

 * Kongōfuku-ji (金剛福寺), on the left side of the road right before the park, is one of the largest temples on the 88 Temple Pilgrimage and worth a visit. Reputedly founded by Kobo Daishi himself back in 822, most buildings are in fact rather new.

You can find the usual assemblage of souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes right outside the entrance to the park.

Sleep
The town of Ashizuri has a number of hotels, ryokan, and minshuku. Kongofukuji also offers lodging for pilgrims, but beds are limited and bona fide pilgrims have priority over scruffy backpackers.

 *  Offers basic accommodation in tatami rooms starting at ¥3360; breakfast is ¥630, dinner ¥1050. Quite small (capacity 13 people) so book ahead. Buses run from Nakamura Station toward Ashizuri-misaki — disembark at Hokuo-jinja.

 *  Located on top of the Ashizuri Peninsula and has great views across the ocean. It's about 15 minutes by car to the cape. It is quite isolated so you really need your own transport to get there and it is best to do any shopping in Tosashimizu town before driving up. Accommodation is all self catering and the cottages and apartments are fairly well equipped. Prices depend on the number of people staying but are around ¥3000-4000. There's an outdoor swimming pool which is open in the summer season. "Resort" is bit of a misnomer, but for the price it's a good value, especially if you're traveling in a family or group.

title: User:Gorilla Jones/Shk


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User:Gorilla Jones/WJ1

The Chūgoku (中国) region is rich with echoes of samurai life and castle ruins, temples less trafficked by the tourist hordes, and evocative sites from the Edo and Meiji eras.

Destinations

 * Okayama — a regional transit hub rich in history and folk tales, featuring one of Japan's top gardens and a brooding black castle
 * Kurashiki — explore the vintage warehouses of this old merchant town, situated along a scenic canal
 * (WT-en) Around Okayama — pottery in Bizen, castles and more in Takahashi and Tsuyama
 * Onomichi — a hillside town with dozens of small temples connected by two splendid walking paths and one great cycling trip
 * Iwakuni — two military eras meet in this old samurai town with a U.S. Marine Corps base
 * Tottori — sift through the famous sand dunes and enjoy outdoor sports like hang-gliding, camel riding, and more
 * (WT-en) San'in Main Line — a long trip along the coast with ten cities of craft shops, crazy dances, grand shrines, beaches, and hot springs, along with a UNESCO World Heritage silver mine
 * Hagi — a beautifully preserved castle town, long the cradle of Japanese statesmen
 * Shimonoseki — gateway to Kyushu and the Kanmon Straits, best known for turning poisonous fish into gourmet meals

Talk
The name "Chūgoku" literally means "Middle Country", the sole surviving relic of a historical division of Japan into "Near Countries" (近国 Kingoku), "Middle Countries" and "Far Countries" (遠国 Ongoku), based on distance from the capital Kyoto.

Modern-day Chūgoku is divided into two halves: the busy, industrial San'yō (山陽) along the Seto Inland Sea, with Okayama, Hiroshima, and Yamaguchi prefectures; and the quieter, less populated San'in (山陰), with Shimane and Tottori prefectures, facing the Sea of Japan. If you're visiting in winter, expect much colder weather in San'in, which translates roughly as "the shady side of the mountains".

You'll find fairly good English ability throughout the San'yō area, which is well-accustomed to foreign tourism and commerce, but San'in may prove more of a test for your communication skills.

Transit
The two major JR lines are named for the aforementioned San'yō and San'in areas. The San'in Main Line originates in Kyoto, and terminates in Shimonoseki. The San'yō Main Line goes one step further to Kitakyushu.

The San'yō Shinkansen, naturally, runs parallel to the the San'yō Main Line. Hikari trains from Tokyo will require a transfer at Shin-Osaka, but Nozomi trains will head straight through, terminating at Hakata on Kyushu.

