As part of its recertification as a Japanese National Geopark, the Itoigawa Global Geopark hosted evaluators December 25th and 26th.
One evaluator from the Japanese Geopark Network and two evaluators from the San’in Kaigan Global Geopark came to evaluate the Itoigawa Global Geopark’s progress and provide suggestions for improvement. On the 25th, evaluators were given a tour of the Fossa Magna Museum and Oyashirazu geosite, focusing primarily on projects undertaken to improve access and quality of these attractions for visitors. The evaluators also discussed with members of the Itoigawa Geopark Council ways in which the Itoigawa Global Geopark has progressed in terms of geotourism, geological conservation, education, and regional development. The Councial also had an opportunity to hear from the evaluators concerns and suggestions regarding the Geopark’s future progress and sustainability.
During the summer of 2013, Itoigawa Global Geopark is scheduled to also undergo recertification through the Global Geopark Network.

To better provide you with access to the latest news and information regarding the Itoigawa Global Geopark, the Itoigawa Geopark Council is proud to present its newly redesigned website. Please bare with us as we continue to redesign and update our English language materials and pages.

In the meantime, please take a look at our new blog and latest news pages for the latest updates from Japan's first geopark!

The Practical Skills portion of the Itoigawa Geopark Guide Certification Test was administered on December 8th.
Due to inclement weather, the test was held within the Fossa Magna Museum.
Results will be announced in mid-December.

　Students of the Food Sciences Program at Itoigawa's Kaiyo Prefectural High School have produced for sale a jam made from kombu, which grows in the sea surrounding the Benten-iwa Geosite near their campus.
　Kombu is an edible kelp used extensively throughout Japanese cuisine, especially to flavor broths. It's rich flavor and high nutrition has made it a beloved staple of the Japanese diet for centuries.
　You can find this new treat sold under the name "Mako Jam" at a variety of locations in Itoigawa. Don't miss your chance to try some for yourself!

■Price:
　1 jar (100g) ¥300
■Available for purchase at:
　Fossa Magna Museum
　Hotel Kunitomi Annex
　Coffee House (Inside the Hisui Oukokukan)
■Producer:
　Kaiyo High School Food Sciences Department

　To bring you even closer to Itoigawa's downtown Geopark destinations, Itoigawa Bus is proud to announce the expansion of the Itoigawa Downtown Loop Bus.
From April 2012, two more buses have been added to the route, which has been changed to better serve citizens and visitors alike.
Whether you are shopping or visiting one of our town's many destinations, please give the Loop Bus a try.
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■Operation Schedule
　Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays from Apr 1, 2012 through Mar 3, 2013
　(※Bus will run on 8/15‣16, 12/31, 1/2‣3, but service will be closed on 1/1)
■Bus Route
　Itoigawa Station⇒Hakuba-dori⇒Fossa Magna Museum⇒City Hall (Soma Gyofu Memorial Museum)⇒Hisui-en Jade Garden⇒Kyogamine 2-chome (Tanimura Museum of Art)⇒Minami Teramachi 1-chome⇒Shokaku-ji Temple (Soma Gyofu's House and Museum)⇒Itoigawa Station
(The entire loop takes about 40 minutes. There are other bus stops along the route where you may disembark or embark)
■Time Table from Itoigawa Station
1) 8:30am 2) 9:30 3)10:30
4) 11:30 5) 12:30 6) 1:30pm
7) 2:30 8) 3:30
■Fare
100 yen (50 yen for children 12 and under)
■Link
http://www.marukei-g.com/itoigawabus/index.html