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Hiroshima, Imabari, Onomichi, Setoda, Yoshiumi

10 Fun Things to do During Island Hopping from Hiroshima to Shikoku (Halal Navi, 2017) [ENG]

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It seems like the charm of Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto as three of the most famous tourist destinations in Japan is difficult to surpass. But why not try something different? Let’s venture a little farther to Hiroshima prefecture (yes, wherein lies the city of Hiroshima that was bombed during the Second World War!) and from there, to the island of Shikoku!

The Nishiseto Expressway that connects Hiroshima and Shikoku has several world record breaking suspension bridges Via JNTO

What’s special about crossing to Shikoku from Hiroshima is the island hopping through Shimanami Kaido (or also known as Nishiseto Expressway). It is a 60 km toll road that connects the main island of Honshu to Ehime prefecture on Shikoku. The route begins from Onomichi (Hiroshima) and bypassing six out of nine islands of Geiyou before reaching Imabari (Ehime). For now, we will only stop by and venture around Ikujichima and Oshima island for this island hopping trip!

Start: Onomichi, Hiroshima

Onomichi is a historical city which did not experience any bombardments during World War II and that makes it a home to many classic heritages that are still intact until this day. So let’s begin the Island hopping from Onomichi city!

Tips: Cycling is a popular way of doing this island hopping and you can return the bike at any point along the Shimanami Kaido route. To start, a bicycle rental terminal can be found near Onomichi Station with rental fee ¥1,000/day. The other alternative is by riding a bus from Onomichi to Imabari and you can cycle later on from Imabari to Oushima. I personally tried the second way.

Pro tips: if you are a professional cyclist, enjoying the route of Shimanami Kaido by cycling from Onomichi to Imabari is definitely worth a try!

1. Viewing Onomichi from the heights of Senkou-ji Temple

When you’re in Onomichi, you can pay a visit to Senkou-ji Park. It is located on the hills of Daebo 140 meters above the sea level. Other than being a park full with cultural heritage, you can visit Senkou-ji Temple and Onomichi City Art Museum that are located within the park.

To get here, you can either walk or ride a cable car (Senkoji-yama Ropeway). While you’re up there, why not enjoy the city view by visiting Senkou-ji Observation Platform. It’s free and still in the Senkou-ji park area! Make sure to visit during Sakura season, we guarantee you won’t regret coming all the way to Onomichi.

Riding cable car to the Senkou-ji park via Wikimedia

Information about Senkou-ji Park
Address: 19-1 Higashitsuchidocho, Onomichi, Hiroshima (map)
Telephone: 0848-23-2310
Opening hours: 9am – 5pm (Closed on Monday unless it’s a public holiday)
Entrance fee: ¥300 for temple
Website: Senkou-ji Temple 

2. Hanging out at the hipster Hotel Cycle at Onomichi U2

Be sure to spend some time visiting Hotel Cycle, a modern hotel designed for cyclists. The hotel occupies one part of a giant warehouse from the World War era that has been renovated. It shares space with a bookstore, restaurant, coffee shop, bakery, and of course – a bike shop. The whole establishment is called Onomichi U2 and it’s a must place to hang out for the hipsters and take those Instagram-worthy pictures!

Onomichi U2 interior via Archdaily

Information about Onomichi U2 & Hotel Cycle
Address: 5-11, Nishi-Gosho-cho, Onomichi, Hiroshima (map)
Telephone: 0848-21-0550
Room rate: ¥18,200 for standard twin dan ¥22,200 for deluxe twin
Muslim friendly restaurant: Setouchi Seafood Dinner
Website: Onomichi U2

Next: Ikuchijima Island

The first island we will visit is Ikuchijima. Here, we can visit the pristine small town called Setoda.

3. View famous Japanese paintings at Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art, Setoda

As the name indicates, the museum belongs to Ikuo Hirayama – one of Japanese legendary artists known for his Japanese-style painting (painting technique which uses mineral pigments dissolved in Nikawa, some kind of liquid glue).

 

Hirayama Ikuo Museum via JPVisitor

The themes of his paintings evolved around the scenery of his hometown (Setoda), what he seen around the world, Buddhism, and shitazu (rough sketches). Ikuo Hirayama himself was once named as a UNESCO ambassador and advisor for the world heritage project. Better not to miss the chance to visit his museum while here!

Information of Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art
Address: 200-2, Setodacho Sawa, Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima (map)
Telephone: 0845-27-3800
Opening hours: 9am – 5pm
Entrance fee: ¥200
Website: Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art

4. Taste the seafood delicacy at Mansaku

Setoda is an ideal place to enjoy seafood and the town’s best Mansaku provides a unique, all about octopus menu. It’s only a walking distance away from the museum and best to stop by for lunch here!

All about tako at Mansaku

The rice meal set is usually consist of rice, warm soba noodles, sashimi, salad, oranges, and pickles. When ordering food, do not forget to show the Muslim dietary card to avoid them adding mirin (alcohol) into the dish.

