Hirado is the first place where Portuguese ships landed in Japan in 1549, and after that St. Francis Xavier visited in 1550, and Japanese Christianity started here in Hirado. In the 1580s, the Portuguese established a trading station, followed soon by the Dutch and the British. Hirado is located north-west side of Nagasaki and facing to Genkai Sea, and is mainly composed of Kitamatsuura Peninsula, Hirado Island and Ikitsuki Island, which are connected by Hirado bridge and Ikitsuki bridge.       Where to explore   Hirado Castle 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.   Dutch Trading Post Set up in Hirado in 1609 as the base of operations of the Dutch East India Company in Japan. The building seen today is a warehouse which was originally constructed here in 1639 as part of the trading post, but torn down just three years later after the Dutch had been relocated to Dejima Island in the port of Nagasaki.   Nakae no Shima / UNESCO World Heritage Located two kilometers off the coast of Hirado Island, Nakae no Shima is a small, uninhabited island where religious leaders were executed during the persecution of Christians. The …

Hirado travel guide…の続きを読む

  We are a travel agency in Fukuoka specializing in Kyushu, Japan. This information is provided by Japan KYUSHU Tourist to support your journey.         Enjoy short trekking in the Nature. Kikuchi Valley is located in Aso Kuju National Park. Underground water flows out of the subsoil for 4km along the valley floor.     It is also called the Kikuchi water source and its water was selected as one of the 100 best waters in Japan.   There are two routes to follow: a 30 minute and a 60 minute loop along the river bank and back down the other side.     Kikuchi Valley is an ideal place for a summer resort. Also it has a walking trail, forest park and wild bird park, etc.  Since over 50 kinds of wild birds are living in the valley, many people visit for bird watching.              

Kikuchi Valley…の続きを読む

  We are a travel agency in Fukuoka specializing in Kyushu, Japan. This information is provided by Japan KYUSHU Tourist to support your journey.         Enjoy Aso beef and local cuisines.  The restaurant uses the old private house with thatched roof built more than 200 years ago.   Aso beef and local cuisines in Aso can be enjoyed. Bake the meat and local ingredients with charcoal at a Japanese traditional style fire place.        

Takamori Dengaku-no sato / Featured rest…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

  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 has been registered on the World Heritage in 2016. The Sacred Island Okinoshiam and Associated site in the Munakata region    Hetsu-gu is one of the three shrines that comprise Munakata Shrine and enshrines Ichikishimahime-no-Kami, one of the three female deities of Munakata.  Visitors passing through the torii gate and proceeding along the path will find the Main Hall, dedicated to Ichikishimahime-no-Kami, beyond the Shinmon gate.       

Munakata Shrine Hetsu-gu…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

  Yanagawa is the birthplace of Steamed Eel (Eel Seiro Mushi).  The most recommended local cuisine is Steamed Eel that was born in Yanagawa more than 300 years ago. Rice seasoned with a special sauce  is topped by grilled eel and thin shredded omelet, all of which is steamed in a bamboo steamer.     There are many restaurants which have their long history and each restaurants have been keeping the traditional source and brand value.     Recommended Eel restaurant Wakamatsu-ya is one of the most recommended Eel restaurant in Yanagawa.        

Steamed Eel ( Unagi Seiro Mushi )…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

  Featured Seafood restaurant, Isonoya. Special seafood dish used fresh fishes caught in the Genkai Sea can be enjoyed. The restaurant is located adjacent to Keya fishing port and the port is also used for Keya Cave cruise.      

Featured Seafood restaurant in Itoshima…の続きを読む