The site where Christian Gaspar Nishi Genka was martyred in 1609, located on Kurose Hill overlooking Nakae no shima between Hirado and Ikitsuki. The tomb facing the sea is called Gaspar-sama and is a revered place for Ikitsuki’s Hidden Christians. The cross-shaped “Kurose no Tsuji Martyrdom Monument” was erected by Catholics in 1991, and Mass is held every year around November 14th.      Gaspar Nishi Genka was the first martyr of Ikitsuki and the father of Thomas Rokuzaemon Nishi who was one of the 16 Saint of Nagasaki, dedicated in Nakamachi Church in Nagasaki.    

Kurose no Tsuji, martyrdom site of Gaspa…の続きを読む

  Stands on a hill guarding Hirado Port and the Hirado Strait, which used to be part of an important trade route between Japan and the Asian mainland. The original fortress was built in 1599 by the local Matsura Lord; however, he destroyed the structure after fighting the Tokugawa on the losing side of the Battle of Sekigahara as a gesture of loyalty to the victor. The Matsura Clan continued ruling Hirado for the next two and a half centuries.   A new castle, also known as Kameoka Castle was built on the site a hundred years later in 1718 as part of the coastal defences erected during Japan’s self imposed seclusion in the Edo Period. This structure stood for over 150 years, but eventually fell into disrepair and was dismantled during the Meiji Period.        

Hirado Castle…の続きを読む

  Yoakejaya, Japanese restaurant using local delicacies of the Ariake Sea. Yanagawa is facing to Ariake Sea where many fresh and unique fishes are caught. Yoakejaya is serving Japanese cuisine using local delicacies of Ariake Sea.       

Seafood restaurant in Yanagawa…の続きを読む

  The southern most major city in Kyushu and from here you can see Sakura-jima Island and it’s active volcano from which smoke and steam rise across Kagoshima Bay. Kagoshima prospered in the Edo period as a castle town. Tenmonkan is the biggest shopping arcade and here you can dine on local cuisines, especially succulent meats and also enjoy the vibrant night life, bars and restaurants.     Where to explore Sengan-en /UNESCO World Heritage Sengan-en is the most famous garden in Kagoshima-prefecture,  made by Shimazu lord in the 19th century at the beautiful bay side Kinko bay. The garden contains many historic artifacts that tell of its long history.   Shoko Shuseikan Modern Industrial Complex   / UNESCO World Heritage The museum of the Classics located here exhibits a various of objects related to the Shimazu family and the Satsuma domain, The stone building which houses the collection has been designated on the UNESCO World Heritage,  Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution   Shiroyama Park The park is most famous for its Shiroyama Observatory with spectacular views over downtown Kagoshima, Kagoshima Bay and Sakura-jima.   Sakura-jima Island Sakurajima Island is the symbol of Kagoshima. The smoke and steam rises almost every day from the active volcano Minamidake. Formerly an island, it became connected with the Osumi  Peninsula in 1914 when lava from its summit closed the channel between  the two. Observation points on the island can be accessed by ferry.   Sakura-jima Ferry …

Kagoshima travel guide…の続きを読む