The Japan Rail Pass is a natural fit for travel here, as elsewhere in Japan. But if you're planning to spend a significant amount of time in this region, the JR West San'yo Area Pass allows essentially unlimited travel in Chūgoku, Kansai, and part of Kyushu, including the Shinkansen (even Nozomi trains). The 4-day/8-day pass is ¥20,000/30,000.

There are several airports in the region, notably in Hiroshima and Okayama, with a handful of international flights to cities in Asia and connections to Tokyo. There's also a major international ferry port in Shimonoseki.

title: User:Gorilla Jones/WJ1


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User:Gorilla Jones/WJ2

For most travelers, the trip ends with a Shinkansen ride back to the airport, and perhaps a box of Pocky from the snack cart. If you're going to Tokyo, don't forget to look out the window for Mt. Fuji, on the left-hand side of the train as you're passing through Shizuoka. But if you have more time, there's much more to see in every direction.

To Kansai
If you're traveling east from Hiroshima or Okayama, the city of Himeji is right over the border of Hyogo prefecture. There's really no overstating the awesomeness of Himeji-jo, the granddaddy of Japanese castles, though parts will be under renovation until spring 2015. It's a short walk down the main street of the city from the train station.

If you enjoyed (WT-en) Izumo Taisha, the second holiest Shinto shrine, then a trip to Ise is definitely in order — the forested Ise Shrine（伊勢神宮) is the holiest of all, split into Gekū (外宮), the Outer Shrine, and Naikū (内宮), the Inner Shrine. At Osaka, switch to the private Kintetsu rail line (1h40m, ¥3030).

Further into Kansai, the sublime historic pleasures of Kyoto and the frenetic neon delights of Osaka await.

To Kyushu
The San'yo Shinkansen terminates at Hakata in Fukuoka, which is two stops on from Shimonoseki, over the Kanmon Straits. If you're hungry, sample some of Hakata's much-touted ramen at the station. Travelers with an interest in the atomic bomb may wish to step out at Kokura for a moment and observe the incredible power of chance — that was the original target of the bomb that, due to a cloudy day, was dropped on Nagasaki instead.

From Kokura or Hakata, connections can be made via the Sonic Express to the goofy jigoku (hells) and hot springs of Beppu. The Kamome (かもめ) Limited Express runs from Hakata to Nagasaki in about two hours.

title: User:Gorilla Jones/WJ2


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User:Gorilla Jones/WJS

Shikoku (四国) is often dismissed as a rural backwater with few must-see attractions, but a visit can wash away those doubts — and leave you with a glimpse of the elusive "Real Japan".

Destinations

 * Matsuyama — home of the venerable hot springs of Dōgo Onsen, inspiration of princes and poets, and a must-visit for fans of Japanese literature
 * Uwajima — bull sumo and an odd fertility shrine headline this slice of small town Japan
 * Mount Ishizuchi — grab hold of giant chains to scale the Stone Hammer, Shikoku's highest peak
 * Kotohira — home of the Kompira-san Shrine complex and Japan's oldest surviving Kabuki playhouse
 * Tokushima — transit hub for eastern Shikoku, home of puppet theatre and the dance-wild Awa Odori Festival
 * Oboke and Koboke — steep gorges and whitewater rafting, and your last chance to stock up before the...
 * Iya Valley — vine bridges and valleys that time forgot, with the best hiking in western Japan
 * (WT-en) Around Shikoku — whirlpools in Naruto, noodles in Takamatsu, drinks in Kochi, fishing in Kubokawa, and an ocean view at Cape Ashizuri
 * 88 Temple Pilgrimage — follow the footsteps of Kōbō Daishi on Japan's most famous (and grueling) pilgrimage route

Talk
The name of the island literally means "four countries"; indeed, Shikoku consists of four ancient countries (now prefectures), whose original names are still found in traces: Ehime (Iyo), Kagawa (Sanuki), Kochi (Tosa), and Tokushima (Awa).

Shikoku is far enough off the beaten track that some Japanese ability, while not absolutely necessary, will come in handy. Some dialects, notably Tosa-ben (spoken in Kochi), are famously incomprehensible even to other Japanese.

