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Yamaguchi tourism, food and beverages promoted in Shanghai
By Liao Fangzhou Source:Global Times Published: 2016/8/7 17:58:39 Last Updated: 2016/8/8 15:49:09
Japan's largest island, Honshu, might be the country's most famous travel destination, but its westernmost prefecture, Yamaguchi, remains relatively obscure to many Chinese tourists.
At a reception held at the Consulate-General of Japan in Shanghai Wednesday, Chinese travel agencies and retailers were offered a taste of the Yamaguchi region's rich tourism and gastronomy resources.
Mine City in the prefecture's central region is known for Akiyoshidai, a plateau with the highest concentration of karst formations in Japan, as well as Akiyoshido, the country's largest limestone cave.
At the south end of Akiyoshidai, Akiyoshido boasts terraces of limestone pools and underground waterfalls among many other beautiful natural formations.
The eastern region features Kintai-kyo Bridge in the small city of Iwakuni, which is known as one of the three most famous bridges in Japan. Built in 1673, it spans the river in five wooden arches, inspired by a bridge at China's West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.
The spot is a popular location to enjoy Japan's annual cherry blossom season, but summer is celebrated with boat rides, traditional cormorant fishing and fireworks shows throughout August.
If you are interested in Japanese history, especially the Meiji period, Hagi in the north is a must-see. The town maintains several old samurai and merchant residences and five of the 23 Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution, listed in the UNESCO World Heritage.
Birthplace of names
The prefecture's capital is Yamaguchi. Once known as the "Kyoto of the West," the city features several places of worship and is known for its relaxing atmosphere compared with Japan's usual urban bustle.
Kazuyuki Katayama, Consul General of Japan in Shanghai, said he feels affectionate about Yamaguchi Prefecture, as it lies right next to his hometown in Hiroshima Prefecture.
"Yamaguchi is not only the birthplace of most great names of the Meiji Restoration, but of most Japanese prime ministers," Katayama noted.
He added that this is the first time that food and beverages from the prefecture have been promoted in Shanghai.
Kamaboko, or boiled fish paste, was first offered on a banquet menu in the year of 1115. The food was invented for long-time preservation, but today is regarded as a high-end cuisine.
Representatives from the prefecture's sake industry added that there are more than 20 types of sake brewed from the region's own rice.
Katayama hosts at least 10 receptions at his residence each week, during which he often treats guests to the internationally reputable Yamaguchi sake.
"When I lived in Brussels, I often offered Yamaguchi sake at parties and local guests were very fond of it," he said.
Newspaper headline: Prefectural preferences
At a reception held at the Consulate-General of Japan in Shanghai Wednesday, Chinese travel agencies and retailers were offered a taste of the Yamaguchi region's rich tourism and gastronomy resources.
Mine City in the prefecture's central region is known for Akiyoshidai, a plateau with the highest concentration of karst formations in Japan, as well as Akiyoshido, the country's largest limestone cave.
At the south end of Akiyoshidai, Akiyoshido boasts terraces of limestone pools and underground waterfalls among many other beautiful natural formations.
Akiyoshidai, Photo: Courtesy of jp.hjenglish.com
Akiyoshido, Photo: Courtesy of jp.hjenglish.com
The eastern region features Kintai-kyo Bridge in the small city of Iwakuni, which is known as one of the three most famous bridges in Japan. Built in 1673, it spans the river in five wooden arches, inspired by a bridge at China's West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.
The spot is a popular location to enjoy Japan's annual cherry blossom season, but summer is celebrated with boat rides, traditional cormorant fishing and fireworks shows throughout August.
If you are interested in Japanese history, especially the Meiji period, Hagi in the north is a must-see. The town maintains several old samurai and merchant residences and five of the 23 Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution, listed in the UNESCO World Heritage.
Kintai-kyo Bridge, Photo: CFP
Birthplace of names
The prefecture's capital is Yamaguchi. Once known as the "Kyoto of the West," the city features several places of worship and is known for its relaxing atmosphere compared with Japan's usual urban bustle.
Kazuyuki Katayama, Consul General of Japan in Shanghai, said he feels affectionate about Yamaguchi Prefecture, as it lies right next to his hometown in Hiroshima Prefecture.
"Yamaguchi is not only the birthplace of most great names of the Meiji Restoration, but of most Japanese prime ministers," Katayama noted.
He added that this is the first time that food and beverages from the prefecture have been promoted in Shanghai.
Kamaboko, or boiled fish paste, was first offered on a banquet menu in the year of 1115. The food was invented for long-time preservation, but today is regarded as a high-end cuisine.
Representatives from the prefecture's sake industry added that there are more than 20 types of sake brewed from the region's own rice.
Katayama hosts at least 10 receptions at his residence each week, during which he often treats guests to the internationally reputable Yamaguchi sake.
"When I lived in Brussels, I often offered Yamaguchi sake at parties and local guests were very fond of it," he said.
Yamaguchi sake, Photo: Liao Fangzhou/GT
Yamaguchi sake, Photo: Liao Fangzhou/GT
Newspaper headline: Prefectural preferences
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