Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Samurai Street: Shimabara, Nagasaki Prefecture

Shimabara Samurai Street in Nagasaki commemorates the old samurai section of Shimabara City on the Shimabara Peninsular.  This famous street is lined with stone walls and a spring water canal running down its center.  Three samurai houses have been restored and opened as exhibits to the public to restore the image and the traditions of this old Samurai town.  It is an extremely picturesque setting and perfect for a great photo shoot as images of feudal Japan came racing back into your consciousness from many of those movies and books you have read from your youth.

There aren't too many places left in Japan where one can step back in time and literally feel what it was like to live in these exciting yet dangerous times in Japan where the Samurai yielded ultimate power and demanded total respect.  The houses are basic and it is evident that living was quite antiquated and very traditional.   The kitchen too was very rudimentary and of course a lot on ingenuity was needed to cook and prepare the food for the huge number of immediate family as well as extended family, guest and of course acquaintances that visited the house every now and then.

The canal was used by all of the district and the water source was controlled and looked after communally.  A great example of group dynamics where everyone within the community helped each other unlike today's society that is built on greed, destroying the natural resources around us and lacking compassion of our fellow man.  Sometimes i think it wouldn't have been too bad to live in these feudal times especially when comparing to the issues that we face today.

This site always rates highly on our Private Nagasaki Tours.

Check out the Shimabara Samurai Street in Nagasaki on a map:

Click on the photos below to enlarge:

A restored Samurai House



Samurai Kitchen

Natural Spring water running the length of the street









Traditional Samurai setting











Taking a closer look


Family setting

Typical Samurai Pose



Water for the community


Old thatched roofs

From the outside



About the family


Please take a look at the Shimabara Samurai Street here on this video:



Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Nanzoin Temple: Fukuoka Prefecture

Situated in the remote countryside on the outskirts of Fukuoka City, is one of the most remarkable places you will find in Nanzoin Temple.  I have been to hundreds of ho hum Temples all over Japan but without a doubt this Temple has been absolutely the most amazing place you could hope to visit.

The Nanzoin Temple is home to the largest Reclining Buddha in Japan and possibly the world.  The actual dimensions of the Statue are 41 metres long by 11 metres in height and it weighs in at 300 tons, so as you can see it ain`t small!

A Reclining Buddha is a relatively rare site in Japan as most are sitting or standing.  Sitting indicates that the Buddha is meditating whilst the reclining pose represents the fact that the Buddha is just about to die and enter the state of Nirvana.  This state is much more common in South East Asian countries such as Thailand and Laos, so we have discovered a rare find here in the rural confines of Fukuoka.

Not only is the Temple well known for its Reclining Buddha but in fact the rest of the Temple is pretty spectacular in itself.  Every twist and turn (there are many) unfolds another attraction, another place or worship and another set of Statues, although obviously not as big as the reclining Buddha.

I have been here more than a dozen times now and each time is just as special as the first.  I haven`t had a customer and or a friend complain or say anything at is isn`t an adjective or a positive comment about this incredible Temple.  I am sure you will feel the same way upon your visit!

Nanzoin Temple is a great start to an amazing day that you will have with your group privately touring the best that Fukuoka has to offer.

Here is Nanzoin Temple on a map, click here to see:

Please click on the photos below to enlarge:


Interesting figures





Amazing feet

Guardian

Very Rural location


The Head of the Buddha


Lots to see




Absolutely Massive


Interesting 


Full shot

Breathtaking Shot




Please click on the videos below to view:



Monday, October 22, 2018

Fukuoka Airport: Fukuoka Prefecture

If you are visiting Fukuoka it is most likely that you will be arriving by Airplane or by Cruise Ship.  If it is the former then these 2 videos below will be handy for you and your party as it will give you an idea of what it will look like to arrive and depart into the largest airport in Kyushu.

Fukuoka Airport is centrally located and only a 10 minute subway ride into the main area of Fukuoka City, being the Hakata and the Tenjin areas which are where most of the Hotels and Accomodations are located.

In short, a very efficient and timely way to get to your destination in the shortest time possible and a chance to relax or stretch your legs once you have arrived where you need to be.

Check out Fukuoka Airport here on a map:

Check out these 2 videos of yours truly arriving and departing from Fukuoka Airport.