{"id":3039,"date":"2016-02-21T20:39:08","date_gmt":"2016-02-21T12:39:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gazeandgraze.com\/wordpress\/?p=3039"},"modified":"2019-02-03T15:27:41","modified_gmt":"2019-02-03T07:27:41","slug":"takehara-scenic-launch-pad-to-hiroshimas-coastal-islands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gazeandgraze.com\/wordpress\/2016\/02\/21\/takehara-scenic-launch-pad-to-hiroshimas-coastal-islands\/","title":{"rendered":"Takehara – Scenic Launch Pad to Hiroshima’s Coastal Islands"},"content":{"rendered":"

The coast surrounding the Seto Inland Sea near Hiroshima is one of the most scenic in Japan and Takehara, with its nicely preserved Edo-era historic center, is a well located base from which to explore the area. We were here at year-end spending a day exploring the town before taking a drive and ferry ride for a round trip visit to\u00a0nearby islands. Takehara is probably best known these days for Nikka Whiskey, with the family still residing in town, as well as being the setting for a popular anime cartoon. But the area also produces good salt, sake and potatoes.<\/p>\n

\"Takehara,<\/a>
One of Takehara’s canals<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Takehara means Bamboo Field as the town was named after the abundant bamboo groves that grew here. The town is relatively quiet as aging demographics has taken its toll this area. One of the interesting snippets about Takehara is that there was a factory making poison gas used during World War II on nearby island, Okunoshima, that is now opened to visitors. I didn’t have time to go there but the island is known these days for a large rabbit population so it’s now known commonly\u00a0as Bunny Island.<\/p>\n

A\u00a0walk\u00a0around Takehara’s historical district should only take a couple hours.\u00a0The well preserved area showcases Edo era buildings, best known for their grey-blue color tone and thick plaster lattice details.<\/p>\n

\"Takehara,<\/a>
A corner of Takehara’s historical town<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n