Please click on the images below to enlarge:
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The contrasts are amazing!!
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| Very pretty hues |
Friday, September 21, 2012
Sunsets in Nagasaki and Fukuoka Prefecture
Both Nagasaki and Fukuoka are blessed with natural beauty and surrounded nearly completely with coastline, so it is not often that a spectacular sunset cannot be seen on a regular occasion. Luckily on one of my scenic drives I had my camera at the ready to shoot these amazing sunsets. Hard to resist having a second look!
Please click on the images below to enlarge:
Please click on the images below to enlarge:
Monday, September 17, 2012
Kanahama Fault Geopark, Nagasaki Prefecture
The Kanahama Fault is not the main fault on the Shimabara Peninsular, situated on the south east coast of Nagasaki Prefecture. There are many faults located on the Peninsular, the main fault is the Chijiwa fault which subsides in the north whilst the Kanahama Fault subsided in the south and the trench between the two faults is called the Unzen Trough Fault. The Kanahama Fault with its throw of 150~200m shows the sedimentary layers from the old Unzen Volcano from approx 300 000 to 500 000 years ago.
Looking up the valley from the seaside you can see the deposits from the old Unzen Volcano on the right (south side) and the deposits from a midterm volcano (approx. 150,000 to 300,000 years ago) on the left (north side). As the Unzen Trough Fault kept subsiding through volcanic eruptions, the deposits from the midterm volcano could not reach beyond the south of the Kanahama Fault.
It's amazing to see the effects of events that happened hundreds of thousands of years ago and how they still exist and create a huge impact today. I used to enjoy the scenery and drive endlessly around the Peninsular but today with the knowledge I have obtained with the Geopark materials that are available I am able to enjoy in more detail the amazing places that are still within a stones throw away. Please let me know if you would like more information on Nagasaki Geopark in English and I can help you obtain them.
Check out the Kanahama Fault Nagasaki Geopark on a map!
Looking up the valley from the seaside you can see the deposits from the old Unzen Volcano on the right (south side) and the deposits from a midterm volcano (approx. 150,000 to 300,000 years ago) on the left (north side). As the Unzen Trough Fault kept subsiding through volcanic eruptions, the deposits from the midterm volcano could not reach beyond the south of the Kanahama Fault.
It's amazing to see the effects of events that happened hundreds of thousands of years ago and how they still exist and create a huge impact today. I used to enjoy the scenery and drive endlessly around the Peninsular but today with the knowledge I have obtained with the Geopark materials that are available I am able to enjoy in more detail the amazing places that are still within a stones throw away. Please let me know if you would like more information on Nagasaki Geopark in English and I can help you obtain them.
Check out the Kanahama Fault Nagasaki Geopark on a map!
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Shimabara Peninsular: Nagasaki Prefecture
The Shimabara Peninsular in Nagasaki is a popular Hot Spring and hiking destination that lies to the east of Nagasaki City. Formed by the volcanic eruptions of Mount Unzen at its center, Shimabara Peninsular was the site of several deadly volcanic eruptions, including recent eruptions in the early 1990's.
Today the volcano is dormant but its byproduct which we all love and need, piping hot spring water which we use for bathing and other activities such as steaming food and recently with the need for Japan to recycle and find a cleaner and less dangerous energy source (that being Nuclear Reactors) communities and industry are using the steam from the Hot Springs to produce electricity for everyone to use in order to make themselves self sufficient and reduce their carbon print on Mother Nature.
The Shimabara Peninsular is also known for the Shimabara Rebellion, a significant peasant uprising during the Edo Period in the 15th Century that eventually cost the life of 37 000 people of whom many were local Christians and resulted in foreigners being banned from Japan for over 200 years. It was this incident that changed Christianity in Japan forever and it has never rebounded from its glory days of the 15th and 16th century whereby Christians were here there and everywhere.
I see the Shimabara Peninsular as a wonderful scenic spot with magnificent views all over the entire circumference. In my point of view a picture is worth a thousand words and these pictures below will show you why I am in awe of this place and all the great things associated with living and working on the Shimabara Peninsular.
Check out the Shimabara Peninsular in Nagasaki on a map!
