Long ago Japan was divided into many small provinces. The lords of each province fought to take each other’s territory. Castles were built by the lords to show off their power and control their provinces. They were both residences and military bases. They were made of wood, but used various defensive devices for protection. For example, moats were built around some castles. Additionally, many castles were built on plateaus or hills. The slopes were then steepened, making them difficult for enemies to climb. In some castles the grounds from the gate to main building were designed like a maze to confuse enemies. The main castle building is usually in the center and is called the Tensyukaku (Castle tower). They are tall and magnificent structure. The loads and their immediate servants lived in the Tensyukaku.     Castles in Kyushu   Kokura Castle The Castle located within a walking distance of JR Kokura Stations.  Hosokawa Tadaoki commenced the construction of Kokura Castle  in 1602 and spent 7 years to completed it. The castle had a five fold and six layered Castle tower and it was built in the architectural style called  “Kara-zukuri”. Then, it served as a residence of the Ogasawara clan.   Karatsu Castle Karatsu Castle is called Dancing Crane Castle. The Castle, which stands beside Karatsu Bay, is unusual in that the stonework rises directly  out of the water, using the ocean as …

Japanese Castle…の続きを読む

  Kokura Gion Daiko is a summer festivals in which the main attraction is the playing the drums. In 1958 the event was designated as an intangible folk cultural asset of Fukuoka prefecture. On July 1st the Kokura Gion Taiko Uchizome-shiki (the ceremony to inaugurate Taiko practice sessions) is held，and from that moment，Kokura’s exciting summer begins，with each town and company group striving to perfect its own Taiko performance ahead of the Festival which is held from Friday of the third weel in July. A prominent feature of the festival are the dashi (decorated cart) parades through the town，carrying two drums，one at the front of the cart and one at the rear，with four drummers beating the Taiko in time to gongs called jangara, and reciting the phrase Yassa Yare Yare.  The highlights of the Festival which you should not miss are the Taiko Performing Contest held at Kokura Castle on July 16th; and the Taiko Performing Parade held at Komonji-dori street on Sunday of the third week in July.     Home   Tailor-made tours　Study tours　Christian Pilgrimage tours　Golf tour　Kyushu tour packages      

Kokura Gion Daiko (小倉祇園太鼓）…の続きを読む