Sotome is located between Nagasaki-city and Saikai-city, and face to East China Sea.  During the ban on Christianity from 17 century to end of the 19 century, Sotome was home to communities of  “Hidden Christians”, many of whom emigrated there from other parts of Nagasaki as the remote region allowed them to practice their religion in secret. French missionary Father Marc Marie de Rotz played a large role in reestablishing the religion in the area. He established Shitsu Church on a hill overlooking the sea.     Shitsu Church On an elevation commanding a view over the Sea of Goto, Father Marc Marie de Rotz established a church at his own expense 1882. The building was extended and renovated again and again. A statue of Mary that he ordered from France is standing in the bell tower.     Former Shitsu Aid Center         I want to save people in the Sotome from poor life. Former Shitsu Aid Centeris indispensable in talking about the history and culture of the region.     Endo Shusaku Literary Museum          The setting of Endo Shusaku’s novel Silence. Sotome is blessed with a unique history and culture of Christianity. In particular, the area in which the Endo Shusaku Literary Museum stands is known as the site of a Christian village, one of Endo’s most notable work, Silence.     Kurosaki Church The Church …

Sotome Pilgrimage sites…の続きを読む

  Embark on the ultimate Kyushu experience. From volcanic wonders to sacred traditions, we invite you on a bespoke journey through the island’s most breathtaking landscapes and exquisite culinary arts. Destinations: Fukuoka → Nagasaki → Kumamoto → Takachiho → Aso →  Yufuin → Beppu Yanagawa → Fukuoka   Price: From JPY 197,000 per person (Min. 6 guests) Inclusions: Custom itinerary, private vehicle & English-speaking driver Exclusions: Accommodations, meals, entrance fees     Traveling route     Destinations to Explore  Stay Day 1 : Depart from Fukuoka               → Nagasaki Day 2 : Nagasaki  Day 3 : Kumamoto  Day 4 : Takachiho         Day 5 : Aso Day 6 : Yufuin Day 7 : Beppu  Day 8 : Yanagawa  Day 9 : Fukuoka Nagasaki   Nagasaki Kumamoto Aso Aso Beppu Beppu Fukuoka Fukuoka   Day 1   Nagasaki         Welcome to Fukuoka, you will be greeted by our representative. === Drive to Nagasaki via the expressway === Exploring Nagasaki A historic gateway to Japan and a city of global peace. ・Mount Inasa：Take the Slope Car to the summit  ・Lunch at a restaurant in Dejima Wharf ・Dejima Dinner on your own in Nagasaki  Stay in Nagasaki      Day 2   Nagasaki     Breakfast at the hotel Exploring Nagasaki Visiting the Atomic Bombing site to offer prayers for world peace ・Atomic …

9-Day: Ultimate Kyushu ー The Grand Tour…の続きを読む

  The major railway station in Fukuoka.  It is the largest and busiest station in Kyushu, and is a gateway to other cities in Kyushu for travellers from Honshu.          Hakata-gucbi Side       Chikushi-guchi Side      Lobby of the Station   The Station building and around station, there are a lot of shops, restaurants as well as hotels. This area is one of the fascinating tourist destination in Fukuoka.        Chikushi-guch Side     Japanese Restaurant               Yodobashi Camera     Tourist Information Center   at Hakata Station       Hakata-guchi Side       Halata-guchi Side  

JR Hakata Station…の続きを読む

  Uomachi and Kyomachi Ginteigai are the arcade downtown shopping streets connected from JR Kokura Station. The literal meaning of Gintengai is the Silver roof arcade shopping street and Uomachi Gintengai is the birth place of Japanese arcade shopping street constructed in 1991. Now, there are many kind of fantastic shops and restaurant along the street.                  

Uomachi & Kyomachi Shopping street…の続きを読む

  Japan’s Industrial Modernization activity was started here. The largest restored wooden building in Japan at 2,500m2, the museum offers the unparalleled chance to experience a Japanese castle from more than 175 years ago.      

Saga Castle History Museum…の続きを読む

  Time back Japan’s 60 years ago, one of worthwhile place to visit in Bungo-takada, Kunisaki Peninsula. The era that lasted till about 30 years ago in Japanese history, Bungo-takada was the most prosperous in Kunisaki Peninsula for over 300 years from the Edo period up to 1900. Here remains various old structures and remnants of regional Japanese.          

Showano-machi in Bungo-takada…の続きを読む

  Hitoyoshi is located in the northern part of Kumamoto along Kuma-gawa River. Hitoyoshi is a castle town once prosperous as a river port, and boasts the ruins of the Hitoyoshi castle and Hitoyoshi Onsen. The Hitoyoshi Onsen is the collective name for 30-add hot springs including Sagara Onsen, all of which are supplied with hot water from sources around Hitoyoshi Station and in the basin of Kuma-gawa River. The most exiting thing in Hitoyoshi is Kumasawa-kudari that is riding on a boat maneuvered by a master polar down the Kuma-gawa River, one of the three fast streams in Japan.     Where to explore   Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins   Steam Locomotive Hitoyoshi   Kumagawa-kudari, boat riding   Aoi Aso Shrine​   Kyusendo Limestone Cave​   Japanese style accommodation, Ryokan  

Hitoyoshi travel guide…の続きを読む

  Sakurajima Island is the symbol of Kagoshima. The smoke and steam rises almost every day from the active volcano Minamidake. Formerly an island, it became connected with the Osumi  Peninsula in 1914 when lava from its summit closed the channel between  the two. Observation points on the island can be accessed by ferry.     Access to Sakura-jima Island  Sakura-jima Ferry connects Kagoshima City and Sakurajima in 15 minutes and is operated for 24 hours.    Kagoshima port  To Sakura-jima Island   Sakura-jima Island   Exploring Sakura-jima Island       Michino eki Sakura-jima Kinko Bay from Sakura-jima Kinko Bay from Sakura-jima          Yunohira Observatory         Yunohira Observatory    Stand at the Observatory     Arimura Lava Observatory             Lava Observatory              Lava Observatory        Lava Observatory        Lava Observatory        Lava Observatory  

Sakura-jima Island travel guide…の続きを読む

  Shirakawa suigen is the fountain to Shirakawa river that is one of the first class rivers of Japan.     The quantity of water that spouts with the sand at the bottom of the pond is approximately 60 tons per minute.      

Shirakawa Fountain…の続きを読む

  Canal City Hakata is the complex commercial facility, and is located in the heart of Fukuoka  business district. Adjacent to entertainment district of Nakasu, Canal City is located between Kyushu’s largest commercial area of Tenjin and the business district surrounding  JR Hakata Station.     Canal City features  an artificial canal as main attraction. It has two hotels including the Grand Hyatt Fukuoka and Washington Hotel. Other attractions include Fukuoka City Theater, an  entertainment zone, a cinema complex, as well as an extensive variety of shops and restaurants  including the Ramen Stadium. The food court of Ramen on the 5th floor of Canal City Hakata, eight Ramen restaurants from all over Japan are open.  Which ramen restaurant do you like?     Around Canal City Hakata    

Canal City Hakata…の続きを読む