The most convenient public transportation for traveling around Kumamoto City is the tram system. There are two lines, the A-Line and the B-Line, which share most of their stops. Popular destinations served by both lines include Suizenji Jojuen Garden, Kumamoto Castle, Shimotori Shopping Street, and the Sakura Machi Bus Terminal.     Key Destinations on Each Line A-Line: Tasakibashi, Kumamoto Station, Karashimacho, Kumamoto Castle, Torichosuji, Kotsukyokumae, Suizenji Jojuen Garden, Kengunmachi   B-Line: Kamikumamoto Station, Shinmachi, Nishikarashimacho, Karashimacho, Kumamoto Castle, Torichosuji, Kotsukyokumae, Suizenji Jojuen Garden, Kengunmachi   Kumamoto Castle Shimo-tori Shopping Street Suizenji-koen Park  

Kumamoto City Tram…の続きを読む

  As the largest shopping arcade in Kumamoto Prefecture, this area serves as the center of fashion and entertainment. The streets are lined with major department stores and stylish boutiques, alongside a vibrant dining scene where cafes and restaurants serving authentic local cuisine are open from day to night.     This 511-meter-long shopping arcade features a width of 15 meters. The street also serves as a vibrant venue for perfo.rmances by street musicians and exhibitions by various organizations.    

Shimo-tori Shopping Street…の続きを読む

  Main street in Yufuin located at the foot of mount Yufu. The avenue is started near JR Yufuin Station and connected to Kinrinko lake. Through Yunotsubo Avenue, it takes about 30 minutes on foot from JR Yufuin Station to Kinrinko lake.     There are 70 shops, gift shop, galleries, curiosity item shops as well as cafes.     Along the Oita River, which is one street away, it is a recommended walking spot where you can enjoy the seasonal scenery, and you can find a tranquil atmosphere of Yufuin.    

Yunotsubo Avenue…の続きを読む

  Floral Village is the amusement facility that recreated the street of the Cotswolds region in England, which was also used as the location for Harry Potter. Cute owls welcome you in OWL’s FORESR.     You can enjoy strolling, gourmet and shopping with beautiful flowers in the Village, and there is Alice in Wonderland shop here.      

Yufuin Floral Village…の続きを読む

  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