Information about Mansaku
Address: 530-1 Setodachō Setoda, Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima (map)
Rice meal set price: ¥1380
More info: Mansaku

5. Strolling around Kosanji Temple

After Mansaku, the next destination is this magnificent temple of Kosanji. It was build in for more than 30 years by a Japanese businessman and many buildings here are made to resemble famous temples in Japan. Among them are a replica of Nikko gate and also Byodoin Phoenix Hall.

Kosanji The beautiful Kosanji Temple

Information about Kosanji Temple
Adsress: 553-2, Setoda, Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima (map)
Telephone: 0845-27-0800
Opening hours: 9am – 5pm
Entrance fee: ¥1400 (Include Miraisin No Oka)
Website: Kosanji

6. Viewing marble abstract sculptures at Miraishin no Oka

Still inside the vicinity of Kosanji, climb the hills behind the temple and you will find Miraishin no Oka – all made from Italian marble. Miraishin no Oka itself literally means “Height of eternal hope for the future”. Aside from many abstract sculptures, don’t miss its the famous statue “Tower of Light” located on the hilltop.

Miraishin no Oka that is made from marble via trip101

Information about Miraishin no Oka
Address: 553-2, Setoda, Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima (map)
Telephone: 0845-27-0800
Opening hours: 9am – 5pm
Entrance fee: ¥1400 (Include Kosanji temple)
Website: Kosanji

Finale: Oushima Island

7. Sunset view from Kirosan Panorama Park

By now we have been passing through five islands and Oushima will be the last island before we actually reach Shikoku. Before crossing the mighty suspension bridge, take a moment to visit Kirosan Panorama Park. From the height of 300 meters above sea level, prepare to witness the grand view!

 

Sunset view from Kirosan Panorama Park

Imagine an uninterrupted panoramic view of the green hills surrounding Oushima, the majestic Kurushima-Kaikyo bridge, and the city of Imabari – our gateway to Shikoku. If you happen to reach Kirosan during dusk, witness in awe the golden sunset shining amid the waters of Setouchi and the sight of ships passing through it. Prepare to be amazed!

Information about Kirosan Panorama Park
Address: Yoshiumi-Cho, Minamiura, 487-4, Imabari (map)
Opening hours: 24 hours

8. Cycling over Kurushima-Kaikyo bridge

The sleepy city of Imabari welcomes you to Shikoku. Before heading deeper to the island, the city itself is very popular because of its cycling route above the Kurushima-Kaikyo bridge. So prepare your sneakers and warm up because we will visit Sunrise Itoyama Cycling Terminal and rent a bike in the morning.

 

Cycling route in Kurushima-Kaikyo via Japan Times

Imagine cycling over one of the world’s longest suspension bridges while enjoying the cool spring air, the sea and the surrounding islands. End your trip at Yoshiumi Iki-Iki Kan and let’s head for another adventure there!

Information of Sunrise Itoyama Cycling Terminal
Address: 2-8-1 Sunaba-cho, Imabari City, Ehime (map)
Telephone: 0898-41-3196
Opening hours: 8am – 8pm (April – September), 8am – 5pm (April-March)
Rental Fee : Adults, ¥1,000 a day plus ¥1,000 deposit.
Children under 12 years old, ¥300 a day plus ¥500 deposit.
Electric assist bicycles, ¥1,500 up to 6 hours plus ¥1,000 deposit.
Tandem bicycles, ¥1,200 a day plus ¥1,000 deposit.
Website: Sunrise Itoyama Cycling Terminal

9. Wild Barbecuing at Yoshiumi Iki-Iki Kan

Road Station Yoshiumi Iki-Iki Kan may look like a sleepy little port at a glance, but who would have thought that this place is a hidden oasis to enjoy delicious seafood!

Grilling seafood over shichirin via Dennie Ramon

There are various types of fresh seafood that we can choose here and have fun grilling them yourself by using shichirin (a traditional Japanese grill). Don’t worry about doing it yourself because the staffs are there to help you grilling the seafood to perfection. Be sure to try different types of shellfish, local fish, shrimp, abalone and even geoduck. One popular way to enjoy it is to eat the seafood alongside a bowl of rice mixed with Ehime sea bream (taimeshi). Umai!

Information about Yoshiumi Iki-Iki Kan
Address: 4520-2 Yoshiumi chōmyō, Imabari-shi, Ehime (Located on route 317) (map)
Telephone: 0897-84-3710
Opening hours: 9am – 5pm
More info: Yoshiumi Iki-iki Kan

10. Kurushima Boat Tour

The final exciting adventure to end our island hopping this time is cruise around the waters of Oushima on a boat tour from Yoshiumi Iki-iki Kan. You will be ensured with safety by wearing a life vest and a long coat to beat the chilly wind. The tour will take you to small islands around such as Kojima, Kurushima, and also Japan’s largest shipbuilding facility. Lastly, you will be brought to witness a natural phenomenon of a giant whirlpool. The guided tour lasts for 40 minutes.