Click on the pictures below to enlarge:
Have a look of the Shimabara Peninsular Nagasaki taken from a mountain top and showing the Panorama that stops everyone in their tracks:
Check out this video of the Shimabara Peninsular taken from another lookout point:
Today the volcano is dormant but its byproduct which we all love and need, piping hot spring water which we use for bathing and other activities such as steaming food and recently with the need for Japan to recycle and find a cleaner and less dangerous energy source (that being Nuclear Reactors) communities and industry are using the steam from the Hot Springs to produce electricity for everyone to use in order to make themselves self sufficient and reduce their carbon print on Mother Nature.
The Shimabara Peninsular is also known for the Shimabara Rebellion, a significant peasant uprising during the Edo Period in the 15th Century that eventually cost the life of 37 000 people of whom many were local Christians and resulted in foreigners being banned from Japan for over 200 years. It was this incident that changed Christianity in Japan forever and it has never rebounded from its glory days of the 15th and 16th century whereby Christians were here there and everywhere.
I see the Shimabara Peninsular as a wonderful scenic spot with magnificent views all over the entire circumference. In my point of view a picture is worth a thousand words and these pictures below will show you why I am in awe of this place and all the great things associated with living and working on the Shimabara Peninsular.
Check out the Shimabara Peninsular in Nagasaki on a map!
Click on the pictures below to enlarge:
Check out this video of the Shimabara Peninsular taken from another lookout point:
Friday, August 3, 2012
Fuchi Shrine: Nagasaki City
Fuchi Shrine in Nagasaki is located at the base of Mount Hoju and has the distinction of being the starting point for the Nagasaki Ropeway that goes up to Mount Inasayama. The Shrine itself is worth a visit as it is tucked away on a side of a hill and represents a strong connection to nature. It is the first time that I have seen individual Shinto blessing boxes that can be chosen for worship and this was interesting to see.
The spring water for cleansing and purifying ones mouth and hands upon arrival at the venue was coming out of the Dragon's mouth which is another first for me and considering the amount of shrines that i have been too in Japan, this is a unique scene, that must be noted.
My visit to Fuchi Shrine came from a friends recommendation and I must say I was a little bit doubtful at first but this soon disappeared as I arrived at the car park. The attention to detail was obvious and i guess seeing 3 or 4 workers cleaning and preening the grounds was obviously the reason why the place was immaculate. It was the little differences that made this place standout in my mind and I hope that I can take this concept and make it a regular part of my business and personal life. The small differences can really highlight a certain aspect and make it truly wonderful.
I will absolutely come back again and view during a different season.
Come and check out Fuchi Shrine in Nagasaki on a map!
Click on the photos below to enlarge:
Individual Prayer boxes
The springwater for cleansing
The Ropeway starting location
There she goes, all the way to the top!
Check out the video of Fuchi Shrine Nagasaki below:
The spring water for cleansing and purifying ones mouth and hands upon arrival at the venue was coming out of the Dragon's mouth which is another first for me and considering the amount of shrines that i have been too in Japan, this is a unique scene, that must be noted.
My visit to Fuchi Shrine came from a friends recommendation and I must say I was a little bit doubtful at first but this soon disappeared as I arrived at the car park. The attention to detail was obvious and i guess seeing 3 or 4 workers cleaning and preening the grounds was obviously the reason why the place was immaculate. It was the little differences that made this place standout in my mind and I hope that I can take this concept and make it a regular part of my business and personal life. The small differences can really highlight a certain aspect and make it truly wonderful.
I will absolutely come back again and view during a different season.
Come and check out Fuchi Shrine in Nagasaki on a map!
Click on the photos below to enlarge:
Individual Prayer boxes
The springwater for cleansing
The Ropeway starting location
There she goes, all the way to the top!
Check out the video of Fuchi Shrine Nagasaki below:
- Here is a video of the Nagasaki Ropeway heading up to Mount Inasayama:
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Chijiwa Fault Geopark: Nagasaki Prefecture
Chijiwa Fault is one of the more interesting Geopark attractions in Shimabara, Nagasaki, Japan.
The Nagasaki Geopark consists of the Unzen Volcanic Area and covers the entire area of the Shimabara Peninsula in Nagasaki Prefecture. There are three cities in this Geopark, Shimabara, Unzen and Minami Shimabara City and about 150,000 people live in the Geopark. One of the more interesting area of the Unzen Geopark is the Chijiwa Fault as it is the largest active fault on the Peninsula.
