Neighbouring municipalities

• Ehime Prefecture
  • Yawatahama

Climate

The climate in Ikata is warm, with an average year-round temperature of 16–17 °C (61–63 °F) and 1,500 ml of yearly rain. The coldest parts of winter remain above freezing (5 °C or 41 °F on average), with snowfall seen only once or twice per year. Rain is concentrated in the rainy season in June and July, and also in September.^[5]

The length of the peninsula makes accurate weather prediction difficult for the town; when driving down Melody Line, it is not uncommon to find it sunny between one set of tunnels, rainy between another, and foggy between yet another. Ikata's position, stretching out into the ocean, also makes it a frequent target for typhoons.

Prehistory

The Sadamisaki Peninsula area has been inhabited since at least the Jōmon period (10,000–300 BC), as evidenced by the discovery of stone tools and earthenware pots in the Misaki and Kushi neighborhoods.^[4]

In 1963 a local man discovered a stone ax dating to the mid-Yayoi period (300 BC–250 AD) in his farm plot in the Kawachi neighborhood. Upon further investigation by the Japan Archaeological Society in 1986, the area was recognized as containing the remains of a highland settlement (高地性集落, kōchisei shūraku). This is a type of settlement usually located several tens of meters above the surrounding area on mountainsides, and is peculiar to the Yayoi period.^[4]

Classical era

After the Taika Reform of 646, Ikata and the greater surrounding area became known as the Uwa District in 701. The Uwa District covered the entire Nanyo region (map) until it was split in two in 866. Since districts were defined by population, one can infer that the area was underdeveloped and sparsely populated at the time.^[4]

Feudal era

The Horikiri Bridge ("trench-cutting bridge"), spans the gorge where Nobutaka attempted to dig a canal through the peninsula

Towards the end of the Heian period, the Yawatahama and Ikata area became known as Yano (矢野郷, Yano-gō, later 矢野荘 Yano-shō). As ownership of farmlands became increasingly concentrated in the hands of local ruling families, control of the Yano area was given to Taira no Tadamitsu, a member of the Heike clan.^[4]

Some members of the Heike family secretly settled in the Seto area in 1185 after being defeated in the Genpei Wars.^[11]

Entering the Edo period and the Tokugawa shogunate, the Uwa District came under control of the Uwajima Domain (宇和島藩, Uwajima-han). From 1610 to 1612, the first Uwajima feudal lord, Tomita Nobutaka, gathered farmers from the local area to dig a canal through the thinnest part of the Sadamisaki Peninsula, Seto's Mitsukue neighborhood. The project was soon canceled due to insufficient funds. By this time, the name Ikata (伊方浦, Ikata-ura) can be seen in records of taxes paid to the feudal lords.^[4]The Mitsukue neighborhood prospered as a port town during the feudal period, as it was used as a port of rest for daimyō on their way to and from the capital as part of the sankin-kōtai system. This traffic was likely the source of the demand for Nobutaka's abortive attempt to create a shortcut through the peninsula.^[11]

Modern era

The Nine War Heroes monument in Suka Park

A decade after the Meiji Restoration, in March 1878 the Uwa District was divided into the current Kitauwa, Minamiuwa, Higashiuwa, and Nishiuwa districts (North-, South-, East-, and West-Uwa, respectively). Ikata was designated a village (村, mura) in 1889 with the establishment of the modern municipalities system, and other neighborhoods along the peninsula soon followed suit, many merging to reduce the number of independent settlements from 26 to 6.

More recently, Seto's Mitsukue Bay was used for submarine training operations by the Imperial Japanese Navy leading up to World War II, as the bay's shape is similar to that of Pearl Harbor.^[13] A monument named The Nine War Heroes (九軍神, Kyū gunshin) stands in Suka Park in Mitsukue as a memorial dedicated to the nine young men (ages 21–28) who were stationed in the Mitsukue area for these exercises. According to the plaque on the monument, the men were quite friendly with the locals, and stories are still told about them in the neighborhood to this day. The men died on December 8, 1941, during one of the initial attacks on Pearl Harbor.

In 1955 another round of mergers corresponding to the Great Shōwa Merger reduced the number of municipal entities to three.

In 1977 the Ikata Nuclear Power Plant began operation as the first nuclear power plant on the island of Shikoku.

On April 1, 2005, Ikata merged with the nearby towns of Misaki and Seto to create the new town of Ikata, which spans the Sadamisaki Peninsula.

