Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum is a familiar flower to Japanese as the symbol
of the Imperial Family and a symbol of longevity and rejuvenation.
The Chrysanthemum exhibition is held annually in autumn from mid October
to mid November in many shrines, temples and gardens throughout Japan.
Hinamatsuri, girls Festival
Hinadoll is displayed at the Hina matsuri ( girls Festival) to celebrate for family with young
girls to pray for their good health and happiness.
Hina matsuri is a traditional Japanese event that announces the arrival of spring and
are held many places.
Imamura Cathedral, in Fukuoka-prefecture
Imamura Cathedral is located in Tachiarai, Fukuoka-prefecture.
A Christian group was born in this region in the late 16th century.
When Christianity was banned, I continued my faith as a hidden Christian.
The twin-towered Romanesque-style brick Cathedral planned by Father
Tamotsu Honda and completed in 1923 with financial aid from foreign countries.
It was designed and constructed by Yosuke Tetsukawa, who was a master
church builder at the time.
The Cathedral has been designated as a national important cultural property.
Yamano Church, in Hirado
Yamano Church was built in 1924 in the Yamano area, where is halfway of
Mount Yasuman. Most people living in this area are Christians.
The ancestors of the Yamano village fled persecution from Nishisonogi and
Sotome to Goto island during ban on Christianity.
However, they were unable to live on Goto island, so they moved to this area of
Hirado Island between 1820 and 1830.
Nokonoshima Island, in Fukuoka-city
Nokonoshima, in the middle of Hakata Bay Beautiful flowers can be enjoyable throughout
the year. Rapeseed blossom, Cherry blossom, Livingstone daisy Poppy, Rhododendro,
Marigold, Hydrengea, Plumed cockscomb, Dahlia, Sunflower, Cockspur coral tree
Bougainvillea, Scarlet sage, Cosmos, Dahlia, Autumn leaves, Scarlet sage, Japanese
narcissus, Japanese camellia, Plum.
The breath taking panoramic view of the Hakata Bay can also be enjoyed.
Restaurant Sakimon, Barbecue house, Retro Shop Omoideya Shop Shimaya, Art Gallery
Warabekan, Gift Shop.
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.
Sakurai Futamigaura, in Itoshima
A beautiful sunset scenic spot at Genkai Sea. The place is selected as Japan’s 100 scenic
beauty sunset beach. Located in Genkai Quasi-National Park. The married rock is connected
by the large Shimenawa with 30 metre length and 1 ton weight. Male rock is 11.8 metre high
and Female rock is 11.2 metre height.
Shimenawa is the thick, twisted, straw rope. It was believed in ancient days that a Shimenawa
had the power to keep off evil sprits, so many objects connected with Shinto Shrines decorated
with Shimenawa.