Transit
If you're coming from Hiroshima, ferries from Ujina to Matsuyama are the most direct route to Shikoku. However, if you're skipping Chugoku entirely, buses from Kobe cross the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (明石海峡大橋) over Awaji Island (淡路島 Awajishima) on their way to Naruto, close to Tokushima. There are also ferries to Matsuyama from several cities in Kyushu.

Shikoku is not connected to the Shinkansen network, but there are frequent rail connections from Okayama to Takamatsu, and from there throughout the island. The limited express Shiokaze (特急　しおかぜ) runs back and forth between Okayama and Matsuyama roughly every hour during the day.

The Japan Rail Pass will cover travel on JR lines throughout Shikoku by the same rules as the mainland. However, for travel exclusively on Shikoku, JR offers the Shikoku Free Kippu (四国フリーきっぷ), which allows unlimited usage of JR trains and buses, including limited expresses, on three consecutive days (¥15,700). If you manage to time it so that you can start on your birthday, ask for the Birthday Kippu instead, and you'll get the same deal for just ¥10,000!

For the frugal traveler, the Shikoku Saihakken Haya-Toku Kippu (四国再発見早トクきっぷ ) may be a better deal, as it offers one day of unlimited travel for just ¥2000. There are three big catches though: it's only valid on weekends and public holidays, it's limited to local trains, and you have to buy it at least one day in advance.

Buses fill in the gaps in the train network and are the only means of transport in areas like Cape Ashizuri and the Iya Valley. Schedules are sparse and prices are high. Some parts of the JR network, notably the southern segment from Kubokawa to Sukumo, have been split off to the private Tosa Kuroshio Railway company.

The pace on Shikoku being what it is, don't plan to go anywhere in a hurry. Train information is likely to be in Japanese only, unlike what you may be used to from the Shinkansen, so either brush up on terms such as "unreserved seats" and learn to recognize the names of the places you're planning to visit in kanji, or get comfortable chatting with strangers.

title: User:Gorilla Jones/WJS


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User:(WT-en) GorillaWarfare

I'm User:GorillaWarfare from en.wikipedia.

title: User:(WT-en) GorillaWarfare


text: User:(WT-en) Gorn

title: User:(WT-en) Gorn


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User:(WT-en) Gosborne

my page

title: User:(WT-en) Gosborne


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User:(WT-en) Gotanda

User:(WT-en) Machida.com

title: User:(WT-en) Gotanda


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User:(WT-en) Gpapadop31

http://manitsasmarine.com

title: User:(WT-en) Gpapadop31


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User:(WT-en) Gr00vy

in brief - i, along with two friends of mine (other backpackers!) bought a hostel in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala recently. Our awesome little abode is in San Pedro la Laguna - come visit us!

Trippy's Hostel - http://www.trippyshostel.com

title: User:(WT-en) Gr00vy


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User:Graham87

About me
I am Graham87 on the English Wikipedia. I mostly do copyediting here.

I live in Busselton, 220 km south-west of Perth, the capital of Western Australia, where I previously lived. I've been to the following places outside the state:
 * 1991 (at the age of four): England, Ireland (both north and south), France, Canada and America
 * 2003–2004: Sydney, Mittagong
 * 2005: Tasmania
 * 2011: Italy – Milan, Lucca, and Rome
 * 2012: Toronto, Washington DC, North Carolina, Hawaii
 * 2013: Melbourne, Sydney, Hong Kong, Macau
 * 2014: Sydney
 * 2017: Vancouver, Jasper, Banff, Calgary, Ottawa, Quebec City,Montreal, New York City, Savannah

title: User:Graham87


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User:(WT-en) GrahamTV

Welcome to GrahamTV

My names Graham McKnight, I’m an Independent Film maker, I got sick and tired of watching other people on TV having these Great Adventures, so I got off my Ass and I got into one. I filmed my own Adventure Series, which I’ve called “Graham’s Boardsports Adventure in China”, this series is about searching for ordinary, everyday people doing Boardsports in China.