Current events

• March, 2014. National attention turns to Ikata as the towns elections near. Many wonder if Ikata will approve the restart of its nuclear power generators.^[14]

• The installation of many new windmills in 2006 and 2007 solicited a significant amount of noise complaints from nearby residents.^[15]

Timeline

• March 1878 — Meiji reforms create the Nishiuwa District
• 1889 — Ikata is designated a village.
• March 31, 1955 — The villages of Ikata and Machimi merge, forming the old town of Ikata
• September 30, 1977 — Reactor No. 1 of the Ikata Nuclear Power Plant begins operation
• April 1, 2005 — The towns of Misaki and Seto were merged into Ikata to form the new and expanded town of Ikata

Wind power

Windmills at the Seto Wind Hill Park

The former town of Seto erected eleven Mitsubishi MWT-1000 wind generators in January 2002. The Old Ikata installed two Vestas V52-850 kW generators in March 2005. Together they have an expected yearly energy output of 34,700 MWh.

Ikata is investing heavily in wind power infrastructure, with 45 additional towers currently under construction. The town plans to have a total of 60 generators within the next few years.

Nuclear power

Ikata Nuclear Power Plant

Ikata is the site of Shikoku's only nuclear power plant. The Ikata Nuclear Power Plant has two Mitsubishi 538 MWe Pressurized Water Reactor units with the Two Reactor Coolant Loop design (similar to the original Westinghouse design at Prairie Island, Kewaunee, and Point Beach plants) and one Mitsubishi Pressurized Water Reactor unit with the Three Reactor Coolant Loop design (similar to the Westinghouse Surry, North Anna, and Robinson plants). Units 1 and 2 started up on September 30, 1977 and March 19, 1981 respectively. Unit 3 is a three loop PWR rated at 846 MWe that started up on December 15, 1994.

April 1, 2007, marked a milestone for the Ikata plant as it reached a total of 300 million kilowatt-hours of energy generated since beginning operations in 1977.^[19]

Railways

Ikata has no passenger rail service. The closest station is the JR Shikoku Yawatahama Station on the Yosan Line.

Highways

Modern day

A ferry from Saganoseki pulls into Misaki Port

The Ikata leg of the new National Route 197 was completed in 1987 and is the heart of transportation in modern Ikata, affectionately nicknamed "Melody Line". This nickname later spawned a musical road portion of the road built to celebrate its anniversary that was completed and added in 2011, so the road could literally have a "melody". The road "plays" parts of two Japanese songs when certain sections of the road are driven over. Unlike the old roads, Melody Line boasts two full lanes and runs relatively straight down the peninsula. Seated high in the mountains, drivers can enjoy views of both the Pacific Ocean and Inland Sea. The route terminates at Misaki and continues over to Kyūshū by ferries that connect Misaki Port with Saganoseki (Ōita, Ōita) and Beppu, Ōita.

Melody Line is such an improvement over the old roads that it has become a significant Ehime sightseeing attraction in itself, with many tourists coming to see cherry blossoms in the spring. Together with the city of Iyo's seaside Route 378, Melody Line makes one of the prefecture's recommended sightseeing routes,^[21] and one of JTB's "100 Hidden Treasures of Japan" (日本の秘境100選, nihon no hikyō hyaku-sen).^[22]

Iyo Railway bus service runs up and down the peninsula, to and from Yawatahama, and offers express buses from Misaki to Matsuyama. However, commuter buses run infrequently and, due to the length of the peninsula and the scattered nature of the town's neighborhoods, bus travel remains more expensive and less convenient than in denser areas. Some tour buses also come across the strait from Kyūshū by ferry.

Local attractions

Sadamisaki Lighthouse at sunset

Sadamisaki Lighthouse

This lighthouse stands at the tip of the peninsula, overlooking the Hōyo Strait. On clear days you can see across to Kyūshū. Almost two kilometers of hiking trails and observation decks make up part of the Setonaikai National Park.

Seto Wind Hill Park

Located atop a mountain in the Gongen Mountain Park, Seto Wind Hill Park is located in the center of the peninsula and is free and open to the public. From it you can see dozens of Ikata's 29.5-meter, 4.3-ton windmills, and get up close to 11 of them. An actual wing of one of the windmills is on display in the park so visitors can get a better idea of the actual size. Benches and observation decks dot the park and Haikus about the windmills, submitted for Ikata's Windmill Festival, are on display year-round.

Public restrooms are available and powered by solar energy.

Ikata Visitors House

This hands-on science museum teaches all about nuclear power with beautiful interactive displays and fun activities for all ages. The building is connected to the Kirara-kan,

Kirara-kan

Opened in 1994, Kirara-kan houses an aquarium and sells souvenirs and local agricultural products. There are also several exhibits on display such as an Ikata Toji (Brew Master) exhibit and an International Relations exhibit with items on display from Ikata's sister city of Red Wing. Necklaces and pendants using pearls harvested from Uwa Sea to the south are also on sale. The second floor is a folk museum with scale-model fishing boat, and other tools and items of cultural significance to Ikata on display year-round. The third floor is a rest area offering a panorama view of the peninsula. Kirara-kan is connected to the Ikata Visitors House.

