Shochu is a Japanese distilled beverage less than 45% alcohol by volume.  Typically shochu contains 25% alcohol by volume, which is weaker than whisky or standard-strength vodka but stronger than wine and sake. Takahashi Shuzo is a Shochu brewery in Hitoyoshi founded in 1900. You can sample many kind of Shochu at Takahashi shuzo.      

Shochu brewery in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto-pr…の続きを読む

  Aoi Aso Shrine, located in Kami-Aoi-cho, Hitoyoshi-city, was designated as the first national treasure in Kumamoto-prefecture by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in 2008, as “an extremely outstanding Important Cultural Property and one with particularly deep cultural and historical significance.” The shine is the oldest extant shrine in the Hitoyoshi-city. It dates from 806 and bears similarities in layout to the imperial palace of that time in Heiankyo (now Kyoto), which was built in 794. Most of the current shrine buildings date from 1610 and are a blend of several architectural styles with some unusual decorative details.  An iconic symbol of the shrine The approach to the worship hall passes through the two-story romon gate. The gate is 12 meters high, with a steeply angled thatch roof. The transoms are decorated with dynamic carvings, including episodes from a series of Confucian teachings (the Twenty-Four Exemplars of Filial Piety) and a pair of carved white faces at each of the four corners. The carved faces are the only known carvings of their kind in Japan and represent the emotions of pleasure, anger, sorrow, and joy.          

Aoi Aso Shrine, in Hitoyoshi…の続きを読む

  Aoi Aso Shrine, located in Kami-Aoi-cho, Hitoyoshi-city, was designated as the first national treasure in Kumamoto-prefecture by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in 2008, as “an extremely outstanding Important Cultural Property and one with particularly deep cultural and historical significance.” The shine is the oldest extant shrine in the Hitoyoshi-city. It dates from 806 and bears similarities in layout to the imperial palace of that time in Heiankyo (now Kyoto), which was built in 794. Most of the current shrine buildings date from 1610 and are a blend of several architectural styles with some unusual decorative details.  An iconic symbol of the shrine The approach to the worship hall passes through the two-story romon gate. The gate is 12 meters high, with a steeply angled thatch roof. The transoms are decorated with dynamic carvings, including episodes from a series of Confucian teachings (the Twenty-Four Exemplars of Filial Piety) and a pair of carved white faces at each of the four corners. The carved faces are the only known carvings of their kind in Japan and represent the emotions of pleasure, anger, sorrow, and joy.          

Aoi Aso Shrine, in Hitoyosi, Kumamoto-pr…の続きを読む

  The most popular hot spring resort in Aso region, located on the northern side of  Mount Aso.  Widely known for its open-air baths, it is one of the best places to enjoy the atmosphere  of old town in Japan, where more than 20 Inns (Ryokan）and gift shops standing in a row along the Tanoharu River, a headstream of the Chikugo River.           

Kurokawa Onsen Trail, in Kumamoto-prefec…の続きを読む

  Kaichu Torii gates in the sea have become a popular photo spot when the tide is high. The “Floating Torii Gate” of Ouo Shrine stands on the shallow area of the ocean in Tara-cho, which has 6 meter tide difference. It changes its appearance every time you look at it, and it is a famous tourist spot. In August, Yukino Lantern Festival will be held, the view of 500 lanterns and torii on the ocean is very romantic.  

Kaichu Torii, in Saga-prefecture…の続きを読む

  The most historical and traditional local shopping street in Hakata. The entrance of the shopping street is located next to Kushida Shrine.  Approximately 130 shops built in the 400 metre arcade. There are also souvenir shops including Hakata dolls, shops collected Hakata Gion Yamakasa goods, restaurants included Ramen shop where the birth place of Nagahama Ramen. On the weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, various events are held at the Event square.

Kawabata-dori Shopping Street, in Fukuok…の続きを読む

  Uomachi and Kyomachi Ginteigai are the arcade downtown shopping streets connected from JR Kokura Station in Kitakyushu-city. The literal meaning of Gintengai is the Silver roof arcade shopping street and Uomachi Gintengai is the birth place of Japanese arcade shopping street constructed in 1991. Now, there are many kind of fantastic shops and restaurant along the street.  

Uomachi & Kyomachi Shopping street, in K…の続きを読む

  Nanzoin is a Shingon Buddhist Temple in Sasaguri, Fukuoka-prefecture. It is notable for its bronze statue of a reclining Buddha, said to be the largest bronze statue in the world. Completed in 1995, the giant bronze Reclining Buddha statue, known as Nehanzo, depicts the historical Buddha at the moment of his death and entry into nirvana. The statue’s impressive dimensions and intricate details make it a sight to behold, attracting visitors from all over the world. length : 41m, height : 11m, weight 330ton      

Nanzoin Temple, Reclining Buddha statue…の続きを読む

  A salt making plant by the ancient production method. Mataichino shio  “Kobo Totan” located in Shima-cho, Itoshima peninsula. A salt and a magnesium chloride are produced with Genkai sea water by the ancient production method.  The salt pudding is recommended​​.  

Mataichino shio  “Kobo Totan", in Itoshi…の続きを読む

  The peaceful Sotome, the setting of Endo Shusaku’s novel Silence. Sotome area of Nagasaki city has an abundance of natural beauty in its sea, mountains and rivers. It also is blessed with a unique history and culture of Christianity. In particular, the area in which the Endo Shusaku Literary Museum stands is known as the site of a Christian village, one of Endo’s most notable work, Silence. From the literary museum, there is a magnificent view. In a sweep of eye one can see sun as it majestically sets over the sea of Goto, along with the Silence Literary Monument in Shitsu Bunka Mura. Endo Shusaku and the Sotome area are linked through Silence ; this bond has been built up starting from when Endo was writing the novel, and continues into the present day with the construction of literary museum. Following Endo Shusaku’s death, this Literary Museum was established thanks to kindness of his family, and was filled with Endo’s persona belongings, mementoes, manuscripts, and his extensive collection of books.  The Museum exhibits trace the footsteps of Endo Shusaku as one of Japan’s greatest writers of literature. In addition, it has facilities for collecting, preserving, and exhibiting materials related to Endo’s public perusal and research, and operating as an information center.   Note : Silence Silence is a 1966 novel of theological fiction by author Endo Shusaku, …

Endo Shusaku Literary Museum, in Sotome,…の続きを読む