This fault was formed by north and south tearing of the peninsula's basement. The maximum displacement, accumulated over 300,000 years, reaches 450 m. Today the displacement occurs at a rate of 1.5 mm/y.
The Chijiwa Fault Geopark is a beauty of nature and amazing to look at from all angles. I took these photos from the Obama side along a coastal road but I am told that the best place to view this unique phenom is from the House of Nature located at the top of a peak bisecting Obama and Chijiwa. I will attempt to add these pictures to my collection someday as my trials and tribulations into the area that i have not yet mastered have sparked a fire deep inside me to learn more and find out specific details about this amazing place I live in called the Shimabara Peninsular.
Check out the Chijiwa Fault Geopark for yourself on a map!
Please click on the photos below to enlarge:
Chijiwa Beach below
The Nagasaki Geopark consists of the Unzen Volcanic Area and covers the entire area of the Shimabara Peninsula in Nagasaki Prefecture. There are three cities in this Geopark, Shimabara, Unzen and Minami Shimabara City and about 150,000 people live in the Geopark. One of the more interesting area of the Unzen Geopark is the Chijiwa Fault as it is the largest active fault on the Peninsula.
This fault was formed by north and south tearing of the peninsula's basement. The maximum displacement, accumulated over 300,000 years, reaches 450 m. Today the displacement occurs at a rate of 1.5 mm/y.
The Chijiwa Fault Geopark is a beauty of nature and amazing to look at from all angles. I took these photos from the Obama side along a coastal road but I am told that the best place to view this unique phenom is from the House of Nature located at the top of a peak bisecting Obama and Chijiwa. I will attempt to add these pictures to my collection someday as my trials and tribulations into the area that i have not yet mastered have sparked a fire deep inside me to learn more and find out specific details about this amazing place I live in called the Shimabara Peninsular.
Check out the Chijiwa Fault Geopark for yourself on a map!
Please click on the photos below to enlarge:
Chijiwa Beach below
- The view across the bay
Here is a video showing the Chijiwa Fault Nagasaki Geopark:- Chijiwa Fault
- View from the port
- View from the port
- Chijiwa Fault
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Converted Railway Line: Nagasaki Prefecture
The Converted Railway Line in Nagasaki is a coastal road now called route 201 and is located between the towns of Obama and Chijiwa on the Eastern side of the Shimabara Peninsular, Nagasaki Prefecture. The road is just beautiful and is one of the most relaxing drives you will ever encounter (although I prefer to cycle) it is a winding meandering road and at each turn in the road leads to another unbelievable lookout of the Tachibana Bay far below.
The abandoned railway line has been transformed into a road or may I say a small version of a road as 2 vehicles are barely able to pass each other without pulling over to the side of the road. The 3 tunnels that link the road are in themselves a unique feature of the converted Railway Line as they really only allow 1 large car or 2 medium sized cars to pass each other. I can't tell you how many times I have seen cars reversing out of the tunnel in order for another car already inside the tunnel to pass safely.
However, I believe this is a small price to pay to see such a beautiful and amazing view of the Tachibana Bay and the feeling of traveling along a old country style road is just exhilarating and worth the occasional hassle of stopping halfway through the tunnel and reversing backwards to the start.
Check out the Converted Railway line in Nagasaki on a map!
Click on the photos below to enlarge:
Pretty as a picture
Below are a couple of video highlighting the scenic beauty of the Converted Railway Line Nagasaki:
The abandoned railway line has been transformed into a road or may I say a small version of a road as 2 vehicles are barely able to pass each other without pulling over to the side of the road. The 3 tunnels that link the road are in themselves a unique feature of the converted Railway Line as they really only allow 1 large car or 2 medium sized cars to pass each other. I can't tell you how many times I have seen cars reversing out of the tunnel in order for another car already inside the tunnel to pass safely.
However, I believe this is a small price to pay to see such a beautiful and amazing view of the Tachibana Bay and the feeling of traveling along a old country style road is just exhilarating and worth the occasional hassle of stopping halfway through the tunnel and reversing backwards to the start.
Check out the Converted Railway line in Nagasaki on a map!