Adventure Hill in Red Wing Park

Red Wing Park

This park was constructed to commemorate the official joining of Ikata to her Sister City of Red Wing, Minnesota, after which it is named. Of note is the 21-meter stainless-steel monument located at the entrance of the park, a twin sister of the one in Bay Point Park, Red Wing. Beneath the monument lies a commemorative stone plaque bearing the signatures of each of the mayors at the time. It is home to Adventure Hill—a playground full of climbing nets, roller slides, and other children's play equipment. The park is free and open to the public. Tennis courts and a gravel field are available in the Community Grounds adjacent to the park. Reservations for use are made at the town office.

Kamegaike Onsen^[24]

A hot spring bathing facility and park opened to the public in August 2007. Hot spring water is sourced from a well at a depth of 1,500 meters. The bath is divided into two large bathing areas "Misaki" and "Toji" that are male or female only. Which area is designated as male and which is designated as female switches weekly. The Onsen is wheelchair-friendly and offers bathing options to fit every need. A local-goods shop and a restaurant are located in the onsen. Overnight stays are not available. Public transportation is available daily. A bus stop is located directly in front of the entrance. Parking is free. According to legend, a giant crab lives in the adjacent Kamegaike Pond.

Roadside Stations

Ikata has two roadside stations along National Route 197. These are highway rest stops that offer refreshments, travel information, recreation facilities, and local goods for sale.

Ikata Kirara-kan

Features an aquarium, an exhibit chronicling Ikata's relations with its American sister city, Red Wing, Minnesota, and a small museum of Old Ikata historical artifacts. Attached to the Ikata Visitors House.

Seto Agriculture Park

Gelateria DanDan offers travelers unique ice cream and sorbet flavors like sake, kintarō potato, black sesame, and more. A Christmas tree decorated with mikan orange peels, a monument to Ikata explorer Hyōichi Kōno, and the Windmill Restaurant can also be found here.

Etymology of name

The origin of the name Ikata is unclear and there are several competing theories.^[4]

• It may have come from iekata (家方) or iokata (庵方), meaning "a place with small houses or shacks".^[25]
• Ika can be found in the names of places surrounded by mountains or located in foothills; ta can mean "land". Ikata could therefore be "a place by the mountains".
• In the Ainu language, ika means "to pass through the mountains and cross the land". However, the Ainu are thought to have had little influence as far south as Shikoku.

Food

Ikata is known for its mikans and mikan juice. More than 20 different varieties of mikan are grown in Ikata.^[26] Old Ikata also has a very old sake brewing tradition that dates back to the Edo period, with several tōji brewmasters in the local area. There is even a museum dedicated to the Ikata Tōji.^[27]

The Seto area produces vegetables such as the bright-purple kintarō potato, and also catches baby sardines called chirimen (ちりめん). Misaki has a strong fishing tradition, producing many horse mackerel (鯵, aji) and mackerel (鯖, saba). Four Misaki Fishing Co-op products are part of the Ehime "With Love" (『愛』ある, "Ai" aru) brand:^[28] Horse mackerel, mackerel, largehead hairtail (太刀魚, tachiuo), and abalone (鮑, awabi).

One Ikata specialty cuisine is jakoten (じゃこ天), a tempura-fried patty of pressed white fish meat and vegetables. Other variations include jakokatsu (じゃこカツ), which is the same but fried and breaded like tonkatsu, and jako-croquette (じゃこコロッケ, jako-korokke) which is prepared like a croquette.

Language

Residents of Ikata speak the Iyo dialect of Japanese, which is similar in many respects to the Hiroshima dialect. One feature particular to the Nanyo (southern Ehime) region is the use of the sentence-final particle ga (が) as a replacement for no (の) in some contexts. For example, Nani shiteru no? (何してるの？ "What are you doing?" in standard Japanese) becomes Nani shiyoru ga? (何しよるが？) in Iyo dialect.^[29]

Ikata's largest town celebration in late summer, the Kinahaiya Ikata Festival, is another example of the Iyo dialect—kinahai ya (来なはいや) literally means "come on over" (kinasai yo 来なさいよ in standard Japanese).

Festivals and events

Ikata has a wide variety of festivals and attractions the year around.

