Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Ohori and Maizuru Park: Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture

Although the 2 parks are adjacent to each other there have been and continues to be attempts by the Local and Prefectural Governments to combine the 2 areas and make it a SUPER Park of sorts.

Absolutely there are so many things that you can do and see here.  From the Old Castle Ruins of Fukuoka Castle where the powerful elite reigned and wielded power in their Domain to the peaceful and idillic Man made lake that is the center of Fukuoka`s exercise and leisure community.

The parks are a fabulous place for families, kids, couples and tourists to come for a leisurely stroll, partake in many of the cafes and restaurants as well as participate in the many exercise minded activities of the area.

It must be said that at certain times of the year there are a plethora of flowers blooming continuous with the change of seasons.  Of course the most famous is the Cherry Blossoms in March/April and there are thousand of these trees to fill your photographic needs.  However, the plum blossoms are also magnificent in late Feb/ early March but you must also mention the Lotus Flowers in June and the Wisteria Flowers in late May are a real find as well.  I am sure you will find the right flower at the time you are here.

Maizuru and Ohori Parks are a great tour finishing location.  A wonderful last attraction to satisfy your requirements of what a good tour requires.

Please check out Maizuru and Ohori Park here below.

 



Please click on the pictures below to enlarge:


Cherry Blossoms





City view


Well signposted


Picturesque


Many flowers to see


A tranquil place


Aerial View of the Cherry Blossoms


Sunset


Plenty to do


Please click on the Videos below to see more about Ohori and Maizuru Parks:

Monday, July 1, 2019

Sotome Museum of History and Folklore: Nagasaki Prefecture

This Museum is in Sotome, Nagasaki.  The Museum features 2 floors of exhibits that teaches and educates the public on the history of the areas and its claim as the birthplace of Christianity in Nagasaki and ultimately Japan.

The first floor although quite interesting in its own right, is dedicated to the history of Sotome and the development of its society thru cultural events plus its development in farming/ fishing/ mining and other techniques over the years.

The main reason for me to come to this Museum today lies on the 2nd Floor of the building.  It is dedicated to the Christian History of Sotome and specifically during the 16th and 17th Century.  Sotome was home to a community of Hidden Christians and including ones that moved from various spots allover Japan to join a group of like minded people to practise their religion in secret and away from prying eyes.

The 2nd floor contains many artifacts and exhibits a lot of very interesting items that show how desperate the villages were to hold on to their religion during these times of persecution.  An example is a recording of prayers that were kept secret by the Hidden Christians of the area to be passed down from generation to generation as to not lose that they held on so dear to preserve.

If you have any interest in the plight of the Nagasaki Christians and would like to do a Christian Pilgrimage of the area then our Nagasaki Private Tours can take you to all the sights of the Sotome area and other Christian associated site within the Nagasaki Prefecture.  Please inquiry of what kind of service we can provide for you and your party.

Please check below to see where you can find the Sotome Museum of History and Folklore on a map:

 



Please click the photos below to enlarge:



Map of the Area


1st floor

Go to the 2nd floor



Lots of exhibits

Secret images

Timeline of Sotome Christians

Lots of English info














Please click on the videos below to see more information about the Sotome Museum of History and Folklore:














Saturday, June 29, 2019

Unzen Power Spot: Unzen Town, Nagasaki Prefecture

The Unzen Power Spot is located half way up the Mountain between Obama and Unzen Towns. At first glance it looks like a place with just a couple of statues but after a minute or 2 of walking around one comes to understand fully really how much there is to offer and see in this interesting and diverse place.

I am not a Power Spot fanatic or anything like that but when someone told me about this particular Power Spot just up the mountain from my place I literally jumped in my car and went for a gander. There is a peacefulness and a sense of purpose regarding the Unzen Power Spot, even in the 25 to 30 minutes that I was there I was able to feel a sense of worth and sincerity about life that really makes you think of what is important in life and for me that is my family, consisting of the wife and 2 kids.

In particular the statues of the Mother surrounded by babies was the most intense feeling for me, it brought back memories of both my children births which of course put me in my happy place for many hours, days and weeks since.  I know when I need a boost in the future, the Unzen Power Spot  is the place for me to return and put everything back into perspective again!

I urge you to visit the Unzen Power Spot, it will definitely provide the spiritual connection that you are looking for and of course give you the chance to see beauty in nature, artifacts and most importantly from within.

Check out the Unzen Power Spot on this map:

 



Click on the photos below to enlarge:


Spiritual Healing





Interesting face


A place to pray




Powerful image of Mother and Baby

Lots of individual prayer boxes



Enlightenment is just around the corner?


.......and ponder










































Please check out the videos of Unzen Power Spot Nagasaki here:







Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Sannomaru Square: Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture

Sannomaru Square located inside Maizuru Park used to be the Maizuru Junior High School quite a few years ago.  It has been renovated and turned into quite an important and popular sightseeing place within the confines of the beautiful park and Fukuoka City.

Not only is the park a focal attraction for visitors because of its visual attractiveness as a result of various distinct flowering periods (most notable is of course the Cherry Blossoms in March/ April) you can combine this with the possibility of getting dressed up in a formal Kimono for the ladies and also options for men and children as well to get the whole family involved.  Without a doubt this is the type Japanese Culture that you have come to Japan to experience for yourself.

Within an hour (for non make up and without hair options) you can choice your own Kimono according to the season and flowering at the time, take a wander around the expansive and nature filled Park area and snap numerous pics that will stay with you forever.

Whether you choose a half day walking tour or a full day driving tour, our Private Fukuoka Tours includes this attraction in all of tour options.  An experience you will never forget!

Please look below to see the Sannomaru Square on a map:

 




Please click on the photos below to enlarge:
Hakata dolls for sale





Attractive gardens

Kimono rentals




Samurai wear


Cultural activity




Please click on the video below to see more about Sannomaru Square.