Click on the photos below to enlarge:
Pretty as a picture
- Now a beautiful drive/ cycle course
- Overhanging foliage
- Overhanging foliage
Below are a couple of video highlighting the scenic beauty of the Converted Railway Line Nagasaki:
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Omura Park Shrine: Nagasaki Prefecture
The Omura Park Shrine in Nagasaki was founded in 587 but the present main building of the shrine dates to 1705. The Botansugi (Japanese Cedar Tree) behind the main building is considered sacred and said to be 1000 years old. It has been designated as a national natural monuments. According to legend, the tree top is said to shine at times of emergencies, thus because of this the tree is also called an Eternal flame.
The entrance to the Shrine is simple yet with the Shrine built on the ruins of Omura Castle it has a strong historical connection . Also, there is something about walking through many brightly coloured red torii (gate entrances) that puts you in a trance like state. For me there is something magical, as if I have stepped back in time to the 17th or 18th century.
Because Omura Park is built on the ruins of Omura Castle the walking paths are numerous and extensive. I could walk for hours and hours and still not be able to locate every area of the park. At certain times of the year Omura Shrine is inundated with tourists and visitors, the Spring Cherry Blossoms and June Irises are not to be missed.
Well worth a look!
Check out Omura Park Shrine Nagasaki on a map!
Click on the photos below to enlarge:
The entrance to the Shrine is simple yet with the Shrine built on the ruins of Omura Castle it has a strong historical connection . Also, there is something about walking through many brightly coloured red torii (gate entrances) that puts you in a trance like state. For me there is something magical, as if I have stepped back in time to the 17th or 18th century.
Because Omura Park is built on the ruins of Omura Castle the walking paths are numerous and extensive. I could walk for hours and hours and still not be able to locate every area of the park. At certain times of the year Omura Shrine is inundated with tourists and visitors, the Spring Cherry Blossoms and June Irises are not to be missed.
Well worth a look!
Check out Omura Park Shrine Nagasaki on a map!
Click on the photos below to enlarge:
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| Very scenic indeed |
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| Crowds galore |
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| Full Bloom |
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| Favorite pastime |
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| A very popular place |
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| Great place for a picnic |
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| I can still see you! |
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| Hiding |
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Futagoiwa Geopark: Nagasaki Prefecture
Futagoiwa Geopark is a place that you must check out for yourself otherwise you may be disappointed . This unique rock, called Futagoiwa in Japanese (Twin Rock in English) was made by mudflow sediment from many hundreds and thousands of years ago. Over the years the Twin Rock has been eroded by waves. It contains large quantities of Andesite from volcanic activity on the Kunisaki Peninsula 1.5 million years ago and although there were other similar rock towers once, they have been broken by sea erosion and the passage of time and slowly diminished bit by bit.
However, Futagoiwa Geopark still today stands proudly on the west side of the Tachibana Bay between Unzen and Minamishimabara Cities and is a great example of geology explaining the history of the area from many years ago. A huge plus for anyone who has an interest in geology or just a nature lover who needs their regular nature fix!The last 2 rocks standing
The main rock
- Please check out the video below of the Futogoiwa Geopark, Nagasaki:
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Huis Ten Bosch: Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture
Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki is a theme park that recreates the Netherlands by displaying real size copies of old Dutch buildings. The name Huis Ten Bosch literally translates into English as "House in the Forest" and is named after one of the three official residences of the Dutch Royal Family.
The park features many Dutch-style buildings such and features many parks which are planted with seasonal flowers. Huis Ten Bosch Nagasaki opened on March 25, 1992, is located in the southern part of Sasebo. Its location reflects historical relations between the Netherlands and Japan, which began in 1609 when a trading post was opened by the Dutch. The Dutch were a major trading partner of the Japanese for centuries and especially when the country was completely closed off from the rest of the world for over 200 years, it was only the Dutch that were allowed to trade as their rather non political religious beliefs were seen as able to deal with compared to the Spanish and Portuguese hard line Catholics.
The park is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. (9.00 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. from December to February). A day "passport" ticket, covering entry and a number of attractions within the park costs 5,600 yen for adults and 4,400 yen for children.
Huis Ten Bosch Nagasaki recorded a peak of 4.25M visitors in 1996 and is well worth a visit.
As quoted in the Huis Ten Bosch website,
"It has various activities and attractions from adults and children alike and you can lose yourself and enjoy the natural surroundings and immerse yourself in the culture and natural beauty."
