Kokura was the transportation hub from Honshu and all areas of Kyushu during Edo period from 17th to 19th century. The Castle town was constructed in the Kokura and Kokura Castle was build in 1602 and spent 7 years construction at the north side of Kokura facing to Kanmon strait and next to Murasaki river. The height of Castle tower is 6th tallest in Japan after Himeji Castle. The castle had a fivefold and six layered donjon and it was built in the architectural  style called “Kara-zukuri”. You can take many photos of traditional Japanese scenery that you have never seen before.   Castle tower   Moat around Castle tower   Around Castle     

Kokura Castle…の続きを読む

  Located in central Kyushu, Aso boasts one of the world’s largest calderas, spanning 18 km from east to west and 24 km from north to south. Formed by four prehistoric volcanic eruptions, the giant caldera is ringed by a 120 km outer rim. At its heart lie the iconic Five Peaks of Mt. Aso, featuring Mt. Nakadake—an active volcano where visitors can look directly into the crater from the rim.   Mount Nakadake Mount Nakadake is part of the Mount Aso group, which features five majestic peaks located within a massive caldera. This vast caldera stretches 25 km from north to south and 18 km from east to west. Standing at an altitude of 1,506 meters, Mount Nakadake is the most dynamic peak and remains one of the largest active volcanoes in Japan.   Kusasenri-ga-hama  A beautiful 785,000-square-meter prairie spreads at the foot of Mt. Eboshi, one of the Five Peaks of Aso. With a large pond at its center and grazing horses wandering freely, it offers a truly idyllic view. Visitors can enjoy horseback riding and walking year-round, experiencing Japan’s distinct seasons from vivid summer greens to a fantastic winter wonderland.   Daikanbo  Located on the northern edge of the Aso Caldera’s outer rim, Daikanbo offers the perfect panoramic views of the caldera and the Aso Five Peaks. Meaning “the peak of the grand observatory, ” …

Aso travel guide…の続きを読む