Yaki Udon originated in Kokura, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, at a restaurant called “Darumado. The story dates back to 1945, right after World War II. During a severe food shortage, the owner struggled to find the Chinese noodles typically used for Yakisoba.   In a moment of inspiration, he decided to boil dried udon noodles and stir-fry them instead. This creative twist was the birth of “Kokura-style Yaki-udon,” which eventually spread across the entire country.      

Yaki Udon…の続きを読む

  Soba are Japanese noodles made from buckwheat flour. They have a unique nutty flavor and are usually served either chilled with a dipping sauce or in a hot broth.   There are two main types based on the ratio of buckwheat: ‘Juwari Soba,’ made with 100% buckwheat for a strong aroma, and ‘Nihachi Soba,’ which uses 80% buckwheat and 20% wheat for a smoother texture.     Authentic soba is often ‘Te-uchi’ (hand-kneaded and hand-cut) by skilled artisans. They carefully balance water and flour to create the perfect ‘koshi’—a firm yet smooth al dente texture.        

Soba…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…の続きを読む

  The Sueyama Shrine is located in Arita Town, Nishimatsuura District. Feature of the Shrine is Shrine gate made by porcelain, and usually the Shrine gate are made of stone or wood.   It is dedicated to Emperor Ōjin, Nabeshima Naoshige, and Yi Sam-pyeong. It was founded in 1658. The Shire gate or Torii was built in 1888. It had been designated Tangible Cultural Properties on April 28, 2000.   The Yi Sam-pyeong Monument was built in 1917 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Arita’s porcelain. It is on a hill, from which one can view Arita town.      

Sueyama Shrine in Arita…の続きを読む

  The Shimenawa is the biggest in Japan. Surprisingly, weight is 3ton, with 2.6m diameter and 11m length. Shimenawa is the thick, twisted, straw rope. It was believed in ancient days that a Shimenawa had the power to keep off evil sprits, so many objects connected with Shinto Shrines decorated with Shimenawa.   Miyajidake Shrine is primarily dedicated to Empress Jingu and attracts over 2 million worshippers a year who pray for commercial success, good luck, and to ward off adversity.      

Miyajidake Shrine…の続きを読む

  The shrine is designated as the special government shrine. The shrine dedicated to Naomasa Nabeshima, who oversaw the manufacture of Japan’s first modern Cannon. A New Year event in which a canon is shot for celebration by the governor, mayor and other participants is held at the shrine at the midnight of December 31st.        

Saga Shrine…の続きを読む

  Karatsu Castle is called Dancing Crane Castle.  Karatsu Castle was built in 1608. This castle is located facing the sea and is situated in the northern part of Karatsu-city.     It resembles the figure of a bird with its wings spread wide as there is a pine grove extending left to right and because its donjon is thought to look like the head of a crane.     In spring, the 500 cherry trees and the Wisteria flowers in Karatsu, designated a product of nature by the city, are in full bloom.        

Karatsu Castle…の続きを読む

  Ryugu Shrine is located at Nagasaki-bana Cape, the southernmost point of Satsuma peninsula. Nagasaki-bana Cape is said to be the birthplace of the legend of Urashima Taro who saved a turtle, it took him to Ryugu-jo (the Palace of the Dragon as a token of it’s gratitude). Sea turtles come to lay eggs on the beach near this place, and local people love them as the protective god of the sea.               Ryugu Shrine         Nagasaki-bana Cape        Lighthouse at the Cape   The new worship hall of the shrine was built in 2011. The name of popular limited express for sightseeing “Ibusuki-tamate-bako” is associated with the legend of Urashima Taro. Tamate-bako is a box Otohime gave to Urashima Taro. This shrine is becoming popular as a power spot of matchmaking and good fortune in love. There are shells in a big pot. It is said that if you write your wish on a shell and dedicate it, your wish will be granted.          Shrine main building      Urashima Taro       Shell dedevate house  

Ryugu Shrine…の続きを読む

  Karatsu and Yobuko, located on the Higashi Matsuura Peninsula in the north-western part of Saga-prefecture, have been prosperous from ancient times as an important point for trade with Mainland China. Karatsu is a part of Genkai Quasi-National Park, and has many scenic spots.     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 a natural moat.   Kagamiyama Mountain Panoramic view of Karatsu Castle, Karatsu bay and Nijino-matsubara (Rainbow pine forest) The height is 284 metre from sea level and top of the mountain is flat and wide geographical feature. The area is famous for cherry blossom and azalea flower in spring season.   Karatsu Shrine The Shrine of Karatsu Kunchi. It is a Shinto shrine located about 1 km west of Karatsu Castle and the original shrine was founded in 755.  Karatsu Kunchi is held From November 2nd to 4th every year.   Yobuko Town of Fishing industry, famous for Squid and Morning Market called Asaichi. Yobuko is located northern tip of Saga-prefecture and is facing to Genkai-nada Sea. A lot of places were as a Shooting location of Thailand drama.   Yobuko Asaichi Fishery Morning Market called Asaichi and opens from 7:30 to 12:00, every day at just next to Yobuko Port. The street of 200 m borrowed from the eaves of the shopping …

Karatsu & Yobuko travel guide…の続きを読む

  Kashima is located about 60 kilometers southwest of Saga-city. It borders the Ariake Sea to the east and Nagasaki Prefecture to the southwest. Feature sightseeing spot is Yutoku Inari Shrine and also Sake brewery visiting is recommended.         Sake Brewery          Sake Brewery         Ariake Sea   Yutoku Inari Shrine One of the most famous Inari shrines in Japan and located in  Kashima-city, Saga-prefecture. Dedicated to Inari, the deity whose messengers are foxes, it is the third largest of its kind in Japan. It was constructed in 1688 as the family shrine of the Nabeshima clan who ruled what would become the Saga area during the Edo period.    Kaichu Torii Kaichu Torii gates in the sea have become a popular photo spot when the tide is high. The  “Floating Torii Gate” of Ouo Shrine stands on the shallow area of the ocean in Tara-cho, which has 6 meter tide difference. It changes its appearance every time you look at it, and it is a famous tourist spot.   Takezaki crab Takezaki crab is the local specialty of Tara, and is well-known for its rich flavor.  Takezaki crabs are available almost year around. From summer into fall the male crabs are delicious, with the females and their eggs most delicious during the autumn and winter. You could even try one of each.   Takezaki Castle ruins From …

Kashima & Tara travel guide…の続きを読む