Beautiful and exciting Shine. Udo Shrine is a Shinto shrine in the cave of the cliff side facing the Pacific Ocean. It is located about 35 km south of Miyazaki city. In legend, a goddess of sea built a hut to give birth to a great god here. Then it is said that Empress Suiko (554-628) built the shrine there.           Entrance of Shrine          Shrine in the Cave             Pacific Ocean   The priest of Tendai Buddhism built a Buddhist temple in 782, on the order of Emperor Kanmu. In the middle ages, this area had been the training place for mountain priests because of the steep rocky cliffs.                 Shrine Gate      Chrysanthemum pattern               To the Shrine           Down to the Shrine            Shrine entrance                Rocky cliffs        Main Shrine in the Cave         Shrines in the Cave           Shrine in the Cave    

Udo Shrine…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

  Mount Inasa is one of the best view spot in Nagasaki. A 333 meter high mountain in close distance to JR Nagasaki Station. The summit can be reached by ropeway or car and offers great views over the city.  And also, the magnificent night views from Mount Inasa is chosen the three Major Night View in Japan along with Kitakyushu-city and Sapporo, and the three Major Night View in the World along with Hong Kong and Monaco.           The three Major Night View in the World      

Mount Inasa…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

  The Skin-Smoothing Escape Located along the scenic Chikugo River, Harazuru is renowned for its unique mix of alkaline and  sulfur waters, known to soften and brighten the skin. Just one hour from Fukuoka City, this relaxing destination offers traditional Ukai (cormorant fishing) in summer and year-round fruit picking experiences.            

Harazuru Onsen…の続きを読む

Munakata Region is located in the west part of  Fukuoka Prefecture  and facing to Genkai Sea. The area are consist of Munakata, Fukutsu, Akama and Oshima Island.     Munakata     Munakata Shrine Hetsu-gu, UNESCO World Heritage 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.   Takamiya Saijo The steps lead to Takamiya Saijo (Ceremonial Site), where ancient rituals were performed. Takamiya Saijo is very important since the rituals currently observed at Hetsu-gu originated there. To the northwest of the ceremonial site, visitors can view the marine route linking Hetsu-gu with Okinoshima via the Tsurikawa River, Oshima.   Fukutsu   Shinbaru-Nuyama Mounted Tombs, UNESCO World Heritage​ The Tomb Group 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.   Miyajidake Shrine 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 …

Munakata & Fukutsu travel Guide…の続きを読む

  Amakusa is situated on an archipelago consisting of several island on the west side of Kumamoto. It possesses a beautiful lush green landscape and natural geological formations giving the islands the designation “national Geopark”. Marine activities such dolphin watching, boat tours, seafood &  local delicacies can be enjoyed. Amakusa also has an important historical significance to Christians.       Exploring Amakusa    Amakusa Gokyo / Pearl line Amakusa Gokyo or Amakusa five bridges, is a general term for five bridges which connects from Misumi at the Udo peninsula to the Oyano island, the Nagaura island, Ikejima, Maejima, and Amakusa Kamishima, was built in 1966. The area on the National road route 266 called as the Pearl Line.   Amakusa cruise Connecting the islands of Amakusa with the inland of Kumamoto via the Uto Peninsula are Amakusa Gokyo or Amakusa Five Bridge. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Amakusa from the sea on a cruise.   Christian Pilgrimage sites   Oe Cathedral  The oldest Catholic Church in Amakusa and was one of the first churches built right after the ban on Christianity was lifted. The and Romanesque-style architecture and the chalky white structure was rebuilt in 1933 by a French missionary priest named Father Garnier using his own money.   Sakitsu Village / UNESCO World Heritage A Gothic-looking church is located on a cove of a fishing village. …

Amakusa travel guide…の続きを読む

  One of the three great castles along with Nagoya Castle.  The current castle was built in 1601 by Kiyomasa Kato, a great commander and took  7 years to complete. The 980,000-square-meter premises are dotted with many  memorable view such as donjons, turrets, turret gates, castle gates and long fences.     This castle is particularly famous for its beautiful curving stonewall called “Musha-gaeshi, which were built to defend against invading armies. The stone walls have been designated a National Historic Site and 12 buildings in addition to the Uto-yagura turret have been designated National Treasure. Due to the Earthquakes in 2016, the Castle have heavy damages and many of Castle buildings were destroyed. After that the restoration activities have been performed with incredible fast speed.          

Kumamoto Castle…の続きを読む

  Takachiho is a birth place of Japanese indigenous religion, Shinto. There is a story of Shinto origin in the Cave behind of Amano Iwato Shrine, and Amano Yasugawara. In the story, Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess, became so outraged by her brother’s cruel pranks that she hid herself in a cave, refusing to come out and depriving the world of her life-giving light.    All of the other gods and goddesses gathered to lure her out. They tried everything they could think of to no avail until one goddess performed an outrageously ribald dance that caused the other gods to roar with laughter. Amaterasu left the cave to see what all the fun was about, and in doing so she returned her light to the world.     Amano Iwato Shrine About ten kilometers outside of central Takachiho, Amano Iwato Shrine was built near the Cave where Amaterasu is said to have hid herself away.   The cave cannot be approached, however, there is an observation deck behind the shrine’s main building from where you can gaze across the river. In order to access the observation deck, you need to inquire at the shrine entrance, and a priest will give you a quick guided tour.     Amano Yasukawara A short walk down the road from Amano Iwato Shrine is a path that leads down to the river below. After a few minutes on this path you will see neat little piles of stones stacked along  the river by previous …

Amano Iwato Shrine…の続きを読む