Accurate Japanese map completed by Ino Tadataka in 1821

 

Ino Tadataka started surveying the land of Japan at the age of 56, and

spent 17 years creating Japan’s first accurate map of Japan based on actual

measurements.

The map was completed in 1821, three years after his death.

Siebold came to Japan in 1823 as a Dutch doctor, and not only introduced

Western culture to Japan, but also passionately researched and collected

materials about Japan.

When he was returning to Dutch, he was found hiding a secret Japanese

map made by Ino Tadataka, and was ordered to be deported.

However, at that time, he succeeded in secretly copying the map and

taking it with him.

Siebold introduced Japan to the West through the maps and materials he

brought back.

This information served as a reference when Mathew C Perry visited Uraga

in 1853.

Kawara Sobe, 瓦そば

 

Kawara soba is a local cuisine which Soba noodles and meat are cooked together on a Kawara

(stone roof tile) and dipped into a special sauce when eating it. It is said that the hints were

obtained from the time when during the Seinan civil war in 1877, soldiers of Satsuma who

surrounded the Kumamoto castle used kawara (stone roof tiles) to cook wild plants and meat.

 

It is said that the hints were obtained from the time when during the Seinan civil war in 1877,

soldiers of Satsuma who surrounded the Kumamoto castle used kawara (stone roof tiles) to

cook wild plants and meat.

Onsen resorts in Aso

 

Aso possesses the world’s largest Caldera with 18km west-east and 24 km north-south,

created by 4 times of explosive volcanic activity in the ancient time, 3 million years ago.

Surrounding the caldera is the world’s largest outer mountain, and there are 5 mountains.

There are many Onsen resorts where are located mountain foot of outer mountain.

Onsen resorts are;

Takamori, Minami-Aso, Tarutama, Toshinoki, Akamizu, Uchionomaki, and Kurokawa

Kawachi Wisteria Garden, in Kitakyushu-city

 

Kawachi Wisteria Garden is a private garden at the Mountain foot of Sarakura in 

Kitakyushu-city and famous for its spectacularly presented, large numbers of wisteria flowers. The garden is opened to the public seasonally

during the wisteria season which usually peaks around late April to middle of May.

 

The garden’s most prominent features are two, roughly 100 meter long tunnels made of wisteria

trees of differing varieties and colors, ranging from white to dark purple.

Yame Central Tea Plantation, in Yame

 

The country of Green Tea, Yame.  The Green Tea grown in Yame is one of the highest grade

of tea throughout Japan.  This is the large Tea plantation spreading on a gently sloping hilly

area, about 70 ha.

There is an observatory at the top of hill,  Ariake bay as well as Shimabara Peninsula in

Nagasaki-prefecture can be seen on sunny days.

Hokohara martyrdom place in Omura

 

This is a place related to the Kori-kuzure incident in Omura in 1657 in which

a large number of hidden Christians were arrested.

As many as 608 Christians were arrested, making it a rare and major incident

in the history of Christian oppression.

411 Christians were beheaded, and 131 of them were martyred at Hokohara

martyrdom place.

As a result of this incident, the Omura domain began implementing even stricter

policies prohibiting Christianity.

The believers have erected the monument to commemorate the martyrdom

at this location.

26 Saints Pilgrimage route on January 29 in 1597

 

The route of this day was from Akama in Munakata to Wajiro, the distance

was 21 km.

Started at Akama accommodation and using Karatsu walking road, they went to

Wajiro passing through Koga and Shingu.

Accommodation was Wajiro where faced Hakata bay, in order to cross from

Saitozaki to Shikanoshima the next day.

Okawachiyama porcelain district, in Imari

 

Imari is most notable because of Imari porcelain which has 400 years history.

The city borders Arita to the south and embraces the natural port of Imari Bay.

The porcelain was exported from the port of Imari specifically for the European

export trade.

Okawachiyama porcelain district

Originally, an owner of the Imari porcelain was Nabeshima clan, in order to develop 

and protect its outstanding technique, he gathered skilled artisans and painters in 

Okawachiyama district. Now. about 30 potteries are manufacturing Imari porcelain.

Starbucks at Dazaifu Shrine approach path

 

Coffee break under the traditional atmosphere. The restaurant was designed by renown

architecture designer Kengo Kuma in 2011. The concept of the design is Harmony of

Modern and traditional by natural material; 2000 cedar timber is assembled in a traditional

wood structure without using nails. Enjoy the luxurious time in the warmth of wood and the

scent of coffee.

26 Saints Pilgrimage route on January 28 in 1597

 

The route of this day was from Kokura in Kitakyushu to Akama in Munakata via Koyanose ,

the distance was 34.5 km.

Started at Kokura accommodation around Kokura Castle, and walked to Tobata port

along the Kanmon Strait.

Transfered to Wakamatsu from Tobata by a boat.

Walked to Akama through Ashiya and Koyanose, and  then stayed at Akama.