The Park offers stunning seasonal displays of flowers set against beautiful mountain scenery. Over 3 million flowers in 500 different varieties from spring to late autumn. The park covers 49 acres of the beautiful Kuju plateau, the Kuju mountain range making a stunning alpine back drop and the sleeping Buddha of Mount Aso, a vista in the distance.    

Kuju Flower Park…の続きを読む

  Kitsuki Castle is known as the smallest castle in Japan, perched on a plateau overlooking the Morie Bay. The view from the top offers a stunning panorama of the ocean and the surrounding valleys.      

Kitsuki Castle…の続きを読む

  Yakiniku is a popular Japanese style of BBQ, where you grill bite-sized slices of meat and vegetables on a griddle or charcoal grill right at your table. It is typically enjoyed with a savory-sweet soy-based dipping sauce      

Yakiniku…の続きを読む

  Gyudon is a classic Japanese comfort food consisting of thinly sliced beef and onions simmered in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce. Served over a bowl of rice, this dish dates back to the late 1800s and remains a favorite for all generations due to its delicious taste, quick service, and affordability.     The menu on the photo is Gyudon, shijimi kai (fresh water clam) soup and salad at the restaurant Sykiya which is Gyudon Chain restaurant.    

Gyudon…の続きを読む

  A dish made of wheat flour batter with eggs, vegetables, meat, seafood, noodles, and other desired ingredients added to it and grilled on a griddle. Eat with a special sauce, green seaweed, and dried bonito flakes.      There are different types of okonomiyaki depending on the region, such as Kansai-style okonomiyaki, in which ingredients are mixed into the batter and baked, and Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, in which noodles and other ingredients are layered in the batter.      

Okonomiyaki…の続きを読む

  Japan possesses a singular history of Christianity that is unparalleled elsewhere in the world. Christianity was introduced to Japan by Francis Xavier in 1549 and spread primarily throughout the Nagasaki region. However, the Shogunate later issued a ban on Christianity, forcing many believers to practice their faith in secret, which led to a long history of martyrdom in various locations. Finally, in 1873, the ban was lifted, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Japanese Christianity.  The Nagasaki region is home to a wealth of spiritual heritage, featuring historic churches, grand cathedrals, and profound pilgrimage sites that tell a story of resilience and faith.   Churches and Cathedrals Nagasaki  Nagasaki is the historical center of Christianity in Japan. It all started in the 16th century when Portuguese explorers and missionaries first arrived, making Nagasaki the gateway for Western culture and Christianity. Places of Worship Oura Cathedral, Urakami Cathedral, Hongouchi Church, Nakamachi Church Saint Filippo de Jesus Church ( Japan 26 Saints Memorial Church ) Sotome Sotome is a remote coastal area where Hidden Christians preserved their faith for centuries, and later, Father de Rotz helped the community by building churches and improving local life. Places of Worship Shitsu Church, Kurosaki Church Shimabara Shimabara is famous for the 1637–1638 Rebellion, a historic Christian uprising against persecution. To honor these martyrs, Shimabara Church was built in 1997, featuring a unique …

Christianity in Japan…の続きを読む

  The Architectural Splendor of Japan   Japanese traditional architecture—from the towering majesty of castles to the serene elegance of shrines and temples—is a testament to centuries of refined craftsmanship and a deep respect for nature.   What makes these structures truly remarkable is the mastery of wood. Using an ancient technique of interlocking joints, these grand buildings were often constructed without the use of a single nail. This method provides not only incredible durability and earthquake resistance but also a seamless, organic beauty that modern materials cannot replicate.   Whether it is the massive, curved stone walls of a castle designed for both defense and aesthetics, or the sweeping eaves of a temple that mimic the mountains around it, Japanese architecture is defined by harmony. It is not built to conquer the landscape, but to breathe with it. We invite you to experience this living history—where every pillar, garden, and roofline tells a story of a culture that seeks beauty in balance and eternity in craftsmanship.   With countless breathtaking views to discover, it is the perfect destination to capture unforgettable memories of your journey.     Japanese Castles: Architectural Masterpieces Japanese castles are more than just fortresses; they are architectural masterpieces that seamlessly blend military strength with artistic elegance ・Masterful Woodwork:Built using traditional Japanese carpentry, these structures 　feature …

Japanese Traditional Architecture…の続きを読む

  The winery established in 2002, and is located in Kuju-kogen plateau. Kuju Winery brews and produces their own original brand of wine at its 5 hectare vineyard, the largest one in the country. Available at the on-site shop are their brand of wine bottles and the original frozen yogurt topped with Kuju wine “Kyoho Zero.”      

Kuju Winery…の続きを読む

  Yaki Udon originated in Kokura, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, at a restaurant called “Darumado. The story dates back to 1945, right after World War II. During a severe food shortage, the owner struggled to find the Chinese noodles typically used for Yakisoba.   In a moment of inspiration, he decided to boil dried udon noodles and stir-fry them instead. This creative twist was the birth of “Kokura-style Yaki-udon,” which eventually spread across the entire country.      

Yaki Udon…の続きを読む

  Sushi is a popular Japanese dish consisting mainly of seafood on top of vinegared rice. Sushi has a wide variety of toppings, and you can enjoy sushi according to the season. Sushi dining in Japan spans a diverse spectrum, catering to every occasion—whether it be an exquisite omakase experience at a luxury counter, a casual neighborhood spot, or a fun and budget-friendly conveyor-belt restaurant.   There is a wide variety of sushi dining options to suit your preference   High-end Sush Exquisite “Omakase” dining where master chefs prepare the finest seasonal catches. Casual Sushi Popular local restaurants offering high quality at an everyday price Conveyor-belt Sushi (Kaiten-zushi) A fun, casual, and affordable way to enjoy a vast variety of sushi.        

Sushi…の続きを読む