Taste the Hidden Treasures of Our Region Looking for a taste that truly defines a place? Experience our exclusive dining event featuring rare local ingredients found nowhere else. By honoring traditional techniques passed down through generations, we capture the very heart of our culture in every dish. Don’t just visit—taste the history of our land.   Fukuoka Hakara Yatai Ramen,  Hakata Ramen is a local specialty from Fukuoka, famous for its  creamy tonkotsu (pork bone) broth. A ‘Yatai’ is a traditional mobile food stall. Every evening, about 100 of these wooden carts appear along the streets of Tenjin and Nakasu. It is not just about the food; it’s a social hub where locals and travelers sit shoulder-to-shoulder in a cozy, open-air setting.   Kitakyushu Yaki Curry A local cuisine in Moji, Kitakyushu City.  Yaki curry latterly means baked curry and is curry with rice topped with cheese and/or egg heated in oven. The melted cheese and soft-boiled egg combine with the spicy curry to enhance its flavor even more. Kawara Sobe, Kawara soba is a local cuisine which Soba noodles and meat are cooked together on a Kawara (stone roof tile) and dipped into a special sauce when eating it.  Yaki Udon Yaki Udon originated in Kokura, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, at a restaurant called “Darumado. The story dates back to 1945, right after World War II. During a severe …

Authentic Local meals…の続きを読む

  Discover the soul of Kyushu through its magnificent food culture. As experts in Kyushu travel, we know exactly where the best flavors are hidden. Whether it’s the humble warmth of a neighborhood ramen shop or the artistic elegance of a master chef’s table, we tailor every meal to perfectly match your daily itinerary and personal tastes. Tell us your preferences and budget—we will handle the rest, crafting a seamless dining experience that fuels your body and soul throughout your trip.   The Flavors of Kyushu: From Soul Food to Haute Cuisine Kyushu offers a wide variety of dining experiences, allowing you to enjoy a diverse range of flavors throughout your journey. ・Japan’s Daily Soul Food: Comfort food loved by locals. ・Authentic Local Specialties: Regional specialties unique to Kyushu. ・Ultimate Japanese Dining: The pinnacle of sophisticated and authentic cuisine ・Kaiseki Dining :Traditional multi-course haute cuisine served at Japanese  　accommodation Ryokans:   Regarding your meals during the trip: To ensure you enjoy a rich variety of flavors, I have curated a meal plan tailored to your preferences and budget, taking your overall itinerary into account. ・Breakfast: Usually provided at your hotel. ・Lunch: Experience Authentic Local Specialties or Japan’s daily soul food at local 　restaurants. ・Dinner: At Onsen resorts, savor an exquisite Kaiseki course at your Japanese style 　hotel (Ryokan).　In other locations, look forward to Authentic Local Cuisine or  　Ultimate Japanese Dining at hand-picked local restaurants. …

Gastronomic experience…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

  This is a place related to the Kori-kuzure incident in Omura in 1657 in which a large number of hidden Christians were arrested. As many as 608 Christians were arrested, making it a rare and major incident in the history of Christian oppression. 411 Christians were beheaded, and 131 of them were martyred at Hokohara martyrdom place.     As a result of this incident, the Omura domain began implementing even stricter policies prohibiting Christianity. The believers have erected the monument to commemorate the martyrdom at this location.    

Hokohara martyrdom place in Omura…の続きを読む

  The Arima Christian Heritage Memorial Museum is a guidance facility showcasing the history of Christianity in Minami-Shimabara, centered around the Hara Castle Ruins, a component of the “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region,” which was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2018. The museum offers easy-to-understand explanations of the Hinoe Castle Ruins, which represent the period from the introduction of Christianity to its prosperity, as well as the history of Christian persecution and the Shimabara Rebellion. The exhibits primarily feature videos, historical documents from both within and outside Japan, and artifacts unearthed during excavations.     History of Christianity        

Arima Christian Heritage Memorial Museum…の続きを読む

  The number of Christians in Japan continued to increase, and reaching 300,000 in 1614. Fearing the ever-increasing number of Christian rebellions, Tokugawa Shogunate finally issued a ban on Christianity in Nagasaki in 1612, and two years later in 1614 throughout the country in Japan.     After that, the history of martyrdom began in various places. ・in 1617, 4 missionaries were martyred in Omura ・in 1622, Genna great martyrdom (55 Christians) at Nishizaka ・in 1622-24, Ikutsuki and Nakae-no-shima island martyrdom ・from 1627, Unzen jigoku martyrdom ・1633, Nakaura Julian martyred in Nishizaka ・in 1637, Shimabara Rebellion ・in 1644, Konishi Manjo martyrdom, Domestic priests become absent ・in 1657, Persecution of Christians in Omura ・in 1790, Persecution of Christians in Urakami ・in 1839, Persecution of Christians in Urakami ・in 1856, Persecution of Christians in Urakami      

