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.

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.

Shimabara Peninsula Martyrs Memorial Cathedral

This Cathedral is house of prayer for tens of thousands Christians who were martyred

between 1612 and 1658 throughout the Shimabara Peninsula.

It was built in 1997 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the martyrdom of 26

Japanese Saints and the 360th anniversary of the Shimabara Rebellion.

The Cathedral is a beautiful octagonal building with a large octagonal dome.

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.