Hokohara martyrdom place in Omura
This is a place related to the Kori-kuzure incident in Omura in 1657 in which
a large number of hidden Christians were arrested.
As many as 608 Christians were arrested, making it a rare and major incident
in the history of Christian oppression.
411 Christians were beheaded, and 131 of them were martyred at Hokohara
martyrdom place.
As a result of this incident, the Omura domain began implementing even stricter
policies prohibiting Christianity.
The believers have erected the monument to commemorate the martyrdom
at this location.
Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi, in Oita
The longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Japan the 2nd longest in the World. Splendid
and beautiful view from the thrilling suspension bridge over the Naruko river valley.
The bridge is located in Kokonoe near Yufuin.
390 metre long, 173 metre height from the Naruko River valley.
Naruko River Valley south |
Naruko River Valley north |
Shindo Watefall |
26 Saints Pilgrimage route on January 29 in 1597
The route of this day was from Akama in Munakata to Wajiro, the distance
was 21 km.
Started at Akama accommodation and using Karatsu walking road, they went to
Wajiro passing through Koga and Shingu.
Accommodation was Wajiro where faced Hakata bay, in order to cross from
Saitozaki to Shikanoshima the next day.
Okawachiyama porcelain district, in Imari
Imari is most notable because of Imari porcelain which has 400 years history.
The city borders Arita to the south and embraces the natural port of Imari Bay.
The porcelain was exported from the port of Imari specifically for the European
export trade.
Okawachiyama porcelain district
Originally, an owner of the Imari porcelain was Nabeshima clan, in order to develop
and protect its outstanding technique, he gathered skilled artisans and painters in
Okawachiyama district. Now. about 30 potteries are manufacturing Imari porcelain.
Kanmon Pedestrian tunnel, in Kitakyushu-city
Only the place in the world ! You can cross the strait on foot. The Kanmon Strait, separating
Honshu and Kyushu, is a very beautiful and busy waterway with as many as 700 small and
large ships a day passing through it.
How to cross the strait on foot
780m length tunnel start from Moji |
The boundary of Moji and Shimonoseki |
to Shimonoseki |
Society of Edo period from 1603
The Edo period began in 1603 by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu who won the Battle
of Sekigahara and lasted for 260 years until 1868.
The Tokugawa shogun granted territory to feudal lords throughout Japan and
controlled from Edo (current Tokyo).
The Tokugawa shogunate established many rules to prevent civil wars among feudal
lords and maintain a stable government.
Samurai laws; feudal lords were prohibited from repairing their castles or getting married
without permission from the shogunate.
Sankin Kotai : the party of feudal lords should visit Edo with own expense every two
years for preventing rebellion.
Establishment of Class system : classify samurai, farmer and merchant
Ban on Christianity
The emperor became a symbol of traditional authority, delegating government to
the shogun.
Shimabara Peninsula Martyrs Memorial Cathedral
This Cathedral is house of prayer for tens of thousands Christians who were martyred
between 1612 and 1658 throughout the Shimabara Peninsula.
It was built in 1997 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the martyrdom of 26
Japanese Saints and the 360th anniversary of the Shimabara Rebellion.
The Cathedral is a beautiful octagonal building with a large octagonal dome.
Starbucks at Dazaifu Shrine approach path
Coffee break under the traditional atmosphere. The restaurant was designed by renown
architecture designer Kengo Kuma in 2011. The concept of the design is Harmony of
Modern and traditional by natural material; 2000 cedar timber is assembled in a traditional
wood structure without using nails. Enjoy the luxurious time in the warmth of wood and the
scent of coffee.
26 Saints Pilgrimage route on January 28 in 1597
The route of this day was from Kokura in Kitakyushu to Akama in Munakata via Koyanose ,
the distance was 34.5 km.
Started at Kokura accommodation around Kokura Castle, and walked to Tobata port
along the Kanmon Strait.
Transfered to Wakamatsu from Tobata by a boat.
Walked to Akama through Ashiya and Koyanose, and then stayed at Akama.
26 Saints Pilgrimage route on January 30 in 1597
The route of this day was from Wajiro to Shikano-shima Island, the distance
was 18 km walk.
Started at Wajiro accommodation and walked through Gannosu to Saitozaki.
When the tide was low, they walked across to Shikano-shima Island, where
the boat port was located.
Stayed on the boat.