Father Maximilian Kolbe was born in Poland in 1894 and was a priest of the Conventual Franciscans. He was active in promoting the veneration of the Immaculate Virgin Mary.   He arrived in Japan in 1930, where he began educating seminarians and publishing a monthly magazine titled “The Knight of the Immaculata.   ” Following this, as more Japanese people came to understand God’s teachings, Hongochi Church was established in 1931.   After six years in Japan, he returned to Poland due to poor health. Later, during World War II, he volunteered to die in place of a stranger named Franciszek Gajowniczek at the Auschwitz concentration camp in German-occupied Poland.   The Saint Kolbe Memorial Museum was built in 1986 to commemorate his canonization.      

Saint Kolbe Memorial Museum, at Hongouch…の続きを読む

  Nakamachi Church is located near JR Nagasaki Station. In 1988, the church was dedicated to the 16 Martyrs of Nagasaki (St. Thomas Nishi and his 15 companions), who were martyred in Nagasaki between 1633 and 1637. To honor them, a monument was erected on the church grounds.     Following the 26 Saints of Japan, these 16 martyrs were canonized as saints in 1987.   Domingo Ibáñez de Erquicia, Dominican Priest (Spanish, 1633) Antonio Gonzalez, Dominican Priest (Spanish, 1637) Jordan Ansalone, Dominican Priest (Italian, 1634) Luke of the Holy Spirit, Dominican Priest (Spanish, 1633) Michael de Aozaraza, Dominican Priest (Spanish, 1637) Guillaume Courtet, Dominican Priest (French, 1637) Jacobo Kyushei Tomonaga, Dominican Priest (Japanese, 1633) Thomas Rokuzayemon Nishi, Dominican Priest (Japanese, 1634) Vincent Shiwozuka, Dominican Priest (Japanese, 1637) Francis Shōyemon, Dominican Lay Brother (Japanese, 1633) Matthew Kohioye, Dominican Novice (Japanese, 1633) Lorenzo Ruiz, Layman (Filipino, 1637) — The first Filipino saint Marina of Omura, Dominican Tertiary (Japanese, 1634) Magdalene of Nagasaki, Dominican Tertiary (Japanese, 1634) Michael Kurobioye, Layman (Japanese, 1633) Lazarus of Kyoto, Layman (Japanese, 1637)    

Nakamachi Church…の続きを読む

  The 26 Martyrs of Japan, the nation’s first Christian martyrs who were later canonized as saints, left behind a legacy of unwavering faith.   This tour traces their historic pilgrimage route from Fukuoka to Nishizaka by private transport. The highlight of the itinerary is a guided walking experience from Tokitsu Port to Nishizaka Hill—the very path the martyrs traveled on their final journey.     Inspiration: Sample Itinerary This itinerary is a curated glimpse into our bespoke experiences. Use it as a starting point, and allow us to tailor every detail to your personal interests and pace.   The Actual route of the 26 Martyrs’ Walk to Nagasaki     Overview Day 1: Hakata to Sonogi Port (120km). Retrace the martyrs’ four-day walking route in the comfort of a private vehicle. Day 2: Walking Pilgrimage (12km). Experience the original route from Togitsu Port to Nishizaka Hill, just as the 26 Saints did. Day 3: Nagasaki City Tour. Visit sacred sites related to the 26 Saints and Nagasaki’s most iconic landmarks by private vehicl     Day 1  Hakata to Sonogi Pilgrimage route   The tour travels the 120km route from Hakata to Sonogi by private vehicle in a single day, retracing the path that took the martyrs four days to walk.   Travelimg route  The tour will commence at the designated location in Fukuoka Follow the footsteps of the …

Walking Tour ー Path of the 26 Martyrs Wa…の続きを読む

  Seiro-mushi refers to a cooking technique in which food ingredients are put into a bamboo basket used for steaming through water vapor from below     At Yufuin Kagura, Seiro-mushi is prepared with large bamboo baskets in front of diners. Featured by the enriched flavor with warmth and fragrance of the cypress basket (seiro). Live the lively, hot spring steam-like, “Jigoku steams” (literally hell’s steams) dishes right in front of you with the traditional local taste of Beppu, Oita Prefecture.      

Seiro-mushi, Yufuin Kagura…の続きを読む

  The literal meaning of ‘Chinoike’ is ‘blood-colored pond.’ At this striking site, the steaming hot clay is so rich in iron that it turns both the water and the steam a deep red.   It is Japan’s oldest known natural hell, recorded over 1,300 years ago in the Bungo Fudoki (Bungo Province Topography) as ‘Akayusen’—the legendary reddish hot spring.   The site is conveniently located in the Shibaseki district, right next to Tatsumaki-Jigoku (Tornado Hell).        

Chinoike-Jigoku…の続きを読む

  Oniishibozu-jigoku is one of the recommended site along with Umi-jigoku. Oniishi shaving Head Hell, large and small bubble of hot gray mud that boiling up here look like the shaven head of monks.     

Oniishi Bouzu-Jigoku…の続きを読む

  The most recommended activity at Takachiho Gorge is renting a boat to experience the river from the very base of the canyon. The view from the water—where you can witness cascading waterfalls and dramatic columnar cliffs simultaneously—is a rare spectacle found in few other places in the world. Don’t miss this breathtaking perspective from the river level   Looking to ride the boats? As part of our Customized Private Tours, we handle the entire boat reservation process for our guests.      

Takachiho Gorge boat riding…の続きを読む

  Driven by his desire to save the people of Sotome from poverty, Father de Rotz established the Former Shitsu Aid Center, making it indispensable   when discussing the history and culture of the region. In 1879, Father Marc Marie de Rotz, a French missionary who was assigned to Sotome, introduced a variety of farming, fishing, medical, and educational programs to rescue local residents from their plight.   Founded in 1883, the Former Shitsu Aid Center was a welfare and vocational training facility for women. It was established with the cooperation of members of the Society of St. Joseph, which was formed and trained by Father de Rotz himself. In December 2003, these facilities were designated as Nationally Important Cultural Properties, recognized as valuable surviving structures of early Meiji-period childbirth and social welfare.    

Former Shitsu Aid Center…の続きを読む

              Built in 1882 by Father de Rotz, this low-ceilinged church features a brick exterior, a wooden interior, and a stone entranceway. The roof itself is built low to withstand damage from strong winds.   The church’s bell was brought directly from France by the father himself and rings out beautifully every morning. This stunning location is also famous as a filming site for the Japanese movie “Gege”.    

Shitsu Church…の続きを読む

  Soaring 1,375 meters into the sky, Mount Tsurumi is a breathtaking mountain overlooking Beppu that offers excellent hiking, rare flora, and outstanding vistas.   Visitors can take a ropeway 800 meters up and revel in being surrounded by acres of rolling greenery. On clear days, you can see as far as the Kuju Mountains, a famous mountain range that runs between Oita and Kumamoto Prefectures.      

Mount Tsurumi…の続きを読む