"Yomitan War Memorial - Tokeshi District"

Yomitan War Memorial - Tokeshi District

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War Memorial Shrine in Yomitan

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 25.256	E 127 43.635

Yomitan War Memorial - Tokeshi District

This War Memorial in Yomitan may go unnoticed if you never veer off the main highway (Route 6). We found this shrine by literally getting lost in Yomitan. This particular war memorial resides at the Tokeshi District of Yomitan Village. It sits underneath a large tree (See picture album above). Next to the shrine are the list of names from Yomitan Village who lost their lives during the "Greater East Asia War". This term was used by the Japanese to describe World War II.

There are two war memorials in Yomitan. This one at the Tokeshi District is older. It was built in 1913. At  this moment, I do not have the location of the other war memorial.

Parking: You will have to find a place off the road. Park at your own risk.
How to get there: Please look at the map to do a route reconnaissance. Although you can use Hwy 6 to get close to it, you do have to navigate your way through some unmarked roads. It's not too difficult. I provided some landmarks near the shrine.

Other places of interest nearby: Statue of Shinran Shonin.

"Statue of Shinran Shonin in Onna Village"

Statue of Shiran Shonin

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Statue of Shinran Shonin (Okinawa)

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 26.007	E 127 45.570

Update, August 27, 2012: The post originally stated that this statue was in Yomitan Village. That is incorrect. The statue is in Onna Village a few kilometers north of the Yomitan Border. 

Statue of Shinran Shonin in Onna Village

This giant statue is of Shinran Shonin, a Buddhist priest living in Japan during the 12th and 13th century. He is the founder of Jōdo Shinshū sect of Buddhism. Statues like this one are common at Jōdo Shinshū temples. But there is an interesting side story to this statue. Ten years after World War II, a similar statue was given by the Japanese as a gift to the United States as a message of hope and world peace. What is notable about that statue is that it was one of  few structures at Hiroshima that remained intact after the atomic bomb was dropped. That statue currently resides in New York City.

Shinran Shonin embodied ideals of peace and benevolence towards one another, and as such, he inspired many to follow his ways. One such man was Yehan Numata, who was the one that donated this statue that rest in Yomitan Village. Mr. Numata is the founder of Mitutoyo Corporation.

The statue stands next to a Buddhist temple bell (See picture album above). Getting there isn't hard at all. It is right off Hwy 6 in Yomitan. The entire site stands next to the ocean.

Parking: There is a small parking spot next to the statue. See green thumbtack.

What to bring: Camera, umbrella, bento box (optional).

Articles of Interest: "A Part of Hiroshima in New York", Wikipedia Entry

"Off The Beaten Path - Yomitan Village"

Where the Path Starts - Yomitan (Near the Hijigawa River)

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Off The Beaten Path - Yomitan

    GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 22.088	E 127 45.276

Off The Beaten Path - Yomitan Village

There is a small walking trail here where you can see the Hijigawa River. It's not much, but if you are an adventurous person you might dig this small trail and see a different view of the river. This is the same river that the Yomitan Red Bridge passes over. There are some old style cemeteries or 'Hakas' built along the side of hill and a small natural spring where farmers sometimes collect water (see photo album above).

Park where you can off the side of the streets. It's pretty tight. You will have to walk to get to this point. Trail is pretty noticeable.

Note: Depending on the time of the year, there are many mosquitoes. Always be wary of spiders and snakes. Please remember that the cemeteries are place of religious reverence.

What to bring. Camera, recommend shoes and not sandals, a walking stick or umbrella to move away brush and spider webs.

"Yomitan Red Bridge"

Yomitan Red Bridge

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Yomitan Red Bridge

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 21.831	E 127 44.899

Yomitan Red Bridge

This is the Yomitan Red Bridge. You can see this bridge often to the west as you drive south on Highway 58.

Best to park somewhere (like the MaxValue about a quarter mile away) and walk to see it. Bring an umbrella too just in case. I posted some other areas you can park denoted by the green thumbtack.

"Yomitan Beachside"

Yomitan Beachside

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Yomitan Beach Side

     GPS

Latitude	Longitude
N 26 21.844	E 127 44.323

Yomitan Beachside

They have Gazebo type structures with picnic tables for shade. Not sure about the bathroom facilities. They do have facilities buildings in the area.

Wind blows very nice here. Grass is usually well cut. Great for taking naps and a dip in the water.