February

The Shan Shan Dance in Seto's Ōku neighborhood

Ox Demon vs. Four Drums at the Misaki Autumn Festival

• Misaki Oise Dance (お伊勢踊り, Oise-odori)

Men and women of unlucky ages (厄年, yakudoshi, 25, 42, and 61 for men; 19, 33, and 37 for women) receive the blessings of local Buddhist priests in the form of a set of ceremonial dances. Afterwards, lucky decorative ornaments and free sake are offered to the crowd.^[30]

April

• Moo Moo Festival (もぉ〜モォ〜フェスティバル)

Held on Seto's Kōmo Highland atop Mt. Miharashi, the main event of this festival is an outdoor barbecue featuring locally-raised beef.

May

• Seto Gathering of the Sea (海のつどい, Umi no tsudoi)
• Misaki Fishing Festival (豊漁祭, Hōryōsai)

June

• Kirara Festival (きららまつり, Kirara-matsuri)

July

• Chirimen Festival (ちりめん祭り, Chirimen-matsuri)

August

• Kinahaiya Ikata Festival (きなはいや伊方まつり, Kinahaiya Ikata-matsuri)

This is Ikata's largest summer festival. Attractions include film and dance competitions, a taiko performance, children's sumo, and bare-handed fish catching, all concluded with a fireworks display in the evening.^[31]

• Seto Bridal Festival (花嫁まつり, Hanayome-matsuri)

Local single women put on a wedding dress fashion show, followed by fireworks in the evening. An outdoor barbecue and bare-handed fish wrangling are held in the nearby Suka Park.^[32]

September

• Ōku Shan Shan Dance (しゃんしゃん踊り, Shanshan-odori)

Every September a handful of local men and women gather along the Ōku beach to sing and perform this dance, with the purpose of placating the dead spirit of a woman who is said to have been washed ashore in Ōku long, long ago.^[32]

October

• Autumn Festival (秋祭り, aki-matsuri)

Each main region of Ikata holds its own separate Autumn Festival. Misaki's is perhaps the most spectacular of the three. The main attraction is the battle between the Ox Demon (牛鬼, ushioni) and the 4-meter tall Four Drums (四ツ太鼓, yotsudaiko), which are two ceremonial mikoshi floats carried by the young local men and women. Participants compete in repeatedly pulling the floats up along a giant 10-meter scaffold, then trying to drop theirs on top of the other.^[30]

3 important deities and demons make their appearance at most of Ikata's autumn festivals.

1. Ox Demon (牛鬼, Ushi Oni)

The tradition of the Ox Demon and festivals in Ikata dates back to the middle of Edo Japan (1800s). It is said that that Ox Demon and the voices of the men yelling おしょにん、エン、エン、エーン (Oshonin, en, en, e~n)keeps away the evil spirits from the Portable Shrines (神輿｜Mikoshi) as they make their way through the center of town.

2.Guardian Lion (唐獅子, Karashishi)

The Karashishi is most notably found in Japan at the entrance of Shinto Shrines and are used to either ward-off bad spirits or welcome good spirits. The Karashishi dance in Ikata involves two persons dancing under a single guardian lion costume to the beat of the drum of a young boy. Ikata's performers are especially well-known throughout most of the prefecture for their dedication to the dance.

3.Five Deer (五ツ鹿, Itsu Shika)

Although the origins of the five-deer dance are unknown, it is said that its traditions were brought over from Uwajima during the [Kanei] (寛永) period. (1624-1644) Especially popular at the time, many believe that it first made its appearance in Ikata at then Kawanagata-ura (川永田浦).

Folklore

The rats of Kuroshima

A view of Kuroshima from the Sadamisaki Peninsula

There are two small, uninhabited islands in the Uwa Sea near Yawatahama that belong to Ikata: Kuroshima and Karasushima. A legend written in the 13th century text A Collection of Things Heard, Ancient and Modern (古今著聞集, Kokon chomon shū) tells the following story:^[4]

In the Antei era (1227–1229), in the Yano area of the Iyo Province there was an island called Kuroshima. It was about one ri (4 km) from the nearest settlement. On the island lived a fisherman known as the Daiku of Katsurahazama (thought to be modern-day Honai). One night he was walking around looking for a good place to set his nets when he saw that the spots with fish appeared to glow in the night darkness. By every shore of the island the light glowed so brightly that he gleefully put out his nets, only to find that there were no fish at all. Instead what he pulled up was countless rats. After he pulled them ashore the rats fled, disappearing into the darkness. The fisherman was stunned. How strange this was! The island thus became full of rats, which ate all of the crops, and made the land infertile to this day. Though rats can of course be found on land, what a strange thing it is that they would be at the bottom of the sea!

In popular culture

The Ikata Power Plant was referenced in the 1995 movie Godzilla vs. Destoroyah. Godzilla attempts to attack the power plant, but meets resistance from the Self Defense Force's "Super-X III" weapon.