Midorigaoka Library is a composite library facility that combines four functions: a library, support for civic activities, support for child-raising, and disaster prevention. A range of activities, including interpersonal exchange, hands-on experiences, learning, and transmission of information, all take place in one building.
In addition, the library is equipped with spaces for lively communication as well as quiet spaces. Conversation can be enjoyed in the café area and the children’s library area.
The building also includes 10 rooms referred to as “studios”, which can be used for hosting lectures and workshops, or reserved for private use.
柳井市観光協会
Kingyo Chochin (goldfish-shaped lanterns)
Yanai’s traditional folkcraft from Edo period (17th-19th centuries)
Kumatani Rinzaburo, a highly successful merchant of Edo (former name of Tokyo), invented this lantern inspired by Nebuta ornaments found in Aomori Prefecture.
Made of washi-paper and bamboo framework, painted with the same dyeing material as Yanai-jima textile, they were hung out outside as guiding lanterns to help the ancestors’ spirits to come back home during Obon period.
Today, the town holds a lantern festival on the 13th of August every year.
The fantastical look of swinging goldfish lanterns along white-walled streets in the evening during early August is a typical image of summertime in Yanai.
Enjoy the sight of the unique seasonal “kingyo chochin” (goldfish lanterns) that appear in the Shirakabe historical district.
Please see here for a guide to seasonal “kingyo chochin”.
In addition, Yanai currently holds an exchange with Hirosaki City in Aomori Prefecture, featuring “kingyo chochin” and “kingyo neputa”.
■ “Kingyo neputa” of Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture
“Kingyo neputa” are goldfish-shaped lamps said to be based on the motif of “Tsugaru Nishiki”, a species of goldfish bred in Tsugaru Domain in the Edo period,
and are a vital part of the Neputa Festival.
■ “Hirosaki neputa” created through the exchange program between Yanai City and Hirosaki City
The motif of the artwork on the festival float is “Kumagai Rinzaburo crafting a kingyo chochin”.
Seasonal Kingyo Chochin
Yanai’s famous product
A variety of different “kingyo chochin” appear in each season.
Why not search for them as you take a stroll around the historical district?
*Please see here for details about “kingyo chochin”
Around April: Cherry blossom “kingyo chochin
Around May: Spring greenery & carp streamers “kingyo chochin”
Around June: Hydrangea “kingyo chochin”
Around October: Halloween “kingyo chochin”
Around November: Autumn leaves “kingyo chochin”
Around December: Christmas “kingyo chochin”
Around February: Valentine “kingyo chochin”
Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine (Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture)
Miyajima is known as an island of the gods, floating upon the peaceful Seto Inland Sea.
As well as the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site of Itsukushima Shrine, famed for its huge, vermillion torii shrine gate, there are many historical sites on the island.
In addition to these, there are plenty of other highlights such as Miyajima Public Aquarium, which focuses on the marine life of the Seto Inland Sea, and Mount Misen, with stunning scenery from the summit which can be reached by a ropeway car and a walk.
The area also boasts many local delicacies, so visitors can enjoy dining as they explore on foot!
Kintai Bridge (Iwakuni City)
Kintaikyo Bridge is a nationally-designated Place of Scenic Beauty and one of Japan’s three greatest bridges. It is a wooden five-arched structure that spans the clear waters of the Nishiki River.
The bridge is approximately 193 meters long (approximately 210 meters along the bridge face), and roughly 5 meters wide.
It was built using the “Kigumi” joinery technique, employing girder binders and clamps. The exquisite and unique arched bridge structure is considered to be faultless even when viewed from the perspective of modern bridge engineering.
A variety of vividly colorful seasonal scenery can be enjoyed here, from the cherry blossoms in Spring, the cormorant fishing and fireworks in Summer, the Autumn foliage of Mount Shiroyama’s virgin forest, to the blanket of snow in Winter.
Kirak 411
A food shop that specializes in Western-style delicatessen dishes.
With a rich variety of products, including bento meal boxes, imported ingredients, and wines.
Fujiyama Coffee Roasters Midorigaoka Library Branch
This coffee shop is located inside Yanai Municipal Midorigaoka Library.
Between 11am and 3pm, light meals are also available here.
If you use a cup with a lid, drinks are permitted everywhere within the library facility.
This shop provides eco-friendly cups for using in the library (must be returned after use).
Photo Office Kapuri
“Life is a Story”
This company offers both location-based and studio-based photography.
Product photography / Food photography / Funeral portraits / Profile photos/Newborn photos / Omiya-mairi (Newborn shrine visit) photos / Shichi-go-san (Age 3, 5 & 7 celebration photos) / Coming-of-age celebration photos / Pre-wedding photos
Bringing people together by taking photographs related to people’s lives.
Joe’s Bar
“Shots & Cocktails: Joe’s Bar” offers delicious sake, whiskey, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails.
Feel free to drop in for a visit.
Yanai Nippon Bare Kaido Association
This organization works to create appealing community development utilizing local resources along the “kaido” (old highways), with a focus on two Edo-period highways that run through Yanai City.
Many local assets are located along these two highways, such as the Shirakabe, Obatake and Shikami historic districts, and the former private schools Seikyo Sodo and Kokkido. The highways received the certifications of “Yume Kaido (Dream Highway) Renaissance” in 2014 and “Yanai City Regional Brands” in 2020.
The association’s main activities are hosting walking trips (year-round), conducting highway maintenance (Autumn and Winter), hosting panel exhibitions about the highways (Winter) and publishing its newsletter (every odd-numbered month).