 

Giant whirlpool during Kurushima boat tour via Kaori Square Feet

Information of Kurushima Boat Tour
Address: 4520-2 Yoshiumichomyo, Imabari City, Ehime (map)
Opening hours: 9am – 4pm
Tikcet: ¥1,500
Website: Imabari Shimanami

Finally it’s time to explore Shikoku after a wonderful one night trip of island hopping. Now that I think about it, how amazing it was to experience 10 things in just a trip as far as 60 km from Onomichi to Imabari!

So, are you ready to experience it yourself? Don’t forget to bookmark the restaurants above in Halal Navi app so you can just open the apps and connect to your map later on!

PS: Do you have any stories about Japan that you want to share? Send your article to contact@halal-navi.com to be featured!

Imabari, Onomichi, Setoda, Yoshiumi

10 Hal Seru Selama Island Hopping Menuju Shikoku (Halal Navi, 2017) [BAHASA]

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Sepertinya pesona Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto sebagai tiga destinasi wisata paling masyhur di Jepang memang sulit untuk ditandingi. Bahkan bagi petualang paling berpengalaman sekalipun, sepertinya ketiga kota tersebut masih menyimpan banyak cerita yang harus digali.

Namun marilah kita bertualang jauh sedikit ke bagian barat pulau Honshu dan menuju prefektur Hiroshima (Yup, prefektur dengan ibukota yang pernah mengalami pemboman atom saat Perang Dunia II).

Satu dari sekian banyak jembatan suspensi jalan tol Shimanami Kaido yang menghubungkan Onomichi dengan Imabari Via JNTO

Keseruan yang bisa kamu coba di sini adalah melakukan island hopping dari Hiroshima menuju Ehime melalui jalan tol Shimanami Kaido (atau juga disebut Nishiseto Expressway). Jalan tol sepanjang 60 km ini menghubungkan pulau utama Honshu dengan pulau Shikoku, yang bermula dari kota Onomichi (Hiroshima) kemudian menyeberangi enam pulau kecil sebelum akhirnya tiba di kota Imabari (Ehime). Kali ini, kita akan berhenti dan berpetualang di dua pulau yaitu Ikujichima dan Oshima selama kegiatan island hopping ini.

Titik awal: Onomichi, Hiroshima

Onomichi adalah sebuah kota historis yang selamat dari serangan bom ketika Perang Dunia II dan banyak peninggalan sejarah yang masih utuh hingga sekarang. Mari kita mulai island hopping kali ini dari kota Onomichi!

Tips: Kegiatan island hopping bisa juga dilakukan dengan bersepeda dan sepeda bisa dikembalikan di banyak halte sepanjang rute tol Shimanami Kaido. Penyewaan sepeda bisa dijumpai di area stasiun Onomichi dengan harga sewa ¥ 1,000/hari. Alternatif lainnya bisa juga menumpang bus dari Onomichi ke Imabari lalu kemudian bersepeda dari Imabari ke menuju pulau Oushima dan sekitarnya. Saya sendiri memakai cara yang kedua.

Pro tips: Bagi yang memang berstamina kuat ataupun pesepeda profesional, menikmati rute cantik Shimanami Kaido dengan bersepeda dari Onomichi hingga Imabari menjadi petualangan tersendiri yang pastinya seru!

1. Menikmati pemandangan Onomichi dari ketinggian kuil Senkou-ji

Ketika di Onomichi, kamu bisa menyempatkan berkunjung ke Senkou-ji Park yang terletak di atas bukit pegunungan Daebo dengan ketinggian 140 meter dari atas laut. Di dalam area taman ini terdapat kuil Senkou-ji dan Onomichi City Art Museum yang menyuguhkan pertunjukan seni yang beragam dari waktu ke waktu.

Untuk mencapai area taman ini disarankan dengan menumpang cable car (Senkoji-yama Ropeway). Kalau kamu mau cari spot paling bagus untuk menikmati pemandangan Onomichi, coba deh mampir ke Senkou-ji observation platform. Gratis loh dan masih di area Senkou-ji park juga! Apalagi kalau kamu datang ketika musim Sakura, dijamin nggak bakal nyesel deh jauh-jauh datang ke Onomichi!