The Boardsports are Surfing, SkateBoarding, KiteSurfing, SnowBoarding, WakeBoarding and WindSurfing.

It’s not endless footage of Boardsports, it focuses on people and their stories, it’s all about Fun, Discovery, Adventure and my journey. It’s a little bit eccentric and out there, but that’s just part of the fun.

During my travels I ran up and down the Great Wall of China and around China in search of Boardsports. Some of the places I saw and experienced were, Hainan Island, Sanya, Dadong Hai, Shimei Wan, Hong Kong, Big Wave Bay, Shenzen, Shanghai, Nanjing, Bejing - China’s capital city, Qin Dao the 2008 Olympic Sailing site, Nan Da Hei, and Shan Hai Guan, where the Great Wall meets the Yellow sea. It was Nuts!!

This Adventure series has 4 episodes. There will be more to come.

title: User:(WT-en) GrahamTV


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User:(WT-en) Grande Kloof Boutique Hotel

--Grande Kloof Boutique Hotel 08:49, 10 December 2011 (EST)The Grande Kloof Boutique Hotel is a wonderful family owned accommodation establishment located in the residential area of Fresnaye in Cape Town, South Africa. Location is truly excellent with warm beaches, coffee shops, banks, restaurants and all amenities within easy reach. A light continental breakfast is served every morning. Wifi is free. Extras :: Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, outdoor swimming pool, lounge with bar, breakfast room, large garden, tour information desk, recommended restaurants and fax service. Top floor rooms have sea views and air conditioning - open plan boutique concept. Executive Petite garden rooms are great for solo travellers leading straight out onto the garden, with easy access to the pool - open plan boutique concept. We are known to have the Best rates in the area - Ask us for best rates ! +27 21 4331852 or service@grandekloof.co.za At the Grande Kloof you will be happy to find a true Home from Home friendly establishment in an excellent location. - “You Are Welcome” -


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User:(WT-en) Graugart

You are welcome to use my pictures, as long as you make a reference to me :)

Christian Graugart www.cgmedia.dk

title: User:(WT-en) Graugart


text: User:(WT-en) Gravy

title: User:(WT-en) Gravy


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User:(WT-en) GrayCalhoun

Grad student at UC San Diego

title: User:(WT-en) GrayCalhoun


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User:(WT-en) Graycliff

the Graycliff estate was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) and was built between 1926 and 1929. It is located about 20 minutes south of downtown Buffalo, New York, at 6472 Old Lake Shore Rd. in Derby, New York.

Tours
Docent led tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Graycliff Estate take place April 7 through November 26, 2007, with more limited tours during the winter months. Please wear comfortable walking shoes; high heels are not permitted. Admission is $14 for adults and $10 for students aged 22 and under; reservations are required. 716.947.9217 For more information, please see: http://graycliff.bfn.org/tour.html

History
The Graycliff estate was the summer home of Isabelle R. Martin (1869-1945) and her husband, Buffalo entrepreneur Darwin D. Martin (1865–1935). Graycliff was the second of four complexes Frank Lloyd Wright designed for the couple; the first was the Darwin D. Martin House, their city residence. By the time of Graycliff’s commission, Wright and the Martins had been personal friends as well as clients for over twenty years.

In the early years of their long relationship, Darwin Martin was actively involved with the selection of Frank Lloyd Wright as the architect for the Larkin Administration Building, Wright's first major commercial project. Martin was an executive with the Larkin Soap Company, and Wright also designed houses in Buffalo for fellow Larkin Co. executives W. R. Heath and Walter V. Davidson. Between the time of the completion of the Martin House Complex and the construction of Graycliff grew a great long-term friendship; the Martins provided financial assistance and other support to Wright as his career unfolded.

Isabelle R. Martin was the client of record for Graycliff, and it was designed by Wright for her pleasure. Graycliff is one of the most ambitious and extensive summer estates Wright ever designed.

