Tsunoshima: Yamaguchi Prefecture

Tsunoshima is a 4 square kilometer, hourglass-shaped island located on the Sea of Japan and facing the straits of Tsushima.

Please check out Tsunoshima here on a map below:

Obviously the most sought after experience is the scenic coastal drive across Tsunoshima Bridge, a 1,780-meter-long, toll-free bridge connecting the westernmost tip of Yamaguchi to the picturesque Tsunoshima Island. The island is frequently used as a filming location for TV dramas and commercials because of its beautiful scenery and cobalt blue sea. When looking at all the cars from the observation point you can see immediately that people have come from afar to participate in this adventurous place. This attraction has garnered a lot of attention over the last 4 or 5 years and you can expect quite a bit more traffic on weekends and public holidays.

Please click on the pictures below to enlarge:

It is worth visiting the first Western-style lighthouse constructed in Japan is the Tsunoshima Lighthouse. The lighthouse opened in 1876 and is a designated National Important Cultural Property due to its historical and cultural value. It is one of only 16 lighthouses in Japan that can be climbed. Walk up the 105-step spiral staircase and take in panoramic views of the island and sea from the observation deck. However you must be warned, people like myself who are afraid of heights shouldn't climb to the top. Actually those who have issues with tight spaces are also not encouraged to enter the facility as well. If it wasn't for my professionalism (I only include locations on my itineraries that have been visited in advance) I would have skipped this climb to the top. I must admit that the views are spectacular but in all honesty it isn't something that I will do again, once is enough!

For those who don't feel the need to climb whether it be because of mobility reasons or because they don't want to risk injury (the lighthouse is well over 150 years old) there is an interesting museum to explore. There isn't a lot of information in English but it has many interesting facts and figures about lighthouses in general and specifically the lighthouse history in Japan.

Click on these photos below to see why and to enlarge:

There are restaurants scattered around the island. Locally caught grilled squid is just one of the local specialties offering an authentic taste of Yamaguchi coastal life. Its crunchy texture and mouth-watering sweetness make it an unforgettable experience.

Tsunoshima offers an island escape where you can free your mind with natural scenery with it's beaches a massive highlight even out of summer.

Please click below to enlarge and see the magnificent scenery:

Please click on these videos before to see more about the attractions available on Tsunoshima Island:

Ao no Domon Tunnel- Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture

Aonodomon, which translates in English as "Blue Tunnel," is a hand-carved tunnel in Nakatsu City that took over 30 years to make. Of course this tunnel is not made by nature! It is in fact hand made by a Buddhist monk  who, while passing Yabakei during his travels, was alarmed to see people and horses losing their lives on the treacherous mountain road. He later carved out the original 185 meter tunnel to allow travelers safe passage through the Yabakei mountains. Today, pedestrians and vehicles pass through the iconic cliff and mountain formation.

Legend has it that before the tunnel was built, people had to climb over the cliffs through which the tunnel is built to reach an important local shrine. During the Edo period (1603 to 1867), a Monk named Zenkai, who had committed a murder in his earlier life, decided to build a safe passage for worshipers in order to atone for his crime. Beginning at the age of 49, he dedicated 30 years of his life to digging the 185 meter tunnel by hand, using only a hammer and chisel. The tunnel was opened for use in 1763 and it is still in use today. Talk about longevity!

This location is a major tourist destination as the drive thru the various gorges and thru the mountains is quite spectacular and picturesque. In fact during the autumn months especially on weekends there can be a huge wait just to get into a line in order to drive thru this unique tunnel. In fact, because of this popularity it is basically impossible to do a tour thru this region in those circumstances as time is obviously a issue for those who have to get back on time to their Cruise Terminals. For these customers a subsequent itinerary will be formulated.

I can't tell you how many times I have visited this area of Oita Prefecture, but its at least 30 times and in each occasion I must tell you the feelings of amazement are absolutely palatable.  It's an attraction that will knock your socks off and or leave you speechless all at the same time.

Please check out the location of the Aonodomon Tunnel on a map below:

 

Please click on these pictures below to enlarge:

English explanation

The Monk, Zenkai

Picturesque

Signage

Start of the tunnel

185m long

Scenic views abound

From the parking area

The shrine entrance

Peek a boo

Please click on the following videos to see more about the Aonodomon Tunnel in Oita Prefecture:

Atago Inari Shrine: Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture

Atago Shrine is one of those places that you hear about a lot but actually never actually get to. It is positioned in an area that has many more famous attractions and thus seems to get left off most agendas and itineraries.

One this fine sunny day, I decided to take the plunge and check it out.  Of course once I got there I was kicking myself, wondering why in the world had I left it too long for a first visit?

Atago Shrine is perched up on a hill with an amazing scenery of the western part of the city with obviously spectacular views of the 2 standout landmarks of the area, namely the Fukuoka Tower and the Fukuoka Dome/ Hilton Seahawk Hotel.  In fact, I am sure that there is no where else in the city that offers these panoramic views.

The shrine itself is nothing special and there are many more important and impressive shrines in and around Fukuoka City but I can tell you this there aren't any with better views than this one. I have been told by a few good friends that the sunsets here are sublime as the sun sets in a westerly direction. Haven't had the chance to be here during that time but it's just another to do, and on the list.  When I finally do, I will post it here.

Please see the Atago Inari Shrine on a map below:

 

Please click on the photos below to enlarge:

Spectacular views

The gate entrance

People come for the view

It's a popular place.

The Shrine itself is non-descript

What a view!

Fukuoka Tower

Need an amulet?

Please click on the videos below to see more of the Atago Inari Shrine.