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

  It is one of Japan’s three greatest castles, along with Nagoya Castle. The current castle was built in 1601 by the great military commander Kiyomasa Kato and took seven years to complete. The massive 980,000-square-meter premises are dotted with many memorable sights, including castle keeps, turrets, gate turrets, castle gates, and long fences.     This castle is particularly famous for its beautiful, curving stone walls called “Musha-gaeshi,” which were designed to repel invading enemies. These walls are designated as a National Historic Site, and 12 buildings, along with the Uto-yagura turret, are registered as Important Cultural Properties. Although the 2016 earthquakes caused heavy damage and destroyed several structures, restoration work has been progressing at an incredible pace ever since.      

Kumamoto Castle…の続きを読む

  Takachiho is the birthplace of Shinto, Japan’s indigenous religion. The origin story of Shinto is set in the cave behind Amano Iwato Shrine and at Amano Yasugawara. According to the myth, Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess, became so outraged by her brother’s cruel pranks that she hid herself in a cave, refusing to come out and depriving the world of her life-giving light.    All of the other gods and goddesses gathered to lure her out.  They tried everything they could think of to no avail until one goddess performed an outrageously ribald dance that caused the other gods to roar with laughter. Amaterasu left the cave to see what all the fun was about, and in doing so she returned her light to the world.     Amano Iwato Shrine About ten kilometers outside of central Takachiho, Amano Iwato Shrine was built near the Cave where Amaterasu is said to have hid herself away.   The cave cannot be approached, however, there is an observation deck behind the shrine’s main building from where you can gaze across the river. In order to access the observation deck, you need to inquire at the shrine entrance, and a priest will give you a quick guided tour.     Amano Yasukawara A short walk down the road from Amano Iwato Shrine is a path  that leads down to the river below. After a few minutes on this  path you will see neat little piles of stones stacked along the …

Amano Iwato Shrine…の続きを読む

  The Takachiho Gorge is a narrow chasm carved by the Gokase River. Its sheer volcanic basalt cliffs feature unique columns that resemble twisted dragon scales. Visitors can experience the gorge from below by rowing a rental boat down the calm, easy-to-navigate waters at its southern end.     Exploring Takachiho Gorge For a unique perspective, row a rental boat down the calm, easy-to-navigate waters at the south end of the gorge. This highly recommended experience offers breathtaking, close-up views of the sheer cliffs and the majestic waterfall.         Takachiho Gorge boat riding The most recommended activity at Takachiho Gorge is exploring the river by rental boat. The opportunity to witness majestic waterfalls and unique columnar joints together in one place is truly rare. We invite you to experience this breathtaking view from the water.    

Takachiho Gorge…の続きを読む

  Discover the natural wonders of Kumamoto on the Yusuge-go, a charming open-air trolley train running between Tateno and Takamori stations. Designed without windows to let you soak in the refreshing highland air, it offers a relaxing, scenic ride through the massive Aso Caldera.     Highlights of the Ride: ・Panoramic Views: Marvel at the majestic Aso Five Peaks and the lush, 　rural landscapes of the southern Aso region. ・Thrilling Bridges: Experience the excitement of crossing high railway 　bridges, including a stunning gorge over 60 meters deep. ・Heartwarming Guides: Enjoy lively commentary from the train staff, 　who share 　stories about the area’s rich history and crystal-clear water 　springs. ・Nostalgic Vibe: Relax in vintage-style carriages that evoke a sense 　of Japanese history and rural charm              

Aso Tourist Tram / Minami Aso Railwawy…の続きを読む

  The shrine has a long history, having been established 1,900 years ago. It enshrines the deities of agriculture, marriage, traffic safety, and protection against misfortune. Located just west of the town center, it is nestled in a grove of tall cedars. During the day, the shrine’s simple, unpainted buildings blend naturally with the surrounding trees. The filtering light brings with it an air of calm, peaceful reverence.     Today, this legend is reenacted through Yokagura, a series of 33 dances depicting the divine conflict and other deeds of the gods. On winter weekends, people gather to watch all-night performances held at different locations each week, including private homes. These performances take place on Saturday evenings from mid-November to mid-February.     Takachiho-no-Yokagura Today, this legend is reenacted through Yokagura, a series of 33 dances depicting the divine conflict and other deeds of the gods. On winter weekends, people gather to watch all-night performances held at different locations each week, including private homes. These performances take place on Saturday evenings from mid-November to mid-February.    

Takachiho shrine…の続きを読む

  The biggest shopping district in Kyushu island. It offers department stores, fashion boutiques and an extensive variety of cuisine and  fantastic restaurants and a street food stall Yatai.     If you change your perspective even slightly while walking through Tenjin, you will discover places that offer a glimpse into Fukuoka’s history, peaceful parks to take a break, and other surprising sights that leave a lasting impression.       Tenjin underground arcade   The cobblestone walks leading to the Tenjin Subway Station add a quaint atmosphere to this underground arcade. Shops in the arcade bring the fashion of Tokyo, Paris, Milan, London and New York to  Fukuoka.    

Tenjin…の続きを読む