This elegant harbor is a popular destination for both international and domestic tourists. It features around 20 unique shops and restaurants lined up along the waterfront, offering everything from Japanese, Western, and Italian cuisine to beauty salons and outdoor gear shops.     It is quite the popular spot for people who want to relax while viewing the sea beyond as they dine outdoors.     Nagasaki Harbour   Located in the center of East Asia and surrounded by beautiful green mountains, the city has long flourished as a hub of foreign trade. Today, the harbor is home to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which operates one of Japan’s largest and most historic shipbuilding facilities.   In addition to shipbuilding, the city manufactures and exports a wide range of industrial equipment, including wind and thermal power generators. Recently, the waterfront has been transformed by the addition of a beautiful park and Megami Bridge (Venus Wing), a stunning cable-stayed bridge. Combining its geographically advantageous location with a long tradition of international exchange, the port continues to evolve as a major global gateway.    

Dejima Wharf…の続きを読む

  Built over the Nakashima River in 1634, Meganebashi (Spectacles Bridge) is the oldest stone arch bridge in Japan. It was constructed by the Chinese monk Mokusunyoujo, a second –generation monk at Kofukuji Temple. Recognized for its historical and architectural significance, this iconic bridge has been designated as an Important Cultural Property.     Meganebashi is also part of the first group of bridges built over the Nakashima River. This stone, double-arch bridge received the nickname ‘Spectacles Bridge’ because its two arches and their reflection in the water perfectly create the image of a pair of spectacles.    

Megane-bashi bridge…の続きを読む

                     Breathtaking scenery in harmony with the shrine. Ukiha Inari Shrine is located at the foot of the Mino mountain range, 130 meters above sea level. A tunnel of 90 vermilion Torii gates stands along a 300-step staircase, leading you from the base of the hill all the way up to the shrine’s main building.           From the bottom       To the Shrine building       To the Shrine building   Shrine Compound           Shrine building           Shrine building    View from Shrine building   From the Shrine compound, a breath taking panoramic view of Chikugo plain in harmony with Torii Gate can be enjoyed.          Yoshii machi direction              Ukiha machi        Haki machi direction Visiting Ukiha Inari Shrine? This stunning mountainside shrine is a must-see in Fukuoka, but public transport is highly challenging: ・No Direct Bus: Requires a steep 30–40 min walk from the station. ・Complex Trains: Takes up to 2 hours with confusing transfers.   Travel Smart with Our Private Vehicle Service Skip the stress and enjoy effortless sightseeing with a private vehicle and English-Speaking Driver: ・Door-to-Door: Pick up from your Fukuoka hotel and drop-off right at the     …

Ukiha Inari Shrine…の続きを読む

  Mount Inasa is one of the best viewpoints in Nagasaki. Standing 333 meters high, the mountain is located close to JR Nagasaki Station. The summit can be reached by ropeway or car, offering panoramic views over the city. Furthermore, the magnificent night view from Mount Inasa has been selected as one of Japan’s Three Major Night Views—along with Kitakyushu and Sapporo—as well as one of the World’s Three Major Night Views, alongside Hong Kong and Monaco.           The World’s Three Major Night Views

Mount Inasa…の続きを読む

  Sotome is located between Nagasaki City and Saikai City, and faces the East China Sea. During the ban on Christianity from the 17th century to the end of the 19th century, Sotome was home to communities of “Hidden Christians. ” Many 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 the church at his own expense in 1882. The building was extended and renovated over the years. A statue of Mary that he ordered from France stands in the bell tower.     Former Shitsu Aid Center         Driven by his desire to save the people of Sotome from poverty, Father de Rotz established the Former Shitsu Aid Center. Today, this center is indispensable when discussing the history and culture of the region.     Endo Shusaku Literary Museum          As the setting for Shusaku Endo’s acclaimed novel “Silence,” Sotome is blessed with a unique Christian history and culture. In particular, the area where the Shusaku Endo Literary Museum stands is …

Sotome Pilgrimage sites…の続きを読む

  The major railway station in Fukuoka. It is the largest and busiest station in Kyushu, and serves as a gateway to other cities in Kyushu for travelers from Honshu.          Hakata-gucbi Side       Chikushi-guchi Side      Lobby of the Station   The station building and its surroundings feature numerous shops, restaurants, and hotels. This area is one of the most fascinating tourist destinations 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

Munakata Region is located in the west part of  Fukuoka Prefecture  and facing to Genkai Sea. The area are consist of Munakata, Fukutsu, Akama and Oshima Island.     Munakata     Munakata Shrine Hetsu-gu, UNESCO World Heritage Hetsu-gu is one of the three shrines that comprise Munakata Shrine and enshrines Ichikishimahime-no-Kami, one of the three female deities of Munakata.  Visitors passing through the torii gate and proceeding along the path will find the Main Hall, dedicated to Ichikishimahime-no-Kami, beyond the Shinmon gate.   Takamiya Saijo The steps lead to Takamiya Saijo (Ceremonial Site), where ancient rituals were performed. Takamiya Saijo is very important since the rituals currently observed at Hetsu-gu originated there. To the northwest of the ceremonial site, visitors can view the marine route linking Hetsu-gu with Okinoshima via the Tsurikawa River, Oshima.   Fukutsu   Shinbaru-Nuyama Mounted Tombs, UNESCO World Heritage​ The Tomb Group comprises the tombs of the Munakata clan, an ancient powerful family that led interactions with overseas countries. The Munakata clan also performed rituals on Okinoshima and nurtured the tradition of faith in in the sacred island.   Miyajidake Shrine The Shimenawa is the biggest in Japan. Surprisingly, weight is 3ton, with 2.6m diameter and 11m length. Shimenawa is the thick, twisted, straw rope. It was believed in ancient days that a Shimenawa had the power to keep off evil sprits, so many objects connected with Shinto …

Munakata & Fukutsu travel Guide…の続きを読む

  Daikanbo is located on the northern part of the outer rim of the Aso Caldera. It is the perfect spot to view the Aso Five Mountains. As a must-visit tourist spot in Aso, “Daikanbo” literally means a big observatory peak. The circumference of the Aso Caldera is about 130 kilometers, and from the observation site, you can clearly see its dramatic shape. Early in the morning, clouds often spread out below, hanging over the caldera like a large sea.            

Kusasenri-ga-hama…の続きを読む

  Daikanbo is located on the northern part of the outer rim of the Aso Caldera. It is the perfect spot to view the Aso Five Mountains. As a must-visit tourist spot in Aso, “Daikanbo” literally means a big observatory peak. The circumference of the Aso Caldera is about 130 kilometers, and from the observation site, you can clearly see its dramatic shape. Early in the morning, clouds often spread out below, hanging over the caldera like a large sea.        

Daikanbo…の続きを読む

  Canal City Hakata is a massive commercial complex located in the heart of Fukuoka’s business district. Situated adjacent to the Nakasu entertainment district, it sits perfectly between Tenjin, Kyushu’s largest commercial area, and the bustling business hub surrounding JR Hakata Station.     Canal City features an artificial canal as its main attraction. It houses two hotels, including the Grand Hyatt Fukuoka and the Washington Hotel. Other highlights include the Fukuoka City Theater, an entertainment zone, a cinema complex, and a wide variety of shops and restaurants. On the 5th floor, you will find the Ramen Stadium, a popular food court featuring eight famous ramen restaurants from all over Japan. Which ramen shop would you like to try?     Around Canal City Hakata    

Canal City Hakata…の続きを読む