KAMIFURANO, Hokkaido -- A controversial giant Ferris wheel in the Miyama Mountain Pass in Kamifurano, Hokkaido, started operation on Wednesday.
(Source: Mainichi Japan)
A local residents' group had opposed the construction of the structure, which measures 47 meters in diameter and 50 meters in height, saying it would disrupt the tourist town's panoramic view of the Tokachi mountain range. The group was formed last November.
The builder, however, pressed ahead with construction, insisting that it would take the Ferris wheel's location and color into consideration. There was no legal recourse available to halt the construction.
"I came to visit because it has been in the news," said a 60-year-old man, who came from Asahikawa with his grandchildren, one of many families to visit the site on the sunny opening day. "My grandchildren enjoyed seeing this view for the first time," he added.
In Japan for only a limited time, J.K. is desperate to travel and see as much as possible. But there's a problem. "Cash is pretty limited. Are there any money-saving ways of traveling by train in Japan?".
Despite growing fears of a global pandemic of swine influenza, a major international food fair kicked off Thursday as scheduled in Osaka, a city traditionally known as the nation's food capital.
Combine edification and tasty beer with a trip to the Kirin brewery in Yokohama. The 40-minute guided tour takes visitors through the entire brewing and bottling process, including a display about the history of Kirin and beer in Japan.
