MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- It seems there is always someone. In almost every public space where Marines gather, you will likely hear at least one person complaining non-stop about how bored they are and how they wish there was something to do. Well, if you sat around on your behind in the barracks this weekend, you missed quite a party.
The three-day “Kintaikyo Momiji,” or Kintai Bridge Maple Leaf Festival, played host to thousands at Kikko Park in Iwakuni city.
The festival is an opportunity to appreciate the thousands of maple trees and their brightly colored leaves. It is also a chance to reflect on the change of season while enjoying Japanese culture, crafts and food.
“I love this culture. I try to check out all the festivals they have here,” said Lance Cpl. Christopher Lorio, a data network specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to be able to see Japan. It’s pretty great,” he said.
A variety of live performances by musicians, singers and dancers entertained audiences young and old at select locations throughout the park.
Dozens of vendors’ booths dotted the area. People sold everything from locally made sake to bamboo toys made on site.
For those arriving with empty stomachs, plenty of opportunities to try the local fare were everywhere. Locally made sushi, pot stew and oysters were just some of the cuisine available. If that wasn’t enough, the thick, made from scratch noodles, could probably subdue the strongest of appetites.
Even after the temperature dropped and light rain set in, most visitors braved the wet weather and carried on under the protection of umbrellas.
Everyone should be reminded the Kintai Bridge area and Kikko Park are fantastic local spots to visit even when there isn’t a festival going on. Most attractions in the area stay open until at least 5 p.m.
One of the best parts about this place for the E-1 through E-3 budget, is a person could potentially spend all day at the park and not spend a dime.
“This costs nothing to check (Kikko Park) out,” said Lance Cpl. Ian Stutsam, a data network specialist with MWSS 171.
“I know it’s expensive to live in Japan, but if you don’t take advantage of seeing the culture, then you’re pretty stupid, because this is pretty much free,” he said.
There are many places to visit here almost any time of year.
The Kintai Bridge was originally built in 1673. Three-hundred yen will get you a ticket to cross both ways.
You can see the white snake sanctuary containing sacred live snakes for a small donation. These snakes are unique to Iwakuni and are considered a Japanese national treasure.
Iwakuni Castle is accessible by foot or by cable car for a fee. Once on top of the mountain you can see all the way to the air station. The castle itself is a museum that contains many historical artifacts, including weaponry and calligraphy.
The Mikata house is a free attraction. This traditionally built home was the residence of a mid-ranking samurai who lived in the 18th century.
The Kikko Shrine is another interesting and free site where good luck charms can be obtained for a donation.
There are also two art museums with modern and historical artwork from the area.
Even if you bring absolutely no yen, the gardens, fountains and streams in the park are worth a gander.
A cab ride to the bridge can cost up to 2000 yen, but the trip can be made rather easily from the air station via bicycle in about 15 minutes.