Ban on Christianity…の続きを読む

  The world’s tallest wooden Holy Mary-Kannon statue, with 10 meters in height. The statue is located in Minami-Shimabara-city, 10 minutes drive from Hara Castle Ruins,  where is the site of the Battle field of Shimabara Rebellion.   The statue was created by Sculptor Oyamatsu Eiji. Realizing in the youth that there were no commemorative monuments in Hara Castle, he decided to create a statue of Holy Mary after the visit of the Pope to Japan in 1981. In order to give peace to souls of the victims of Shimabara Rebellion, he kept creating  for 40 years on his own the statue as his personal masterpiece of lifetime. He hopes that the statue can provide relief to the soul and a place for healing, and christened the statue “Holy Mary-Kannon of Hara Castle” as a hope for peace, regardless of any religious belief.    

Holy Mary-Kannon of Harajo Castle, in Mi…の続きを読む

  Discover the magic of Ibusuki, a unique hot spring resort at the southern tip of Kyushu. Famous for its world-renowned ‘Natural Sand Bath’ (Sunamushi), Ibusuki offers a rare wellness experience where you are buried in naturally heated volcanic sand while listening to the soothing sound of the waves. Surrounded by lush hibiscus and the iconic Mount Kaimon—often called the ‘Satsuma Fuji’—the city boasts a warm, tropical atmosphere year-round. Beyond the sand baths, you can relax in diverse hot springs overlooking Kinko Bay and indulge in the authentic hospitality of Southern Kagoshima.   Dining at an Ibusuki ryokan is a celebration of Southern Kagoshima’s rich agricultural and maritime heritage. The highlight is the world-famous ‘Kagoshima Black Pork’ (Kurobuta), celebrated for its delicate sweetness and tender texture, often served in a flavorful Shabu-shabu or as a succulent roast.        

Ibusuki onsen…の続きを読む

  Christianity in Japan was spread in Nagasaki region. However, unparalleled hidden Cristian history was started from when Toyotomi Hideyoshi Shogunate proclaimed Christian ban in 1587. During ban on Christianity, people secretly continued to faith while surviving in the midst of the conventional society and Japanese religions.  And many Christians were also martyred during this period. Here we introduce the history of the ban on Christianity, including the places of martyrdom and museums.     Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan, in Nagasaki The 26 Martyrs of Japan were a group of Catholics who were executed by crucifixion on February 5, 1597. The Twenty-six Christians, were arrested in Kyoto and Osaka on the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the National ruler, for preaching Christianity. They were marched 800 km through the snow to Nagasaki and crucified in front of large crowd on  Nishizaka hill on Feb. 5, 1597.   The 26 Martyrs Museum in Nagasaki The museum behind the monument is devoted to the memory of the  martyrs and to Christianity in Japan in general. Its interior is reminiscent  of a church with stained-glass windows, making for atmospheric viewing  of the exhibits. On display are artifacts related to Christianity in Japan, including old documents, statues and jewelry.   St. Andrew’s Seminary at Dejima, in Nagasaki After the ban on Christianity lifted in 1873, Burnside who was the British Church Missionary  created a cram school at his home to teach the English Bible. In 1877, the school …

Christian sacred sites…の続きを読む

  Nagasaki Port was opened and the first Portuguese ship arrived in 1571. And development of the town of cape was started as Christian town in 1571 and many Churches were constructed in Nagasaki.  However, due to the Tokugawa Shogunate’s Ban on Christianity in 1614, most of the  church buildings were destroyed.  Since ban on the Christianity was lifted in 1873, new Christian history in Japan has begun and many Churches and Cathedrals have been constructed.     Oura Cathedral, in Nagasaki The Cathedral is one of the significant Christian Pilgrimage site in Japan.  Established 1865, this church is officially known as “Oura Cathedral, the Church of 26 Martyrs.” It was built by the French priest Bernard Petitjean of Fier who had been dispatched by the Foreign Missionary Church of Paris to dedicate prayers to the 26 saints martyred on Nishizaka hill.   Urakami Cathedral, in Nagasaki Construction of the original Urakami Cathedral, a brick Romanesque building, began in 1895, after a long-standing ban on Christianity was lifted. When completed in 1914, it was the largest Catholic church in East Asia.   Nakamachi Church, in Nagasaki The church is located near JR Nagasaki Station which was constructed for Japanese Christians in 1986.  The church was dedicated to the 16 Saints of Nagasaki (St. Thomas and the 15 Martyrs) in 1988, and the monument honoring them was erected in the premise. The 16 Saints were martyred in Nagasaki from 1633 to 1637.   Saint Filippo …

Churches and Cathedrals…の続きを読む