|
|
|
|
About Ikuno, JapanIkuno lies in a basin in the Chugoku mountain range and is blessed with its diversity of nature. It covers an area of 11,201 square kilometres and has a population of 5,367 (Sept. 1997). Located in the geographical centre of Hyogo prefecture and north of the Harima district, Ikuno is an entrance to the Tajima district, which is famous for producing Tajima beef (Kobe beef). More than 90% of the total area of Ikuno is mountainous and it is approximately 300 metres above sea level. Ikuno's climate is influenced by both the climate of the Sea of Japan to the north and of the Inland Sea to the south. Temperatures are relatively low throughout the year. The annual precipitation is about 2000mm. The history of Ikuno has been greatly influenced by the town's siver mine - Ikuno Ginzan. The mine was reportedly founded in 807 AD. In 1973, due to the exhaustion and deterioration of mineral ores, the mine was forced to close. Since then, it has become a tourist site. Every year it draws about 200,000 visitors. Ikuno is well known for its nature. In the Kurogawa area, there is Ginzan Lake, and Uogataki falls. In the north-western part of town, one can find the Ikuno highlands, which is famous for its hiking trails, Kassels Resort, and its golf course. There are two famous temples in Ikuno: Daimyoji Temple, which was founded around 1367, and Ennoji Temple, which is known as the place where the coup d'etat against the Tokugawa government was conspired by young samurais in 1863. Ikuno also has a Museum of Local History and an excellent taiko drumming group, Ginzan Taiko.
|
