Tokuyama, Yamaguchi
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tokuyama was one of two cities (the other being Shinnanyo, Yamaguchi) that merged on April 21, 2003 to become Shunan, Yamaguchi. The city had a population of about 150,000 people. About 40 of these people are English teachers for both the JET program and various English schools. Its location along the shinkansen line make for easy access to nearby cities such as Hiroshima and Fukuoka. Hikari holds a sizable beach.
The city has a modest offering of entertainment and dining options. Here is a list of bars/restaurants featuring an English and/or picture menu:
-Ell's Ditch (Irish pub serving up Irish/British food and European brews)(Downtown) -Oghiya (yakitori-ya offering a very comprehensive English menu and plenty of drinks) (Downtown) -WaraWara (izikaya with English/picture menu and plenty of cocktail choices)(Downtown) -Grazie (Italian restaurant with a set menu in English)(Downtown) -Ganesh (Indian restaurant; very popular)(Downtown) -Fracasso (family-style Italian restaurant with unlimited soft-drink bar)(outer Tokuyama) -Sunday's Sun (family-style restaurant offering both the drink bar and Western breakfast)(outer Tokuyama) -Gusto (family-style Japanese restaurant, also with soft-drink bar)(outer Tokuyama) -Mister Donut (outer Tokuyama) -McDonald's (downtown and outer Tokuyama) -Kentucky Fried Chicken (outer Tokuyama and Kudamatsu Mall) -Baskin Robbins (outer Tokuyama) -Dotour Coffee (outer Tokuyama and Kudamatsu Mall)
Another dining option that is popular in Tokuyama are the yatai stands that line the sidewalks around Tokuyama Station after dark. They serve up ramen, gyoza, oden, and other Japanese appetizers as well as beer and sake. The prices are low, and the food is delicious. Just go on in and take a seat. The proprietors will understand your broken Japanese.
There's also the ready-made food at 7-11, if you are in a hurry. The convenience stores Lawson and Poplar also serve up quick eats. They are easily accessible locations throughout Tokuyama. The stores are also handy for paying your bills.
Coffee fans can enjoy two great shops to get their fix: CoffeeBoy (on PH street, downtown) and CreamCreme (just off of Old Route 2, behind Jean Paul bakery)
Tokuyama has a fair assortment of shopping options. Daiso, the popular 100 Yen chain, has two locations (both outer Tokuyama). Uniqlo offers clothing in sizes and prices that Westerners will appreciate (outer Tokuyama). Tsutaya is a movie/CD rental place with numerous Western offerings (next to Uniqlo). Kintetsu, a modest-sized department store, provides a quality selection of clothing, food, and gift items (downtown). In Kudamatsu (along the #4-5 bus route), you can find Mr. Max (similar to WalMart), Seiyu (which IS WalMart, but more expensive), Thanada Life Create Store (Crate and Barrel-esque store), and SunLive (a modest shopping center).
Entertainment options are fairly limited. The city library offers a modest selection of English books. Live music can be found at a few bars, and the popular Bar Nells offers a nightclub that is very popular with foreigners and Japanese alike. Shidax is a very popular karaoke center (also offers namihodai or "all you can drink" option). There is also a very modest art museum with regularly changing special exhibits and a cafe. Movix, the largest movie theatre, is located at Kudamatsu Mall (movies cost about 1,900 yen).
The city has a small offering of festivals throughout the year. The most popular is the Christmas Tree Festival, where the city fills the trees along Miyuki Dori with Christmas lights and plays Christmas carols from 6-10 p.m. each night. On December 23-25, food stalls fill the sidewalks, offering grilled meats, beer, cotton candy, candied fruit, and small-scale carnival games.
Popular daytrips from Tokuyama (via shinkansen, local train or highway bus) include: Iwakuni, Hiroshima, Hagi, Fukuoka, and Okayama.
[edit] External links
 |
This Yamaguchi location article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
