Japanese Government selected Yawata as the site for construction of Japanese Steel Works from the 17 candidate sites across the country 1897. The 17 candidate locations are as follows. From the north; Aomori, Kamaishi, Shiogama, Chiba, Shinagawa, Tsurumi, Shizuoka, Wakayama, Umeda, Onomichi, Kure, Otake, Omuta, Nagasaki, Dairi (Kitakyushu-city), Itabitsu (Kitakyushu-city), Yawata (Kitakyushu-city)   The reasons selected Yawata are; Coal and limestone are available nearby Convenient sea and land transportation Large construction area Rich industrial water Yawata belongs to current Kitakyushu-city   And Construction activity of Steel Works was commenced in 1898.

Yawata was selected as Japanese Steel Wo…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

  Designed by Kenjiro Imai, this church features Gaudi-style twin towers and was built next to the Nishizaka Martyrdom site.   When plans were made to build a memorial hall for the 26 Japanese Saints next to the Nishizaka Martyrdom site, a generous donation was received from Mexico, leading to the church’s construction in 1962.   This church is dedicated to Felipe de Jesús, the first Mexican saint and one of the 26 Martyrs of Japan. He was a Franciscan Catholic missionary who sacrificed his life here.      

Saint Filippo de Jesus Church ( Japan 26…の続きを読む

  Itoshima oyster growing up in the rich nature of mountain and sea Itoshima oyster features mellow and sweet taste.  There are many Oyster Barbecue Huts at five fishing harbours. The huts only open during the season, from end of October to March or April.   The huts are simple in construction; just big vinyl tents filled with a few dozen tables, each with their own grill. You can get oysters, sazae (sea snails), prawns, fish and other seafood, fresh as fresh can be, by the crate. The hut provides the grill, tongs, cotton gloves, and other tools for you try your hand at grilling your own seafood. Cooking them right can be tricky, but learning is part of the fun. For oysters, try putting the flat side down first, flip after awhile, and wait for them to open from the heat.  Take them off the grill—gloves on of course—and open them the rest of the way with the provided knife. Add a touch of shoyu (soy sauce), ponzu (a tangy citrus-based sauce), lemon juice, or mayonnaise if you like and they’re ready to eat. If you’re unsure how to cook things, just look around at what the other tables are doing or wave over the helpful kakigoya staff.

Oyster Barbecue Hut in Itoshima…の続きを読む

  Father Maximilian Kolbe was born in Poland in 1894 and was a priest of the Conventual Franciscans. He was active in promoting the veneration of the Immaculate Virgin Mary.   He arrived in Japan in 1930, where he began educating seminarians and publishing a monthly magazine titled “The Knight of the Immaculata.   ” Following this, as more Japanese people came to understand God’s teachings, Hongochi Church was established in 1931.   After six years in Japan, he returned to Poland due to poor health. Later, during World War II, he volunteered to die in place of a stranger named Franciszek Gajowniczek at the Auschwitz concentration camp in German-occupied Poland.   The Saint Kolbe Memorial Museum was built in 1986 to commemorate his canonization.      

Saint Kolbe Memorial Museum, at Hongouch…の続きを読む

  Nakamachi Church is located near JR Nagasaki Station. In 1988, the church was dedicated to the 16 Martyrs of Nagasaki (St. Thomas Nishi and his 15 companions), who were martyred in Nagasaki between 1633 and 1637. To honor them, a monument was erected on the church grounds.     Following the 26 Saints of Japan, these 16 martyrs were canonized as saints in 1987.   Domingo Ibáñez de Erquicia, Dominican Priest (Spanish, 1633) Antonio Gonzalez, Dominican Priest (Spanish, 1637) Jordan Ansalone, Dominican Priest (Italian, 1634) Luke of the Holy Spirit, Dominican Priest (Spanish, 1633) Michael de Aozaraza, Dominican Priest (Spanish, 1637) Guillaume Courtet, Dominican Priest (French, 1637) Jacobo Kyushei Tomonaga, Dominican Priest (Japanese, 1633) Thomas Rokuzayemon Nishi, Dominican Priest (Japanese, 1634) Vincent Shiwozuka, Dominican Priest (Japanese, 1637) Francis Shōyemon, Dominican Lay Brother (Japanese, 1633) Matthew Kohioye, Dominican Novice (Japanese, 1633) Lorenzo Ruiz, Layman (Filipino, 1637) — The first Filipino saint Marina of Omura, Dominican Tertiary (Japanese, 1634) Magdalene of Nagasaki, Dominican Tertiary (Japanese, 1634) Michael Kurobioye, Layman (Japanese, 1633) Lazarus of Kyoto, Layman (Japanese, 1637)    

Nakamachi Church…の続きを読む

  Shirakabe-dori Avenue is located in Yoshii, Ukiha-city Time-honored scenery, back to 100 years ago. The Avenue is located in Yoshii-machi,  Ukiha-city.  Shirakabe, literary meaning is white wall. The avenue of houses with white wall were constructed about 100 years ago.  About 250 houses in the area has been designated as National important traditional buildings preservation district.   Featured Restaurant, Shirakabe The restaurant Shirakabe is in the former merchant’s building constructed in 1928. Japanese cuisines using best local ingredients that vary by season can be enjoyed. The chef who makes that cuisines also experienced the imperial family’s cook.

Yoshii, Shirakabe-dori Avenue…の続きを読む

  Yakiniku is grilled meat and a popular cuisine in Japan.     Grill beef, pork, seafood, and vegetables over an open flame in front of you and eat them with sauce.  

Yakiniku, 焼肉…の続きを読む

  Japanese people have loved cherry blossoms since ancient times. The blooming of cherry blossoms signals the arrival of beautiful spring.     In 2024, cherry blossoms in Kyushu will bloom from the end of March to the beginning of April. During that period, you can enjoy cherry blossoms in most places where you will visit in Kyushu.

Cherry blossom in Japan…の続きを読む

  The 26 Martyrs of Japan, the nation’s first Christian martyrs who were later canonized as saints, left behind a legacy of unwavering faith.   This tour traces their historic pilgrimage route from Fukuoka to Nishizaka by private transport. The highlight of the itinerary is a guided walking experience from Tokitsu Port to Nishizaka Hill—the very path the martyrs traveled on their final journey.     Inspiration: Sample Itinerary This itinerary is a curated glimpse into our bespoke experiences. Use it as a starting point, and allow us to tailor every detail to your personal interests and pace.   The Actual route of the 26 Martyrs’ Walk to Nagasaki     Overview Day 1: Hakata to Sonogi Port (120km). Retrace the martyrs’ four-day walking route in the comfort of a private vehicle. Day 2: Walking Pilgrimage (12km). Experience the original route from Togitsu Port to Nishizaka Hill, just as the 26 Saints did. Day 3: Nagasaki City Tour. Visit sacred sites related to the 26 Saints and Nagasaki’s most iconic landmarks by private vehicl     Day 1  Hakata to Sonogi Pilgrimage route   The tour travels the 120km route from Hakata to Sonogi by private vehicle in a single day, retracing the path that took the martyrs four days to walk.   Travelimg route  The tour will commence at the designated location in Fukuoka Follow the footsteps of the …

Walking Tour ー Path of the 26 Martyrs Wa…の続きを読む