Dango-jiru is a beloved “soul food” and a staple of the daily diet in Oita. It features rustic, hand-stretched flat wheat noodles, each uniquely shaped by hand to create a delightful chewy texture. This heartwarming home-style soup is packed with local seasonal vegetables, offering a true taste of Oita’s traditional lifestyle.     A historic specialty with roots in the 16th-century Sengoku period. Born from the ingenuity of Oita’s farmers, this dish features hand-stretched noodles in a savory miso broth— a traditional “soul food” that satisfied both humble farmers and powerful samurai    

Dango-jiru…の続きを読む

  The Secret Behind the Paradise: Three Miraculous Conditions The incredible diversity of onsen (hot spring) resorts in Kyushu is the result of three miraculous conditions: ・Overwhelming Volcanic Energy: 　With its 17 active volcanoes serving as heat sources, Kyushu offers a wide range of 　resort styles tailored to its dramatic terrain—from Mt. Aso, featuring one of the world’s 　largest calderas, to the unique coastal sand steam baths of Ibusuki. ・A “Treasure Trove” of Spring Types: 　As groundwater dissolves complex minerals from deep rock layers, nearly every type 　of hot spring found in Japan is concentrated here. Each location offers a unique character, 　from skin-smoothing alkaline waters to fizzy carbonated springs. ・Abundant Rainfall and Flow: 　Kyushu’s high rainfall provides a rich supply of groundwater, heated by volcanic energy 　to support the highest discharge in Japan, most notably in Beppu.     Kyushu’s Premier Onsen Destinations   Harazuru : The “Double Beauty” Waters Located along the serene Chikugo River, this resort is famous for its “Double Beauty” springs, combining two different mineral types that leave your skin incredibly smooth. Unzen : A Volcanic Sanctuary in the Clouds Set in a high-altitude national park, Unzen offers dramatic “Hell” landscapes with hissing steam and a rich history as Japan’s first resort for international travelers.   Beppu: The Onsen Capital of the World　 Boasting the highest discharge rate in Japan, Beppu is …

Onsen (hot spring)…の続きを読む

  As of 2024, its official name is “Phoenix Seagaia Resort.” The name is a combination of “Sea,” meaning the ocean, and “Gaia,” meaning the earth. It is home to the prestigious golf course “Phoenix Country Club” and Tom Watson Golf Course.  There is Sherton Grande Ocean Resort which is a luxury Hotel of 154-meter tower standing within a huge pine forest.       

Phoenix Seagaia Resort…の続きを読む

Kagoshima Prefecture is located at the southwest tip of Kyushu on the Satsuma Peninsula and Osumi Peninsula. This prefecture also includes a chain of islands stretching further to the southwest of Kyushu for a few hundred kilometers. The prefecture boasts a chain of active and dormant volcanoes, including the great Sakura-jima Island, which towers out of the Kagoshima bay opposite Kagoshima.     Kagoshima The city is southernmost capital in Kyushu ;  Sakura-jima which raises the smoke across the Kagoshima Bay. Kagoshima prospered in the Edo period as a castle town, and is a hometown of Takamori Saigo who contributed to the Meiji Restoration.   Ibusuki and Satsuma peninsula Ibusuki and surrounded area Satsuma peninsula extends about 50 kilometers south from Kagoshima-city, making up the south-western section of Kagoshima Prefecture. The peninsula offers a mixture of hot springs, subtropical natural attractions and cultural sites. Ibusuki is an Onsen resort that is famous for its sand baths.   Chiran Called a small Kyoto in Kagoshima, offer you a fine collection of Samurai houses and gardens that were built about 260 years ago.  During World War 2, Chriran was a Kamikaze pilots based  who participated in the Battle for Okinawa.    Kirishima Located in the northeastern part of Kagoshima and is the entrance to the Kirishima district of Kirishima Yaku National Park, which includes the Kirishima volcanic chain,  Sakura-jima Island and Yaku shima Islands.   Kagoshima Prefecture                                

Kagoshima-prefecture travel guide…の続きを読む

  Huis Ten Bosch is a theme park in Sasebo, which recreates the Netherlands by displaying life-sized copies of old Dutch buildings. The name Huis Ten Bosch translates into English as “House in the Woods/bush”.  It is named after Huis ten Bosch in The Hague, one of the three official residences of the Dutch Royal Family.                  

Huis Ten Bosch…の続きを読む

  The Central temple of Rokugo-Manzan in Kunisaki peninsula. The temple was established in 718 by Ninmon and located close to the peak of Mount Futago. Futagoji’s grounds cover a wide area on the forested slopes of the mountain, with stone and gravel paths and stairs connecting several halls housing various deities.     A pair of stone Nio Guardians stand at the start of the traditional temple approach below the parking lot, from where a ten minute ascent up a flight of steps takes you to the main temple buildings. Among them are the Gomado Hall which is dedicated to Fudomyo, a protector of Buddhism, and the Okunoin.      

Futago-ji Temple…の続きを読む

  The temple houses nine Buddhists images said to be masterpieces of the Heian period, including the Maki-Odo Seated Amida Nyorai (Amitabha). Figure and statues of the Four Devas. All are designated as important national cultural properties.      

Maki Odo…の続きを読む

  The World Agricultural Heritage in Kunisaki Peninsula. This district was once considered the most important estate of Usa Shrine. It has been ascertained from ancient documents that the rural landscape seen today has remained unchanged since Heian period. Now included this are, Kunisaki peninsula is listed on the World Agricultural Heritage.    World Agricultural Heritage  Paddy field   Farmers houses      

Tashibu-no-sho, the World Agricultural H…の続きを読む

  Two of largest Buddhist stone carvings in all Japan. A Fudo-myu-o 8 meter in heigt and Dainich-nyurai 6.8 meter height. Said to have been carved in the Heian period, they have received government designation as Important Cultural Properties.                 Entrance             Daiichi nyorai             Fudo myoou                       

Kumano magaibutsu…の続きを読む

  The oldest extant wooden structure in Kyushu, the temple ;ocated on the slopes of Mount Futago and was established in 718. Fukiji is dedicated to Amida Buddha, and its main hall houses an intricate wooden statue of the deity. In fact, the main hall of Fukiji is ranked as one of the top three Amida Buddha halls in all of Japan.        Entrance     Stone lantern     Temple mail building    

Fuki-ji Temple…の続きを読む