Dr. Albert Einstein who awarded Nobel Prize in Physics stayed here. It was built by the Mitsui Co., Ltd in 1921 as a reception centre and to provide accommodation for VIP’s.  It is now designated as an important cultural property. Albert Einstein (1879-1955), one of the world’s most famous theoretical physicists, stayed here during his visit to Japan with his wife in 1922, and his room is displayed exactly as it was at that time.

Dr. Albert Einstein visited Moji, Kitaky…の続きを読む

  A theme park dedicated to the various Sanrio characters including Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll and My Melody. Harmonyland is located in Hiji, Oita Prefecture, approximately a 30minutes drive from JR Beppu Station. There are live shows that take place daily, plenty of rides, and opportunities to have photos with your favorite Sanrio characters. If you want a great view out over the surrounding landscape, try the Ferris wheel – you may even be lucky enough to hop into a Hello Kitty carriage. Hours for Harmonyland differ depending on the season, and closure days also  change from month to month.

Sanrio Harmoneyland, in Hiji, Oita-prefe…の続きを読む

  An altitude of 625m located in the boundary line of Oita-city and Beppu-city is known as a habitat of the wild Japanese monkey. The park was opened in 1953, in which about 1700 wild Japanese monkey are living.  The monkeys are fed regularly by park wardens in order to keep them on the mountain  and prevent conflicts with farmers and residents in the neighborhood.

Takasaki mountain animal park, in Oita…の続きを読む

  Before Meiji Restoration, the Mietsu Naval Dock served as a venue for naval drilling and maintenance of Western-style ship, as the naval base of Saga Clan. Japan’s first practical steam ship, the Ryofu-maru was constructed there in 1865. The site has been registered on UNESCO World Heritage, Site of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.   

Mietsu Naval Dock, in Saga…の続きを読む

The site has been registered on the UNESCO World Heritage as the Sacred Island Okinoshiam and Associated site in the Munakata Region  The Tomb Group in Fukutsu City comprises the tombs of the Munakata clan, an ancient powerful family that led interactions with overseas countries. The Munakata clan also performed rituals on Okinoshima and nurtured the tradition of faith in in the sacred island.

Shinbaru-Nuyama Mounded Tombs, in Fukuts…の続きを読む

  Itoshima oyster growing up in the rich nature of mountain and sea Itoshima oyster features mellow and sweet taste.  There are many Oyster Barbecue Huts at five fishing harbours. The huts only open during the season, from end of October to March or April. The huts are simple in construction; just big vinyl tents filled with a few dozen tables, each with their own grill. You can get oysters, sazae (sea snails), prawns, fish and other seafood, fresh as fresh can be, by the crate. The hut provides the grill, tongs, cotton gloves, and other tools for you try your hand at grilling your own seafood. Cooking them right can be tricky, but learning is part of the fun. For oysters, try putting the flat side down first, flip after awhile, and wait for them to open from the heat.  Take them off the grill—gloves on of course—and open them the rest of the way with the provided knife. Add a touch of shoyu (soy sauce), ponzu (a tangy citrus-based sauce), lemon juice, or mayonnaise if you like and they’re ready to eat. If you’re unsure how to cook things, just look around at what the other tables are doing or wave over the helpful kakigoya staff.

Oyster Barbecue Hut, in Itoshima…の続きを読む

  Let’s enoy Hakara Ramen.  Ichiran is an authentic tonkotsu ramen  (pork born soup ramen) restaurant, established in 1960.  The ramen producing factory can be visited and various  type of ramen can be enjoyed at Ichiran-no-mori.

Ichirano-no mori, Hakata Ramen, in Itosh…の続きを読む

  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.

Starbucks at Dazaifu Shrine…の続きを読む

  The time-honored Japanese garden. The Japanese traditional Garden; it was originally built in the 1754 for Kuroda Tsugutaka who was the lord of Fukuoka clan. You can feel Japanese traditional cultures and enjoy Tea Ceremony.

Yusentei Garden, in Fukuoka-city…の続きを読む

  The folk museum depicts the life and culture of Hakata Fukuoka. It is located near the Kushida Shrine, Tochoji temple and Canal City Hakata.  Exhibition hall, you can find the many faces and facets of the Hakata way of life,  Machiya hall, is a superb example of traditional architecture and has been moved  here and restored to provide a glimpse into the past.

Hakata Machiya Furusatokan, in Fukuoka-c…の続きを読む