Designed to replicate the beautiful scenery of Japan, this refined, Momoyama-style strolling garden represents the 53 stations of the Tokaido Road, including a miniature Mt. Fuji. The garden’s fresh springs release clean, cold water that flows from Mt. Aso via underground currents. In 1632,   Hosokawa Tadatoshi, the first Lord of the Kumamoto Domain, began its construction as a tea retreat and built a temple here called Suizenji. This beautiful garden evolved during the reigns of the fourth and fifth lords, taking about 80 years in total to complete.    

Suizenji-koen Park…の続きを読む

  Nabegataki Waterfall is a scenic tourist spot located just outside Oguni Town in the Aso region. As one of the area’s most famous waterfalls, it resembles a miniature Niagara Falls. Notably, visitors can actually walk behind the wide curtain of water to experience a unique viewpoint.     The hidden tourist spot   in Aso region  View from outside of the  Waterfalls  View from behind the  Waterfalls   As a very unique waterfall, you can actually walk behind the falls to see how the water has carved out the rock over the years.      

Nabegataki Watarfalls…の続きを読む

  The cathedral is one of the most significant Christian pilgrimage sites in Japan. Established in 1865, this church is officially known as “Oura Cathedral, the Church of the 26 Martyrs.” It was built by Father Bernard Petitjean, a French priest from Fier, who had been dispatched by the Paris Foreign Missions Society to offer prayers for the 26 saints martyred on Nishizaka Hill. For this reason, the cathedral directly faces Nishizaka Hill. It was designated as a National Treasure in 1933 in recognition of its historical value as Japan’s oldest Gothic-style cathedral.   On March 17, 1865, a group of peasants from Urakami visited the church and professed their secret faith to Father Petitjean, revealing that Christianity had survived through centuries of intense persecution. The white marble statue of the Holy Mother at the entrance was erected to commemorate this dramatic discovery of the “Hidden Christians.   The cathedral also welcomed Pope John Paul II in 1981, followed by Mother Teresa (Saint Teresa of Calcutta) in 1982.  

Oura Cathedral…の続きを読む

  The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum opened in April 1996 as part of a project commemorating the 50th anniversary of the atomic bombing. The museum replaced the Nagasaki International Cultural Hall, which had previously exhibited a vast collection of artifacts related to the bombing.   The museum exhibits numerous photographs and artifacts that depict the devastation caused by the atomic bomb. Its displays also cover the history leading up to that tragic day, the development of nuclear weapons, and our enduring desire for peace.          

Atomic Bomb Museum…の続きを読む

  If you look to the right while facing the Ground Zero Monument, you will see a section of the damaged brick wall from the former Urakami Cathedral. The church was originally located about 500 meters northeast of the epicenter, on the same site as the modern, rebuilt Urakami Cathedral. The construction of the original building began in 1895 and continued until 1925, when the twin steeples were finally completed.   Ruin of destroyed Urakami Cathedral Ruin of destroyed Urakami Cathedral Present Urakami Cathedral   Known at that time as the largest church in the Orient, the imposing red-brick structure was devastated by the atomic bomb explosion, which tragically killed a large number of parishioners. In 1958, an 11-meter-tall section of the damaged southern wall was relocated to the Atomic Bomb Hypocenter Park. The cathedral was later rebuilt in honor of those who were lost; it was reconstructed in 1959 and further renovated in 1980 to restore its brick appearance, just a year before the Pope’s historic visit.      

Ruins of Urakami Cathedral…の続きを読む

  Construction of the original Urakami Cathedral, a brick Romanesque building, began in 1895 after the long-standing ban on Christianity was lifted. When completed in 1914, it was the largest Catholic church in East Asia.     The atomic bomb that detonated on August 9, 1945, exploded in Urakami, just 500 meters from the cathedral, completely destroying it. The remains of the original cathedral are now on display at the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. A replacement church was built in 1959 and was remodeled in 1980 to more closely resemble the original brick building.     The nearby the Ground Zero in Peace Park contains remnants of the Ruins of Urakami Cathedral.    

Urakami Cathedral…の続きを読む

  Beppu is one of the most famous onsen resorts in Japan. The resort is located on a slope extending from Mount Tsurumi to Beppu Bay, where onsen steam rises from everywhere. Boasting more than 2,800 hot spring sources and a flow rate of nearly 137,000 kiloliters per day, Beppu is considered a hot spring paradise famous for its high therapeutic effects.   The most recommended experiences are taking the ropeway up Mount Tsurumi and exploring the famous “Hells” (Jigoku) tour. The town is divided into eight major hot spring areas collectively called “Beppu Hatto,” each offering beautiful scenery and various types of spring water with unique therapeutic qualities.         Beppu Hell Tour The most famous attractions are the “Jigoku Meguri” (Hells Tour), a collection of spectacular  hot springs where water bubbles up from underground in unique and unusual ways. Five of the hells are located in the Kannawa district, about 4 km northwest of Beppu Station, while the remaining two are in the more remote Shibaseki district.             Foot bath Have you ever tried a foot bath? Known as “ashiyu” in Japanese, these are public hot springs where you can soak your feet to relax.  In Beppu, you can easily find ashiyu spots throughout the Kannawa  area, conveniently located near the “Hells” tour sites.   Hyotan Onsen, sand bath Beppu’s …

Beppu travel guide…の続きを読む

  The Shrine of Hakata Gion Yamagasa Festival.  Located in Hakata nearby Canal City Hakata and was built in 757 as a guardian deity of Hakata. The most exciting summer festival in Kyushu, Hakata Gion Yamakasa is held in the shrine in July. The tall Kazari Yamakasa, a luxuriously decorated float, is always displayed.     The float was constructed without using even a single nail. The Oi Yamakasa, in which floats weighing over a ton race through the streets of Hakata carried on the shoulders of 26 people, presents a dynamic spectacle of bravery and strength that attracts many spectators. The shrine is also famous for its annual Setsubun (bean-throwing) ceremony, which takes place every year on February 3rd.    

Kushida Shrine…の続きを読む

  Aso Shrine is one of Japan’s oldest and most prominent shrines, said to have been founded in 282 BCE before the accession of Emperor Jimmu. It is widely worshipped for its blessings, including protection against traffic accidents, warding off evil (exorcism), matchmaking (marriage), and academic success (learning).     The shrine is located in the center of the Aso Caldera, which is famous for being one of the world’s largest inhabited calderas.     Hiburi-shinji Festival          

Aso Shrine…の続きを読む

  Kinrinko lake is the landmark in Yufuin. Hot water gushes from the bottom of the lake, and hot steam rises from its surface on a cold day. The lake is located at the end of the town’s main walking route, about a kilometer and a half from the Yufuin station.     Walking paths surround the lake as well as more small shops and cafes,  and there is a small shrine located at the lake’s southern end.          Shitan-yu        Floral Village      Coffee restaurant             Shopping Street            Kamenoi Besso        Rickshaw    

Kinrinko lake…の続きを読む