Cable car untuk mencapai kuil Senkou-ji via Wikimedia

Informasi Senkou-ji
Alamat: 19-1 Higashitsuchidocho, Onomichi, Hiroshima
Telephone: 0848-23-2310 (map)
Jam buka: 9am – 5pm (tutup hari Senin, buka jika Senin adalah hari libur umum)
Harga tiket masuk: ¥300 untuk Kuil (Untuk Onomichi Art City Musem harga berubah-ubah setiap pertunjukan)
Website: Kuil Senkou-ji dan Onomichi Art City Museum

2. Berkunjung ke penginapan hipster Hotel Cycle

Adalah ide yang bagus untuk berkunjung ke Hotel Cycle, sebuah penginapan modern yang didesain untuk para pesepeda. Hotel ini menempati sebuah gudang raksasa yang telah direnovasi total. Di dalamnya, Hotel Cycle berbagi tempat dengan toko buku, restoran, coffee shop, bakery, serta tentunya toko perlengkapan sepeda. Tempat yang dinamakan Onomichi U2 ini adalah tempat wajib para hipster untuk hang out dan berfoto-foto!

Interior Onomichi U2 via Archdaily

Informasi Hotel Onomichi U2
Alamat: 5-11, Nishi-Gosho-cho, Onomichi, Hiroshima (map)
Telephone: 0848-21-0550
Harga kamar: ¥18,200 untuk standard twin dan ¥22,200 untuk deluxe twin
Restoran ramah Muslim: Setouchi Seafood Dinner
Website: Onomichi U2

Selanjutnya: Pulau Ikuchijima

Beranjak dari Onomichi, maka kita akan melewati Pulau Ikuchijima. Di sini sempatkanlah untuk mengunjungi kota kecil nan tenang – Setoda.

3. Museum pelukis terkenal Jepang, Ikuo Hirayama 

Setibanya di Setoda, pastikan untuk mengunjungi museum milik Ikuo Hirayama yang merupakan salah satu pelukis legendaris Jepang yang terkenal dengan lukisan gaya Jepangnya (teknik lukisan yang menggunakan pigmen mineral yang dilarutkan dalam Nikawa, sejenis lem cair).

Ikuo Hirayama Museum via JPVisitor

Lukisannya bertema seputar kebudayaan kota asalnya (Setoda), agama Buddha, dan shitazu (sketsa). Ikuo Hirayama sendiri pernah dinobatkan sebagai duta UNESCO dan penasehat di bidang warisan dunia. Jadi jangan sampai melewatkan lukisan-lukisan terkenalnya di museum ini!

Informasi Museum Ikuo Hirayama
Alamat: 200-2, Setodacho Sawa, Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima (map)
Telephone: 0845-27-3800
Jam buka: 9am – 5pm
Harga tiket masuk: ¥200
Website: Hirayama Ikuo Museum

4. Mencoba hidangan seafood di restoran Mansaku

Setoda rupanya adalah tempat yang cocok untuk menikmati seafood, dimana salah satu restoran terbaiknya adalah Mansaku yang menyediakan segala menu yang terbuat dari gurita. Restoran ini sangat dekat dengan museum Ikuo Hirayama.

Menu seafood di restoran Mansaku via Dennie Ramon

Kamu bisa memesan rice meal set nya yang berisi nasi, mie soba (hangat), sashimi, salad, jeruk, dan acar. Ketika memesan makanan di sana jangan lupa tunjukkan Muslim dietary card ini agar mereka tidak menaruh mirin yang mengandung alkohol di menu tersebut.

Informasi Restoran Mansaku
Alamat: 530-1 Setodachō Setoda, Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima (map)
Telephone: 0845-27-3028
Jam buka: 11am – 3pm
Harga rice meal set: ¥1380
Info lebih lanjut: Mansaku

5. Berpetualang di Kuil Kousan-ji

Selesai bersantap, mampirlah ke kuil Kousan-ji yang megah untuk berjalan-jalan di sekitar area kuil ini. Kuil Kosanji ini dibangun dalam kurun lebih dari 30 tahun oleh seorang pengusaha Jepang. Banyak bangunan-bangunan dari kuil ini dibuat menyerupai kuil-kuil terkenal di Jepang.

Megahnya Kuil Kosanji

Di antara yang bisa disaksikan di sini adalah replika gerbang Nikko dan juga Byodoin Phoenix Hall. Di kuil ini juga terdapat goa memanjang yang digunakan untuk memajang gambar-gambar ilustrasi nerakanya agama Budha. Serem!

Informasi Kosanji
Alamat: 553-2, Setoda, Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima (map)
Telephone: 0845-27-0800
Jam buka: 9am – 5pm
Harga tiket masuk: ¥1400 (termasuk dengan Miraishin no Oka)
Website: Kousanji

6. Miraishin no Oka

Masih di area Kosanji dan menyusuri bukit di bagian belakang kuil ini maka kamu akan menemukan Miraishin no Oka – sebuah monumen yang kesemuanya terbuat dari marmer. Miraishin no Oka sendiri secara harfiah memiliki arti “Height of eternal hope for the future”.  Di Miraishin no Oka ini terdapat beberapa patung abstrak dengan salah satu patungnya yang terkenal adalah Tower of Light yang berada di puncak bukit.

