The peaceful Sotome, the setting of Endo Shusaku’s novel Silence. Sotome area of Nagasaki city has an abundance of natural beauty in its sea, mountains and rivers. It also is blessed with a unique history and culture of Christianity. In particular, the area in which the Endo Shusaku Literary Museum stands is known as the site of a Christian village, one of Endo’s most notable work, Silence. From the literary museum, there is a magnificent view. In a sweep of eye one can see sun as it majestically sets over the sea of Goto, along with the Silence Literary Monument in Shitsu Bunka Mura. Endo Shusaku and the Sotome area are linked through Silence ; this bond has been built up starting from when Endo was writing the novel, and continues into the present day with the construction of literary museum. Following Endo Shusaku’s death, this Literary Museum was established thanks to kindness of his family, and was filled with Endo’s persona belongings, mementoes, manuscripts, and his extensive collection of books.  The Museum exhibits trace the footsteps of Endo Shusaku as one of Japan’s greatest writers of literature. In addition, it has facilities for collecting, preserving, and exhibiting materials related to Endo’s public perusal and research, and operating as an information center.   Note : Silence Silence is a 1966 novel of theological fiction by author Endo Shusaku, …

Endo Shusaku Literary Museum…の続きを読む

  Nokonoshima, in the middle of Hakata Bay Beautiful flowers can be enjoyable throughout the year. Rapeseed blossom, Cherry blossom, Livingstone daisy Poppy, Rhododendro, Marigold, Hydrengea, Plumed cockscomb, Dahlia, Sunflower, Cockspur coral tree  Bougainvillea, Scarlet sage, Cosmos, Dahlia, Autumn leaves, Scarlet sage, Japanese narcissus, Japanese camellia, Plum. The breath taking panoramic view of the Hakata Bay can also be enjoyed. Restaurant Sakimon, Barbecue house, Retro Shop Omoideya Shop Shimaya, Art Gallery Warabekan, Gift Shop. A 10 minutes ride the ferry from Meinohama part to Nokonoshima island port, and then a 13 minute ride the Nishitetsu bus from Nokonoshima island port to Island Park. 

Nokonoshima Island, in Fukuoka-city…の続きを読む

  The 26 Martyrs Museum is dedicated to the 26 Christians who were executed here on February 5, 1597. They included both foreign missionaries and Japanese laymen. Missionary activities were prohibited at the time, and Japan’s ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi staged the execution as a warning. The monument is located in a small park on a hill not far from Nagasaki Station and offers nice views over the city.    A straight red line runs from the Monument across the park’s plaza in the direction of the Oura Cathedral on the opposite side of the city. Oura Cathedral is also dedicated to the 26 martyrs. The museum behind the monument is devoted to the memory of the martyrs and to Christianity in Japan in general. Its interior is reminiscent of a church with stained-glass windows, making for atmospheric viewing of the exhibits. On display are artifacts related to Christianity in Japan, including old documents, statues and jewelry.

The 26 Martyrs Museum…の続きを読む

  Ino Tadataka started surveying the land of Japan at the age of 56, and spent 17 years creating Japan’s first accurate map of Japan based on actual measurements. The map was completed in 1821, three years after his death. Siebold came to Japan in 1823 as a Dutch doctor, and not only introduced Western culture to Japan, but also passionately researched and collected materials about Japan. When he was returning to Dutch, he was found hiding a secret Japanese map made by Ino Tadataka, and was ordered to be deported. However, at that time, he succeeded in secretly copying the map and taking it with him. Siebold introduced Japan to the West through the maps and materials he brought back. This information served as a reference when Mathew C Perry visited Uraga in 1853.

Accurate Japanese map completed by Ino T…の続きを読む

  Yaki curry is a local cuisine in Moji, Kitakyushu-city. Yaki curry latterly means baked curry and is curry with rice topped with cheese and/or egg heated in oven. The melted cheese and soft-boiled egg combine with the spicy curry to enhance its flavor even more.  

Yaki curry, 焼きカレー…の続きを読む

  Kawara soba is a local cuisine which Soba noodles and meat are cooked together on a Kawara (stone roof tile) and dipped into a special sauce when eating it. It is said that the hints were obtained from the time when during the Seinan civil war in 1877, soldiers of Satsuma who surrounded the Kumamoto castle used kawara (stone roof tiles) to cook wild plants and meat.   It is said that the hints were obtained from the time when during the Seinan civil war in 1877, soldiers of Satsuma who surrounded the Kumamoto castle used kawara (stone roof tiles) to cook wild plants and meat.

Kawara Sobe, 瓦そば…の続きを読む

  Obi Castle Ruin is located in Miyazaki-prefecture. The moss-covered stone walls, broad stone steps in front of the Ote-mon main gate, moat ruin, and old samurai residences all bring back the past. The Matsuo-no-Maru residence and Ote-mon have been reconstructed using the treasured Obi cedar wood. The land centering around the Obi Castle is designated as one of the nation’s Preservation Districts for Groups of Historic buildings.

Obi Castle Ruin…の続きを読む

  A dish made of wheat flour batter with eggs, vegetables, meat, seafood, noodles, and other desired ingredients added to it and grilled on a griddle. Eat with a special sauce, green seaweed, and dried bonito flakes.   There are different types of okonomiyaki depending on the region, such as Kansai-style okonomiyaki, in which ingredients are mixed into the batter and baked, and Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, in which noodles and other ingredients are layered in the batter.

Okonomiyaki, お好み焼き…の続きを読む

  Fukuoka Castle was built by feudal lord Nagamasa Kuroda in Fukuoka-city in 1601 and was called Maizuru castle.  Part of stone wall and canal, and the Tamon tower are still left intact as they were back then. There is also a nice view of the city from the former main citadel. Parts of the castle’s former moats were used to construct nearby Ohori koen Park, a pleasant and picturesque public city park. At the present, the area around the ruins of Castle is also part of Maizuru park. The place is famous for its beautiful plum and cherry blossoms.

Fukuoka Castle Ruins…の続きを読む

  Aso possesses the world’s largest Caldera with 18km west-east and 24 km north-south, created by 4 times of explosive volcanic activity in the ancient time, 3 million years ago. Surrounding the caldera is the world’s largest outer mountain, and there are 5 mountains.    There are many Onsen resorts where are located mountain foot of outer mountain. Onsen resorts are; Takamori, Minami-Aso, Tarutama, Toshinoki, Akamizu, Uchionomaki, and Kurokawa

Onsen resorts in Aso…の続きを読む