Yanai (____) [http://www.town.hirao.lg.jp/home/html/main.html] is a city in Yamaguchi Prefecture approximately 70km southwest of Hiroshima.

Understand

While not a major tourist destination, Yanai offers a variety of sites and activities to do that makes this a good daytrip for those visiting Miyajima/Hiroshima.

Get in

By Rail: Yanai can be reached via the JR Sanyo Rail from Hiroshima (Westbound) or Tokuyama (Eastbound). Travelers going by way of Shinkansen must disembark at either the JR Tokuyama or Hiroshima Stations.

By Ferry: Regular ferry services connects Yanai by way of Yanai Minato JR Station to Mitsu, a suburb of Matsuyama, in Ehime Prefecture as well as Beppu in Oita Prefecture.

By Car: Yanai can be reached by exiting the Sanyo Expressway at Kuga and proceeding Southbound on Prefectural Road 70.

Get around

See

Yanai's most famous attribute is the charming and picturesque '''Shirakabe No Machi''' located approximately 1km north of the Yanai JR station. There are many shops specializing in local handicrafts as well as a locally famous Soy Sauce factory.

You can also take a leisurely walk around the [http://www.flowerland.or.jp/ Yamaguchi Flowerland] botanical gardens located near the hills NW of Yanai.

Relax at the [http://www.urban.ne.jp/home/southern/yanai/index.html Sazan Sento] (Southern Baths) and Marine Park along the beach south of the city.

Do

Events

There are several festivals worth mentioning that are unique to Yanai:

'''Kingyo Choochin Matsuri''', August 13th annually. The festival is in honor of Yanai's most famous and noteworthy product: the goldfish latern. Various teams compete to parade and spin large versions of the laterns to the beat of a Taiko (Japanese Drum) and chorus. A large firework display concludes the festival.

Golf

There are several golf courses surrounding Yanai including:
  • Yanai Golf Course (18 holes) routes 149 and 153
  • Iwakuni Golf Course (18 holes) off route 149 near hiway 437
  • Seaside Golf Course (9 holes) in neighboring Hirao off route 23
  • Iwakuni Century Golf Course (18 holes) off route 115
  • Buy

  • Yanai's most famous miyage (souvenir) is the the Kingyo Chouchin (paper goldfish latern). It can be found at various shops in and around Yanai.
  • '''MadDope''' - An eclectic shop owned by Noriaki Iwamoto: local celebrity and R&B/Hip-Hop singer and producer. As well as store featuring standard urban clothing, Mr. Iwamoto also uses the store as a vehicle to promote local musicians and locally produced CD's. Across the street from the HyperMerx Mall and a 3 minute walk from the Yanai JR station via the pedestrian underpass.
  • Kanro Shoyu (soy sauce), a high quality soy sauce brewed at the locally famous Sagawa Soy Sauce Brewery. Its method of brewing adds a sweet flavor that makes it prized for use with sushi and sashimi throughout the Chugoku and Kansai region.
  • Yanaijima fabric goods, notable for its vivid colored striped pattern and smooth texture.
  • Eat

    There are many reasonably priced and delicious dining options in Yanai.

    '''Kamaya''': A local family run udon establishent featuring freshly made udon at prices ranging from 300-700 yen per entree. Located across the street from Yanai City Hall and a 4 minute walk from the Yanai JR rail station.

    '''Shinatora''': An excellent ramen noodle restaurant located 3 minutes south of the Yanai JR rail station. What sets the restaurant apart from others is the isistance on using only homemade stock in all ramen selections. Reasonably priced selections usually not exceeding 800 yen.

    '''Murasaki''': A quant and intimate izakaya (Japanese tapas bar) located 4 minutes East by foot from Shirakabe no Machi. For foreigners not familiar with the concept of an izakaya, this establishment serves as an excellent and Western-friendly point of introduction.

    '''Sanzoku''': Literally translating as "Mountain Family", this establishment features coal roasted chicken and meat dishes with gift shop and koi pond located on a sprawling outdoor arboreal setting. From Yanai by car, proceed North on Prefectural Route 70 to National Highway 2. Located on the left. For those located near Iwakuni and/or familiar with the large American military presence there, it will often referred to as the "Chicken Shack".

    Drink

    Sleep

    The largest hotel in town in the [http://yanaicruise.co.jp/ Yanai Cruise Hotel] with large "Western"-size rooms. It has a cafe that serves a standard breakfast set for an additional fee.

    If you are looking to save money, you can check out one of the smaller business hotels including:

  • Yanai Station Hotel (across tracks, SW of station)
  • Yanai City Hotel (across tracks, SW of station)
  • Yanai Park Hotel (across tracks, SW of station)
  • Yanai Grand Hotel (near Shirakabe section of town, NE of station)
  • Get out

  • Iwakuni- Famous for Kintaikyo or Brocade Sash Bridge.
  • Tokuyama
  • Hirao - The Kaiten (kamikaze submarine) museum at the entrance of Hirao Bay