Miraishin no Oka yang terbuat dari batu marmer via trip101

Informasi Miraishin no Oka
Alamat: 553-2, Setoda, Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima (map)
Telephone: 0845-27-0800
Jam buka: 9am – 5pm
Harga tiket masuk: ¥1400 (termasuk dengan kuil Kosanji)
Website: Kousanji

7. Sunset viewing di Kirosan Panorama Park

Lima pulau kini telah kita lalui dan Oushima menjadi pulau terakhir sebelum akhirnya kita mencapai Shikoku. Sebelum menyeberang, melipirlah sejenak menuju Kirosan Panorama Park. Dari ketinggian 300 meter di atas permukaan laut ini kita bisa menyaksikan pemandangan yang luar biasa indah!

Pemandangan sunset dari Kirosan Panorama Park

Bayangkan sebuah panorama yang tidak terhalangi sejauh mata memandang yang memperlihatkan hehijauan perbukitan Oushima, kemegahan jembatan suspensi Kurushima-Kaikyo, dan kota Imabari sebagai gerbang masuk ke Shikoku. Bila tepat kamu mencapai Kirosan di kala senja, saksikanlah indahnya matahari keemasan yang tengah terbenam yang menyinari perairan Setouchi serta kapal-kapal yang melaluinya. Maka bersiaplah untuk takjub!

Informasi Kirosan Panorama Park
Alamat : Yoshiumi-Cho, Minamiura, 487-4, Imabari (map)
Jam buka: 24 jam

8. Bersepeda melalui Jembatan Kurushima-Kaikyo

Imabari menjadi tempat yang cocok untuk mengakhiri hari sebelum lebih jauh kita bertualang lebih jauh ke dalam pulau Shikoku. Namun sebelum itu, keesokannya kenakan sepatu olah raga dan lakukan pemanasan karena kita akan mengunjungi Sunrise Itoyama Cycling Terminal di Imabari untuk bersepeda santai di pagi hari.

Jalur sepeda di Kurushima-Kaikyo via Japan Times

Bayangkan bersepeda santai di atas jembatan megah ini sembari menikmati sejuknya udara musim semi dan pemandangan laut Setouchi serta pulau-pulau di sekitarnya. Akhiri perjalanan di terminal Yoshiumi Iki-Iki Kan dan bersiaplah untuk kegiatan seru berikutnya di sana.

Informasi Penyewaan Sepeda Sunrise Itoyama
Alamat: 2-8-1 Sunaba-cho, Imabari City, Ehime (map)
Telephone: 0898-41-3196
Jam buka: 8am – 8pm (April – September), 8am – 5pm (April-Maret)
Harga sewa sepeda : Dewasa, ¥1,000/hari dan ¥1,000 deposit.
Anak-anak dibawah 12 tahun, ¥300/hari dan ¥500 deposit.
Sepeda electric, ¥1,500/6 jam dan ¥1,000 deposit.
Sepeda dua tempat duduk, ¥1,200/hari dan ¥1,000 deposit.
Website: Sunrise Itoyama Cycling Terminal

9. Menikmati BBQ di Yoshiumi Iki-Iki Kan

Road Station Yoshiumi Iki-Iki Kan sekilas terlihat seperti sebuah pelabuhan kecil yang sepi, namun siapa yang menyangka tempat ini adalah oasis tersembunyi untuk menikmati seafood lezat!

BBQ seafood via Dennie Ramon

Ada berbagai jenis seafood segar yang bisa kita pilih dan panggang sendiri dengan menggunakan panggangan tradisional shichirin. Jangan kuatir bila tidak terbiasa karena kru yang bertugas akan sigap untuk membantu kamu memanggang hingga sempurna. Pastikan untuk mencoba berbagai jenis kerang, ikan, udang, hingga abalone serta geoduck. Lalu padukan dengan nasi yang telah dicampur dengan ikan sea bream khas Ehime (taimeshi). Nikmat!

Informasi Yoshiumi Iki-Iki Kan
Alamat: 4520-2 Yoshiumi chōmyō, Imabari-shi, Ehime (Located on route 317) (map)
Telephone: 0897-84-3710
Jam buka: 9am – 5pm
Info lebih lanjut: Yoshiumi Iki-iki kan

10. Boat Tour Kurushima

Setelah kenyang, pengalaman seru berikutnya adalah menaiki kapal dan berkeliling di perairan sekitar Oushima dengan Kurushima boat tour. Setelah mengenakan pelampung dan jas panjang, kita akan diajak melihat berbagai pulau kecil seperti pulau Kojima dan Kurushima. Kita juga akan ditunjukkan industri kapal terbesar di Jepang yaitu Imabari Shipbuilding dan yang paling utama adalah fenomena alam berupa pusaran air raksasa. Tur ini berlangsung selama 40 menit.