Graycliff is one of only five of Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs that were built between 1925 and 1935. Graycliff is also the only Wright designed structure built between Taliesin (1914) and Fallingwater (1936) using stone. Wright believed stone to be the only true building material and may be why he insisted the Martins incorporate it at Graycliff.

Design
Graycliff is a complex of three buildings set high on a bluff with views of Lake Erie, and Canada beyond. The buildings, in Wright’s Organic Architecture style, are set amongst extensive grounds and gardens also designed by Wright. The largest building, the Isabelle R. Martin House, features spacious cantilevered balconies, expansive terraces, and “ribbons” of windows that allow the experience of nature from within and through the house. On clear cool summer days the spray of Niagara Falls in Canada is visible through the framed opening created by the cantilevered upper bridge and the stone veneered massing at each end of the home. The lower section with its glass walls becomes a transparent pavilion-like center.

The Foster House, the mid-sized of the buildings, was originally designed as a garage with apartment above for the chauffeur and his family. In 1929 the Martins owned a Pierce-Arrow touring car as well as a Detroit Electric car. After their first summer in residence, the Martins asked Wright to alter and expand the building. After this work was complete, the Martin’s daughter Dorothy, son-in-law James Foster, and children Margaret and Darwin Martin Foster spent many happy summers in residence.

Like the Isabelle R. Martin House, the Foster House has strong horizontal lines echoing the lake beyond, cantilevered balconies, and many windows. Garden walls, composed of the same stone and stucco as the Foster and Isabelle Martian Houses, enhance the horizontal planes of the architecture.

The smallest building of the complex is known as the Heat Hut. Like the other two buildings, it is constructed of stone found at the lake’s edge; warm ochre stucco, and surmounted by a striking red cedar shingle roof.

The gardens and grounds feature water elements designed by Wright, including a porte cochere that extends from the Isabelle R. Martin House, cantilevering beyond its stone pier supports over a stone basin from which water flows into a large irregularly shaped pool. This creates an illusion of the lake flowing through the house. To the south, a broad esplanade connects the terrace of the Isabelle R. Martin House to the cliff and lake. Other architectural features of the landscape include a sunken garden, a hidden garden, and stone walls in a “waterfall” pattern. Not surprisingly, it was Darwin Martin who first introduced Wright to Niagara Falls, just a few miles to the north. A tennis court designed by Wright is located toward the rear of the property.

Restoration
Although the family lost much of its fortune due to the Great Depression and was forced to abandon the city house in 1937, they kept Graycliff, and returned annually until 1943.

The property was purchased from the Martin family by the Piarists, a Roman Catholic teaching order, in 1951. The Piarist Fathers, from Hungary, established a boarding school on the grounds as well as Calasanctius, a private high school for gifted children in Buffalo. Although they added two structures to Wright’s original design, all Wright-designed buildings were left intact. Eventually the enrollments dwindled until the schools were closed, and the number of priests in residence also dwindled. Finally in late 1996, the Piarists decided they could no longer afford to maintain the property, and put it up for sale.

Soon after, a grass-roots group of individuals banded together for the express purpose of purchasing the property, which was threatened with destruction thanks to its prime lakeside location and attractiveness to private developers. The hardy group formed the non-profit Graycliff Conservancy in order to buy the property, restore it to its original majestic condition, and open it to the public for the first time in fifty years.

This effort, aided by scores of volunteers from throughout the community, has undertaken extensive restoration (both to remove the non-Wright additions and to restore the now eighty year old buildings,) created an active schedule of public tours, and is a true grass-roots success story.

The Graycliff Conservancy is the recipient of a Save America’s Treasures grant from the US Department of the Interior, and has received many awards for its work. It has successfully completed Phases 0, 1 and 2 of restoration; Phase IIIA is nearing completion. Graycliff is now a New York State Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

title: User:(WT-en) Graycliff


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User:(WT-en) Greap

Mozambique
Primary contributions for now, spend about 2 months a year traveling about so contributing some of my knowledge to wikivoyage.

Pages I am working on
/Mozambique

title: User:(WT-en) Greap