Jun 19, 2017
Rabbit Island: A Hop, Skip and a Jump from Hiroshima
Chances are you aren’t familiar with the name Okunoshima, but if someone mentions its nickname, you’re almost certain to know where they’re talking about. Yes, the place I’m talking about is Rabbit Island, so named for the hordes of rabbits that run wild and are the main attraction for this popular tourist destination.
Rabbit Island is located in the Inland Sea and is easily accessible from Hiroshima. It’s a good day trip for locals, but a hotel on the island now means it’s easy to stay a little longer if you don’t feel like rushing back to city life right away.
The rabbits make this place a fun family outing, but it wasn’t always this way. In fact, the whole island is shrouded in more than a little mystery due to its past.
Historical records show that the island was home to a poisonous gas factory owned and operated by the Japanese Imperial Army between 1929 and 1945. The factory produced five different types of gases that were used on the Chinese during this time. Legend has it that the rabbits were used as guinea pigs (well, rabbits actually) to test the effects of the gas. Many people dispute this though and so maybe we’ll never really know…
The factory has been made into a museum and although its contents are a little grim, it does make for interesting reading. At only 100 yen for admission, it’s a bargain! The museum is closed on Tuesdays but is open every other day between 9am and 5pm.
The mystery continues with abandoned ruins on the island that are akin to something from the James Bond movie, ‘Skyfall.’ If you’re interested in haikyo (廃墟) or the exploration of ruins, then this is definitely somewhere you won’t want to miss.
If you prefer a happier affair with the family, skip the museum and ruins and just hang out with the rabbits. There are plenty to see and they make for some adorable photos you can share on all your social media apps.
The fastest way to get to Rabbit Island is to take the Kodama Shinkansen from Hiroshima Station to Mihara and then change to a local train bound for Kure. Get off at Tadanoumi Station. This will cost you 1490 yen and takes just half an hour. The ferry stop is a five minute walk from the station. The various fares are available on the English version of the ferry page below.
http://sanyo-shosen.jp/omishima/time.html (Japanese only)
For an English version of the above page check out the Google Translate page below:
Jun 12, 2017
Disposal of Large Garbage and Electrical Items in Tokyo
First, contact your ward’s disposal office to make a reservation for the collection of your items. Please note that there will be a small fee for the disposal of these items.
Large Garbage
Items that are approximately 30 cm X 30 cm X 30 cm or larger (i.e. furniture, bedding etc.).
- Minato-ku, Shibuya-ku, Shinjuku-ku, Setagaya-ku, Shinagawa-ku, Meguro-ku, Chiyoda-ku – (03) 5296-7000.
- Ota-ku – (03) 5465-5300.
Electrical Items
For example, air conditioners, TV sets, refrigerators, washing machines etc.
- Minato-ku, Shibuya-ku, Shinjuku-ku, Setagaya-ku, Shinagawa-ku, Meguro-ku, Chiyoda-ku, Ota-ku – 03-5296-7200.
Personal Computers:
A collection/recycling fee applies for computers purchased on or before September 30, 2003. If there is a recycle symbol on the PC, then there will not be a fee charged and you should contact the manufacturer directly for collection. If you are unsure of the manufacturer, please call the Personal Computer 3R Promotion Center at 03-5282-7685.
- When you make an appointment for disposal, you will need to provide your address and telephone number. At that time, they will inform you of the handling fee and the collection place and date.
- Please write down the amount that the disposal office has given you and visit your nearest convenience store. Tell them that you would like to make the payment for your large garbage/electrical items (粗大ごみ – sodai gomi). Please note that the payment at the convenience store can only be made in cash, no credit cards. Once you make your payment, they will provide you with the large garbage collection sticker called, (粗大ごみ手数料納付券- sodai-gomi tesuryo-nofuken). See the sample of the actual sticker below. Please note that the sticker will vary from ward to ward.
- Fill out the sticker (write your name, address and the date of when they will pick up the items) and place it on each item accordingly.
- Place the items outside of your building entrance or near the trash area specified by 8:00am on the reserved day of pick up.
Image by Shinji (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via flickr.com
Jun 10, 2017
Nagoya Auto Festival
If you are interested in cars, you may want to check out Nagoya Auto Festival, featuring newer, highly customized vehicles. There will be no shortage of interesting vehicles to peruse, as well as other attractions such as special guests, performances, and a food court.
Nagoya Auto Festival 2017
This is a relatively more famous show (when compared to last June’s Nostalgic Car Festival) with a higher amount of excitement, guests, performances, and pointedly more vendors of car related businesses.
July 8/9, 2017 from 10:00
Portmesse Nagoya Exhibition Hall 3
Admission is JPY 2,000
www.n-autofestival.jp (Japanese)
Portmesse Nagoya
Address: 〒455-0848 Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya, Minato Ward, Kinjofuto, 2 Chome−2 (map)
Phone: 052-398-1771
Public transit access: Kinjō-futō Station
Image by screenshot from www.n-autofestival.jp, used without permission.