Pusaran air raksasa via Kaori Square Feet

Informasi Boat Tour Kurushima
Alamat: 4520-2 Yoshiumichomyo, Imabari City, Ehime (map)
Jam buka: 9am – 4pm
Harga tiket: ¥1,500
Website: Imabari Shimanami

Boat Tour Kurushima mengakhiri sebuah perjalanan seru yang bisa kamu lakukan bahkan sebelum menjelajahi Shikoku. Meskipun Shimanami Kaido hanya berjarak 6o km namun ternyata perjalanan tadi bisa begitu berwarna dan menyenangkan!

Published at: http://blog.halal-navi.com/id/island-hopping-shikoku/

Hiroshima, Miyajima

The Escapist’s Getaway™: The Wonders of Miyajima

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The ancient island of Miyajima has more to it than just its legendary stature.

Miyajima 4

Prologue

Miyajima was once untouched by warfare for around one millennium before the Sengoku period in the 16th century. Records showed that the construction of Itsukushima Shrine here dated since as far as the 6th century and completed like its current form by Taira no Kiyomori in 12th century.

It was not until the year was 1555 when the clan of Mouri, once considered only a small clan in Chugoku, challenged the usurper Sue Harukata of the powerful Ouchi Clan of northern Kyushu.

Taunted, Sue Harukata commanded his full army to engage the Mouri and they’re deliberately led to this island. Wily as a fox, Mouri Motonari as the patriarch of Mouri at that time, ambushed Harukata and decisively defeated his powerful army.

Miyajima 6

The victory elevated the Mouri to prominence in west Japan afterwards. Despite the eventual victory of the rivaling Tokugawa Clan and the end of Sengoku period, the pride stayed within the hearts of the people in the region and will eventually spark the ultimate transformation from feudalism era to Japanese hegemony in the 19th century industrial era.

With or without knowing the history behind it, Miyajima was the very source of this awakening – started with the victory of the Mouri clan and the eventual Meiji Restoration. In a peaceful era like now, the island welcomes thousands of visitors each year with its natural beauty, rich culture, and stories from the olden times.

Miyajima 5

The trip

Summarizing my one day trip to Miyajima, I can now conclude one important thing should you wish to visit the island. And that is to head there early from Hiroshima to spend the whole day here enjoying all the attractions, or even spend a night if possible.

Miyajima 1

There are many ways to head here from Hiroshima. If you feel like arriving early at Hatsukaichi to board the ferry, it’s best to start from JR Hiroshima Station by using JR Sanyo Line or if you are planning to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park first – you can use the streetcar from Genbaku Dome for cheaper but longer travel time. Alternatively, there are buses available as well heading to Hatsukaichi or you can even use the high speed boat from Hiroshima Port for JPY 1,800 and head straight to Miyajima.

The ferry trip from Hatsukaichi to Miyajima came with a very considerate price. It took only JPY 360 for a round trip, but bear in mind that the service stops at 5pm. That’s exactly the reason if you wish to spend only a day at Miyajima, then it is best to arrive early. However, if you would like to spend a night – there are more than 25 hotels available, scattering all over the island.

Miyajima 7

The short ferry trip was a memorable one as you can witness the legendary Itsukushima torii or the giant orange gateway of the shrine. Later today, visitors can witness the magnificent view of it when the rising tide came, covering some parts of the torii.

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Arriving, it’s best to head straight to Miyajima-cho, the only town in the island and spend some time shopping souvenirs or having your meals. Miyajima is known for its conger eel rice bowl and oysters. I had my terrific all-about-oysters lunch set menu at Kaki-ya and spent additional dime trying Marukin Honpo’s conger eel buns. Another what to do at the town is to shop at Yamadaya for their famed momiji manju and even taking a hands-on class on how to bake these sweet delicacies.

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The distance was a short one from the town to the shrine and I particularly enjoyed my autumn beach walk, funnily accompanied by these inquisitive wild deers attracted with the food I brought. Alternatively, some rickshaws are also available at your disposal, ready to take you anywhere around the island and a blanket to keep you warm.

As expected, the very view of it took my breath away. It was like a dream come true, that this beautiful cultural heritage that I had seen in many pictures since my childhood finally can be witnessed firsthand. Particularly, it reminds me of my father’s travels to Japan in the 80s and that I can finally relive his moments here. I wonder if anyone else there shared the same thoughts as well.

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However, the trip is not considered complete without visiting the shrine as well. For an additional entrance fee, you can spend some time inside and seeing the priests praying and passing you by, marveling upon the architecture, seeing the torii from here, and even encountering newlyweds wearing beautiful traditional garments. It’s like a journey through time again here, realizing that it was like this back in the medieval times almost a thousand years ago which you can still experience it today.

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Alas, it was almost time to leave the island already. Nevertheless, I fully maximized that fleeting moment by having a good cuppa at the island’s famous coffee shops – Miyajima Itsuki Coffee and Sarasvati, while also passing by the Five Storied Pagoda and reserving my dreams to hop aboard the ropeway to Mount Misen and enjoying Miyajima from above.