Today, the numbers aren't as high as they once were so realistically you never feel overcrowded and there is a lot of space available to wander around and see the impressive sights!
Realistically you do not need a Private Tour in order to see and do Huis Ten Bosch. It is accessible by public transport, bus and train and well signposted in English. However if you would like to combined Huis Ten Bosch with other attractions in the are or do a 2 day/ 1 night tour option then it is a great location to include in your itinerary.
Check out Huis Ten Bosch Nagasaki here on a map:
Click on the pictures below to enlarge:
The park features many Dutch-style buildings such and features many parks which are planted with seasonal flowers. Huis Ten Bosch Nagasaki opened on March 25, 1992, is located in the southern part of Sasebo. Its location reflects historical relations between the Netherlands and Japan, which began in 1609 when a trading post was opened by the Dutch. The Dutch were a major trading partner of the Japanese for centuries and especially when the country was completely closed off from the rest of the world for over 200 years, it was only the Dutch that were allowed to trade as their rather non political religious beliefs were seen as able to deal with compared to the Spanish and Portuguese hard line Catholics.
The park is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. (9.00 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. from December to February). A day "passport" ticket, covering entry and a number of attractions within the park costs 5,600 yen for adults and 4,400 yen for children.
Huis Ten Bosch Nagasaki recorded a peak of 4.25M visitors in 1996 and is well worth a visit.
As quoted in the Huis Ten Bosch website,
"It has various activities and attractions from adults and children alike and you can lose yourself and enjoy the natural surroundings and immerse yourself in the culture and natural beauty."
Today, the numbers aren't as high as they once were so realistically you never feel overcrowded and there is a lot of space available to wander around and see the impressive sights!
Realistically you do not need a Private Tour in order to see and do Huis Ten Bosch. It is accessible by public transport, bus and train and well signposted in English. However if you would like to combined Huis Ten Bosch with other attractions in the are or do a 2 day/ 1 night tour option then it is a great location to include in your itinerary.
Check out Huis Ten Bosch Nagasaki here on a map:
Click on the pictures below to enlarge:
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| Famous for its tulips |
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| Huis Ten Bosch |
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| View from above |
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| Lots of street performers |
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| Superb Gardens |
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Christian Tombs: Fukae, Nagasaki Prefecture
Christian Tombs in Fukae, Nagasaki is just one of the many areas all around the Shimabara Peninsular that still today allow us to step back in time and see that this area once was a hive of Christian activity.
Once upon a time, 400 to 500 years ago when Christianity was free to spread and the chance to learn was available (many Christian learning institutions were built) the influx or Portuguese traders and diplomats into Japan during this period of expressive freedom and religious independence created a wider Christian community within the Shimabara Peninsular and Nagasaki in general.
Of course today, although Christian are far and few between the remnants of yesteryear still remain with Tombstones dotting the landscape. Here in Fukae, there are just such tombstones that can be freely viewed and inspected to remind us of the Christian past.
It must be noted that these Christian Tombs are not ordinary in the lest! The massive and mighty Fugen Mountain with its newly formed Lava Top are quite obvious and feel like they are so close to touch even though in reality they are kilometers away.
Check out the Christian Tombs Fukae Nagasaki here on a map!
Click on the photos below to enlarge:
Christian Cross
Once upon a time, 400 to 500 years ago when Christianity was free to spread and the chance to learn was available (many Christian learning institutions were built) the influx or Portuguese traders and diplomats into Japan during this period of expressive freedom and religious independence created a wider Christian community within the Shimabara Peninsular and Nagasaki in general.
Of course today, although Christian are far and few between the remnants of yesteryear still remain with Tombstones dotting the landscape. Here in Fukae, there are just such tombstones that can be freely viewed and inspected to remind us of the Christian past.
It must be noted that these Christian Tombs are not ordinary in the lest! The massive and mighty Fugen Mountain with its newly formed Lava Top are quite obvious and feel like they are so close to touch even though in reality they are kilometers away.
Check out the Christian Tombs Fukae Nagasaki here on a map!
Click on the photos below to enlarge:
Christian Cross
- R.I.P Tombs in a row
Here is a video of the Christian Tombs Fukae, Nagasaki:
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