The world’s tallest wooden Holy Mary-Kannon statue, with 10 meters in height. The statue is located in Minami-Shimabara-city, 10 minutes drive from Hara Castle Ruins,  where is the site of the Battle field of Shimabara Rebellion.   The statue was created by Sculptor Oyamatsu Eiji. Realizing in the youth that there were no commemorative monuments in Hara Castle, he decided to create a statue of Holy Mary after the visit of the Pope to Japan in 1981. In order to give peace to souls of the victims of Shimabara Rebellion, he kept creating  for 40 years on his own the statue as his personal masterpiece of lifetime. He hopes that the statue can provide relief to the soul and a place for healing, and christened the statue “Holy Mary-Kannon of Hara Castle” as a hope for peace, regardless of any religious belief.    

Holy Mary-Kannon of Harajo Castle, in Mi…の続きを読む

  Sanno Shrine is located approximately 800 meters away from the ground zero of Atomic bomb. The Shrine was instantly obliterated by the explosion and the 4000 degrees Celsius heat wave vaporized nearby trees. The only thing that remained is the Torii gate standing on a single column, reminding us of the tragedy that took place.     The surviving trees of Sanno Shrine have become another living demonstration of destruction and re-growth. Two large camphor trees were scorched, burned and stripped of all leaves by the Atomic bomb’s shock wave; and yet, despite everything, the trees survived. The surviving camphor trees are now a symbol of World Peace.        

Sanno Shrine…の続きを読む

  Dr. Nagai Takashi (3 February 1908 – 1 May 1951) was a Catholic physician specializing in radiology, an author, and a survivor of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. His subsequent life of prayer and service earned him the affectionate title “saint of Urakami”.     Nyokodo, which is adjacent to the Takashi Nagai Memorial Hall, is Dr. Takashi Nagai’s hospital room and study. This 2-tatami building was built as a new home for the doctor, with the generosity of the people of Urakami and fellow Catholics who were left penniless by the atomic bombing. The doctor named this building “Nyokodo,” meaning “Love your neighbor as yourself,” and spent his later years here. Dr. Nagai fought the onslaught of leukemia and worked hard to write even though he was bedridden. From this room of just two tatami mats, the doctor continued to harass the people of Urakami, writing novels such as “The Chains of the Rosary, ” “Leaving the Child,” “The River of Life,” and “The Bells of Nagasaki.   Massage for World Peace from Dr. Nagai The person who pray for peace must not hide even needles, for a person who possesses is not qualified to pray peace.      

Nyokodo, Dr. Nagai Takashi…の続きを読む

  The Church is dedicated to Antonio Ishida and others who were martyred in the Unzen jigoku from 1627 to 1632 and was built in 1982 to commemorate Pope John Paul II’s visit to Nagasaki.       The number of believers in the church is small, but many pilgrims visit, since it is also a place of martyrdom.    

Unzen Church…の続きを読む

  The site where Christian Gaspar Nishi Genka was martyred in 1609, located on Kurose Hill overlooking Nakae no shima between Hirado and Ikitsuki. The tomb facing the sea is called Gaspar-sama and is a revered place for Ikitsuki’s Hidden Christians. The cross-shaped “Kurose no Tsuji Martyrdom Monument” was erected by Catholics in 1991, and Mass is held every year around November 14th.      Gaspar Nishi Genka was the first martyr of Ikitsuki and the father of Thomas Rokuzaemon Nishi who was one of the 16 Saint of Nagasaki, dedicated in Nakamachi Church in Nagasaki.    

Kurose no Tsuji, martyrdom site of Gaspa…の続きを読む

  Josaien is located in Sakurano-baba, at the foot of Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s three greatest castles. It is a popular tourist attraction designed to enhance the appeal of the old castle town, conveying the rich food, history, and cultural traditions of Kumamoto City, the region’s most iconic symbol.        

Sakurano-baba Josaien…の続きを読む

  Discover the magic of Ibusuki, a unique hot spring resort at the southern tip of Kyushu. Famous for its world-renowned ‘Natural Sand Bath’ (Sunamushi), Ibusuki offers a rare wellness experience where you are buried in naturally heated volcanic sand while listening to the soothing sound of the waves. Surrounded by lush hibiscus and the iconic Mount Kaimon—often called the ‘Satsuma Fuji’—the city boasts a warm, tropical atmosphere year-round. Beyond the sand baths, you can relax in diverse hot springs overlooking Kinko Bay and indulge in the authentic hospitality of Southern Kagoshima.   Dining at an Ibusuki ryokan is a celebration of Southern Kagoshima’s rich agricultural and maritime heritage. The highlight is the world-famous ‘Kagoshima Black Pork’ (Kurobuta), celebrated for its delicate sweetness and tender texture, often served in a flavorful Shabu-shabu or as a succulent roast.        

Ibusuki onsen…の続きを読む

  We are a travel agency in Fukuoka specializing in Kyushu, Japan. This information is provided by Japan KYUSHU Tourist to support your journey.         Welcome to Beppu, the ‘Onsen Capital’ of the world. With over 2,000 hot spring sources and steam rising from every corner of the city, Beppu offers an unparalleled paradise for relaxation and healing. Explore the ‘Beppu Hatto’—eight distinct hot spring districts, each with its own history and mineral benefits. In addition to these districts, the city offers a variety of unique public facilities, such as the Michelin-starred ‘Hyotan Onsen,’ the famous mud baths of ‘Beppu Onsen Hoyo-land,’ and numerous free foot baths (Ashiyu) scattered throughout the streets.   Experience a unique culinary journey in Beppu, where the earth’s volcanic heat meets the ocean’s bounty. Savor ‘Jigoku-mushi’ (Hell Steaming), a traditional method using natural steam to lock in the flavors of fresh seafood and vegetables. Alongside premium ‘Bungo Beef’ and world-class ‘Seki-aji’ mackerel, every meal offers an unforgettable taste of Beppu’s rich natural heritage.              

Beppu onsen…の続きを読む

  We are a travel agency in Fukuoka specializing in Kyushu, Japan. This information is provided by Japan KYUSHU Tourist to support your journey.                                                Beautiful highland Onsen Resort situated Unzen National Park. The area was the first area to be designated as a National Park in Japan.  Whether you are taking in the stunning  panoramic views from top one of the many peaks including Nita-toge Pass or looking up these volcanic mountains or Fugen, you will marvel at the spectacular scenery.            

Unzen onsen…の続きを読む

  We are a travel agency in Fukuoka specializing in Kyushu, Japan. This information is provided by Japan KYUSHU Tourist to support your journey.       Experience a soak like no other at Aso Onsen, nestled within one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas. Surrounded by the majestic ‘Aso Gogaku’ (the five peaks of Aso) and vast emerald grasslands, these natural hot springs offer a profound connection with the earth’s energy. In addition to famous spots like Kurokawa and Uchimaki, the Aso region is dotted with numerous hidden gems. Around this massive caldera, you have a wealth of choices— from nostalgic village baths to secluded mountain retreats.       Experience a ‘Caldera Feast’ at Aso’s Japanese-style hotel (Ryokan), where the menu celebrates the region’s volcanic bounty. Savor the lean, tender umami of Aso Akaushi beef, raised on lush grasslands, alongside vibrant seasonal vegetables grown in mineral-rich soil. From river trout to rustic hearth-grilled ‘Dengaku,’ every dish offers an authentic taste of Aso’s pristine waters and rich agricultural heritage.           

Aso Onsen resort…の続きを読む