Bali, Bangkok, Dubai, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore

Appetti, That Friendly Foodie Guide You’ve Been Waiting For

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Teringat masa dulu ketika kabar munculnya restoran atau kafe baru masih berasal dari bisik-bisik seorang teman atau bahkan temannya teman. Kalau beruntung, bisa saja saya menemukannya sendiri dan mencobanya atau ketika saya melewatinya dan mendapati bahwa gejolak untuk mengunjunginya tidaklah terhindarkan!

Kini masa-masa itu telah berlalu. Seiring kemajuan teknologi dunia maya; sepertinya para pemilik usaha restoran, kafe, hingga hotel berbintang lima tidak sulit untuk mengenalkan kehadiran mereka ke dunia luar. Namun demikian justru persaingan antar aplikasi atau website direktori kuliner serta segala tetek bengek fitur social media-nya seolah menjadikan semuanya jagat raya ini keruh.

Berbicara sebagai user, di satu sisi ada kemudahan serta kecepatan akses yang ingin dinikmati para pengguna. Namun di sisi lain kita terkadang enggan dibanjiri terlalu banyak fitur yang bikin ribet maupun update yang konstan terjadi. Keruhnya persaingan antar website/aplikasi inilah yang justru mendorong satu layanan ini untuk tampil berbeda dengan lainnya.

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Di sinilah saya terkesan dengan kehadiran Appetti, sebuah platform yang cocok untuk dimanfaatkan di PC maupun secara mobile serta ringan dan cepat. Uniknya Appetti tidak berniat untuk menciptakan aplikasi khusus demi memenuhi memuaskan kedua sisi yang end-user cita-citakan tadi.

Memasuki www.appetti.com, user langsung disodori sebuah search box yang membebaskan mereka untuk mengisi langsung nama restoran, lokasi, ataupun jenis makanannya secara spesifik. Namun bisa juga sekiranya kita membutuhkan overview jagat dunia kuliner secara utuh, maka cukup untuk mengganti nama kotanya. Sementara ini Appetti sudah membuka opsi untuk Singapura, Jakarta, Bali, Dubai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, serta Bangkok. Hmmm.. Destinasi-destinasi kuliner yang menarik bukan?

Okay, marilah kita memasuki Singapura sebagai contoh termudahnya. Mengapa demikian? Ada satu hal geeky yang saya senangi dari fitur selanjutnya yang disuguhkan Appetti.

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Contohlah satu masa saya pernah berkunjung ke Singapura khusus untuk mencicipi restoran sushi yang bersertifikasi halal – satu hal yang sungguh sulit ditemukan justru di Jakarta. Adalah menuju Hei Sushi yang berlokasi di Bedok. Memasuki page berikutnya yang lebih spesifik, kita bisa melihat overview dari outlet milik Hei Sushi yang satu ini.

Seperti yang bisa dilihat dari laman ini, ada kesenangan tersendiri dari saya ketika melihat informasi yang detil. Misalkan saja keberadaan deskripsi mengenai restoran tersebut hingga hal-hal lain seperti jam buka selama seminggu, tipe masakannya secara detil, ataupun stasiun MRT terdekat untuk mencapai tempat ini. Selain itu tentunya terdapat alamat jelas dengan koordinat GPS serta no telpon dan alamat website. Satu hal yang menjadi kekurangan di sini menurut saya adalah kehadiran menu, harga ataupun foto-foto makanan serta tempat yang lebil banyak lagi. Padahal Appetti pasti akan senantiasa update dengan status buka tutupnya ribuan restoran yang terdafta, sehingga tentu menambahkan tampilan menu makanan/minuman tidaklah sulit.

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Kembali menuju laman search results, kita akan dibawa menyaksikan sederetan restoran serta fitur untuk menyaring pilihan kita agar menjadi lebih rinci. Menariknya, navigasi pemilihan restoran tidak perlu selalu didasarkan pada daftar panjang namun juga bisa didasarkan pada peta. Cukup dengan klik fitur tombol berbentuk pinpoint di kanan atas maka kita dapat melihat secara keseluruhan lokasi restoran yang tersedia di sebuah kota dari berbagai penjurunya.

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Dengan melakukan zoom in pada peta, maka semua akan menjadi lebih spesifik. Fitur ini terasa bermanfaat sekali bagi saya yang memang pengguna aplikasi peta dan gemar membaca peta, sehingga saya bisa memilih harus menuju arah mana ketika tengah terdampar di satu sisi kota Jakarta yang tidak saya kenal ataupun merencanakan makan malam hari ini bersama istri.

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Fitur utama lainnya yang menarik dari Appetti adalah adanya simbol kupon Top Offer di restoran-restoran yang terdaftar. Memang tidak semua memiliki penawaran khusus namun Appetti akan ‘menyundul’ restoran-restoran yang memiliki kupon ini ke bagian paling depan. Langkah yang tepat menurut saya karena tidak hanya restoran-restoran ini mendapatkan promosi khusus namun juga merangsang para foodies untuk memanfaatkan privilege ini.

