The Fukuyama area along Kinko Bay is home to the famous Japanese black vinegar. Over here, one can tour the old-fashioned Tshubobatake which literally means a field of vinegar jars, witness the traditional manufacturing process of the black vinegar, taste and purchase the finished product.   One of featured producer is Sakamoto Kurozu.    

Black Vinegar factory in Kirishima…の続きを読む

  It is the only wetland in Fukuoka-prefecture. Located 600 meters west from Seiryu Cave and 2,500 m east from Hiraodai Nature Observation Center. The wetland is an important part of Hiraodai Karst landform, offering a variety of wetland plant life such as the Sagiso (rein orchis), Tokiso (pogonia), and Nohanasyobu (iris). ​  

Hirotani Wetland…の続きを読む

  The cave is called footfall of dinosaurs.  It is the very rare cave in Japan; the entrance is vertical pit with 25 meter, when getting down to the bottom, you follow the underground horizontal cave and you can see the hidden aspects of Hiraodai Karst.    

Ojika Limestone Cave…の続きを読む

  It is the longest cave in Hiraodai Karst, over 2 km in length. The highlight of this cave is the monolithic ceiling which is a very unique structure as a limestone caves.        

Mejiro Limestone Cave…の続きを読む

  The largest limestone caves in Hiraodai Karst Plateau, extending about 900 m while meandering toward the northeast. Senbutsu Literally means 1,000 Buddha Cave and  the shape of the cave is narrow.  The narrow ceiling ravine with a maximum width of 10 m and a maximum ceiling height of 15 m. ​   Approximately 30 large and small stalactites hang down at the entrance, giving a spectacular scenery. Abundant groundwater still continues to erode in the cave.    

Senbutsu Limestone Cave…の続きを読む

                   Hidden Christian site is registered on UNESCO’s World Heritage. Japanese Christianity has a unique history of continuing faith while coexisting with Japanese traditional religion Shinto and General society. Japan’s unique practice of the Christian faith continued even during the ban on Christianity. Hidden Christian Site in Nagasaki,  Shimabara , Hirado and Amakusa Regions bear unique testimony to the tradition of people and their communities who secretly transmitted their faith in Christianity while surviving in the midst of the conventional society and its religions during the time of prohibition.     Nagasaki  & Sotome   Oura Cathedral  / UNESCO World Heritage Basilica of Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan. Built in 1865 under the supervision of the French priest Bernard Petitjean. It was designated as a National Treasure in 1933 for its value as Japan’s oldest Gothic-style Cathedral.     Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan      On February 5, 1597, Paulo Miki and 25 others were crucified for their belief in God on order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The martyrs including four Spaniards, one from Goa, India, one Mexican and  20 Japanese demonstrated their spiritual unity despite differences in races, ages and professions.      Sotome area Hidden Christian Site  / UNESCO World Heritage  Sotome is located between Nagasaki-city and Saikai-city, and face to East China Sea.  During the ban on Christianity …

Christian Pilgrimage sites in Nagasaki R…の続きを読む

  Those Samurai Houses were built about 250 years ago. Their gardens are beautiful designed, with Mt. Hahaga-dake as the background.     Other natural elements are also incorporated, making the whole area resemble a series of miniature of Japanese gardens housed in boxes. Seven of the gardens are designated as natural scenic spots.      

Chiran Samurai Residence…の続きを読む

  Nishi-Oyama Station is the southernmost railway station in Japan operated by JR, boasts a breath taking view of Kaimon-dake volcano to the front.     The post box standing in front of the station is painted yellow similar to the turnip rape flower that stands as symbol of Ibusuki.  This post box has seen an explosion in popularity because some believe it brings happiness to those who send mail from it.      

Nishi-Oyama Station…の続きを読む

  UNESCO World Heritage, Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution , Shoko Shuseikan Modern Industrial Complex The museum of the Classics located here exhibits a various of objects related to the Shimazu family and the Satsuma domain, introducing a Shimazu family tree chart and many other belongings.     Reflectance furnace   foundation    Base of Reflectance    furnace          Reflectance furnace   The stone building which houses the collection has been designated on the World Heritage,  Meiji Japan’s Industrial Revolution.          World Heritage        Shoko Shuseikan      Shoko Shuseikan entrance          Starbucks Coffee       Satsuma facet factory      Suzumon gate  

Shoko Shuseikan…の続きを読む

  Sakura-jima Ferry connects Kagoshima-city and Sakura-jima Island in 15 minutes and  is operated for 24 hours.           Kagoshima port         To Sakura-jima Island        Sakura-jima Port   ・Fare for an adult is 160 yen ・Fare for a vehicle is 880 yen (less than 3 m length) ・Phone: 099-293-2525     Journey to Sakura-jima Island     Kagoshima Port     Depart     Kagoshima Aquarium         To Sakura-jima Island          Sakura-jima Port      Sakura-jima Port           Sakura-jima Island  

Sakura-jima Ferry…の続きを読む