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Sebut saja Harlow Brasserie di Jakarta yang per saat saya review website ini tengah memiliki 3 Top Offers. Setiap penawaran ini cukup di-klik saja dan akan terlihat segala detilnya dan persyaratannya. Misalkan saja tawaran Lunch Specials seharga IDR 100,000 nett dengan minum yang cocok banget untuk mereka yang mencari makan siang enak di daerah Kuningan. Ataupun satu penawaran lainnya untuk sekadar kopi sore asyik.

Di tengah-tengah bergeloranya semangat para foodies untuk berburu tempat makan dan segala kelebihannya, Appetti dengan cukup cermat sekaligus casual datang dan menghadirkan segala kemudahan itu. Mari kita nantikan kelanjutan Appetti yang mudah-mudahan akan juga hadir dengan fitur menarik lainnya serta pilihan kota yang lebih banyak lagi. I’m so ready to dine out now!

APPETTI – www.appetti.com

Imabari, Onomichi, Setoda

PLAY: Island Hopping to Shikoku (JAX, Feb 2016)

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What happens during the island hopping between Hiroshima and Ehime is more than just passing the great bridges and scenic surroundings.

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One of the biggest highlights during my latest trip to Japan was the journey from the mainland to the island of Shikoku. It was a rarity for Indonesians to visit Hiroshima and Miyajima alone, and now to cross through a series of small islands and suspension bridges along the way made the whole trip even more memorable.

The roads leading to Shikoku from Honshu came in three different parts. The first one is from Kobe via the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. The second one would be Great Seto Bridge which links to Okayama prefecture, and then lastly the direction that I took from Onomichi to Imabari of Ehime prefecture.

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The latter, known as the Nishiseto Expressway or popularly known as Shimanami Kaido, is probably the most unique in Japan. Not only that the highway links six islands between Hiroshima and Ehime, there are series of bridges which are considered as the longest in the world when combined. Furthermore, these bridges can also be crossed also by bicycles and on foot.

That is why Onomichi is the town where cyclists from around the world gather to prove their mettle by crossing these wonders upon the highway that spans around 70 kilometers to Imabari. Professionals usually continue with the return trip on the following day.

SETODA

After crossing the islands of Mukoujima and Innoshima, we stopped by at Setoda on the island of Ikuchijima. While the town appears sleepy yet pleasant, it is known as a major producer of octopus and having the all-about-octopus lunch set at Mansaku was another highlight of the trip.

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Nearby the restaurant and still on the same street of Setoda-cho, this town is also known for its impressive Kosan-ji Temple. Built on the hillside; the temple complex houses several buildings, a bell tower, a 15 meter high Kannon statue, thousands of cultural items, and ultimately the Miraishin no Oka – a monument comprises of 5,000 square meters of Italian marbles and granites sculpted by Kazuto Kuetani.

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Not far from the temple, we paid homage to one of Japanese finest painters – the late Ikuo Hirayama and his art museum. The museum has three exhibit halls, a theater, and also a tea shop. It houses Mr Hirayama’s finest nihonga paintings from his travels around the globe.

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Paintings depicting cultures from civilizations of Europe to Southeast Asia are presented here and up to one of his latest masterpieces depicting the bridge to Imabari is also housed in the museum. Here one can also witness how Mr Hirayama started it all with his impressive paintings from as early as elementary school age, a passion that he continued until he passed away in 2009.

KIROUSAN PANORAMA PARK

Leaving Setoda and heading further south, we passed through the islands of Omishima and Hakata until we reached Oshima island. It is the final island before the entering Imabari and ending our trip that day.

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We arrived just in time to Kirousan Panorama Park on the highest peak of the island that oversees one of the finest horizons I have ever seen in my entire life.

To the north are the islands that we have passed by during our trip and bordered by the narrow sea on the west and the eastern side. The best view came from the southwest where you can witness the brilliant sunset showering the magnificent bridge and the city of Imabari from afar.

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From up above, the boats were passing by the Seto Inland Sea and under the bridge, heading to one of the ports around Imabari. Perhaps we’re also sharing the same astonishment with the whole golden view of sunset. Still at the panorama park, there’s also the exact spot where Ikuo Hirayama used to paint the whole scenery.

The setting sun finally disappeared but giving the hope that one day we might meet again one day here. It’s now time to pass the last bridge, the longest of all on the Nishiseto Expressway.

We’re here finally, Shikoku.

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Locations:

SENKOUJI PARK – ONOMICHI

KOUSANJI TEMPLE – SETODA

IKUO HIRAYAMA MUSEUM OF ARTS – SETODA

KIROUSAN PANORAMA PARK – OSHIMA ISLAND

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Original link: http://jax.co.id/island-hopping-to-shikoku/