I have been wanting to go to the Japanese Gardens at Ohori Park in the middle of Fukuoka City for sometime now and with Autumn in full swing the thought of seeing some red crimson Japanese Maple Leaf gave me even more motivation to go and check it out.
The location of this attraction can be seen from the outside but only the tops of the trees so I really wasn`t expecting too much but once inside I was in fact blown away by the size, features and overall ambience of the place. Not only are the gardens impeccably maintained but the central pond really sets the centerpiece of the whole place. I was a little rush for time on this day and only spent around 25 minutes here but in all honesty I could have easily spent an hour or more here, just lapping up the breathtaking scene and ambience.
On this day, the Teahouses and outer buildings were closed but I lucked out with 2 sets of Japanese couples getting professional pictures taken around the grounds. I wished them luck, sent a message of congratulations and was able to snap a couple of photos of the ladies and gents in their magnificent Kimonos. I am sure the gardens are pristine all year long but i will absolutely want to come back during spring to see the Cherry Blossoms and Azalea foliage during this period.
Once I get the times and the booking process under control I will also document and blog about the Green Tea Ceremonies that are held twice a month. I am looking forward to see what kind of facilities are available for the International Travelers as I may include this traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony on my Fukuoka Walking Tour Itinerary.
Check out the location of the Ohori Parks Japanese Gardens below on a map:
Please click the photos below to enlarge:
A zen garden
Always have Koi
The best view
Japanese beauty
Peaceful
Newly married
Pristine images
Beautiful colors
Please click on the videos below to see more details about this amazing attraction.
The Fukuoka Tower is Fukuoka`s No 1 Landmark as it should be! Standing 234 meters above sea level it is visible at all times and a constant reminder to the community at large and of course tourists who may be in town at any point in time.
The Fukuoka Tower is not a one dimensional destination in any sense of the word. Literally, there is something here for everyone. Of course the main reason that people come is for the view and the experience of seeing nearly every part of Fukuoka City and its outlying areas. Not only can you see the Fukuoka Dome and Hilton Seahawk Hotel up come and personal but other areas are also easy to be spotted including the Airport, Hakata Station, the nearby Marinoa City Outlet Mall and its massive Ferris Wheel. In total, more than a dozen easily recognized landmarks can be spotted in an extremely short period of time.
The Tower is not everyones cup of tea. Like myself who does have a fear of heights, the elevator which is completely open and glass surrounded, really is a test of one`s character. It did test me! I am not saying it was the scariest experience that I have ever had but i will tell you this, you definitely will have to grab the handles provided and look away every now and then during your trip up to the 123rd floor. Our companions who have no fears whatsoever may laugh at us but seriously it will take some courage to get past this phobia that affects many of us in life.
If you are one who refuses to take the elevator, then don`t despair there are a few options on the ground floor including a restaurant that serves a mean cup of coffee and even a place to get dressed up in a kimono, if that`s your thing? On the other end, at the top of the tower there are many special inclusions such as a VR Reality Sky Walk, a Lovers Sanctuary, various games and prizes to be won as well as another restaurant as well as a constant 360 degree view that never quits.
All in all, I rather enjoyed this experience. Coming down was absolutely easier than going up as I have a video of the decending portion of the trip only as evidence. This attraction is a staple on my Fukuoka Walking Tours and 1 Day Driving Tours but only on sunny days where the weather warrants a climb to the highest point in Fukuoka City. Cloudy and Rainy days will rely more on Cultural attractions rather than visual ones!!
Please check out Fukuoka Tower here on a map:
Please click on the photos below to enlarge:
A long way up
Amazing views
Great 360 degree views
Please check out these videos below to see more about the Fukuoka Tower and its attractions:
It was an amazing feeling that I got to experience first hand, the fact that my family and I were on a Cruise into my Hometown Port of Nagasaki. I mean, I have lived in Nagasaki for over 15 years now, completed numerous tours of my Prefecture but you see and feel one`s hometown as a visitor and not a local was out of this world.
We pulled into the entrance of Nagasaki Harbor in the early morning on a cool autumns day at the end of October. I wasn`t going to miss this chance, so I was up and about while most were still warm and cozy in their cabins.
Slowly but surely dark turned into light and I was able to capture our passage down to the International Terminal through one of the most beautiful harbors in the world. I hope what I have captured on film inspires you in the future and your next voyage will be as exciting and eventful as mine was.
Happy cruising and better still happy adventures in Nagasaki.
Check out the Nagasaki Port here on a map below:
Please check out Nagasaki Harbor here on these videos below:
The Kyushu Ceramic Museum shows various styles of Pottery not just from Nagasaki but also from all the regions around Kyushu including the big 4 of Arita, Hasami, Mikawachi and Imari.
Please click on the photos below to enlarge:
If you want to experience and understand the history of pottery from the area, there is definitely enough English provided to give you plenty of background information and to allow you to delve into the finer details of all this regarding Kyushu Ceramics.
Lots of exhibits
Without a doubt any pottery enthusiast would need at least 2 hours here at the Kyushu Ceramic Museum in order to fully check out all the attractions and information provided within the showcases. I really had to check my time in order to stay within my scheduled time, which was 1 hour. I will probably have to return again someday to really get the most out of my visit as it felt like i left too many things on the table
Information about ceramics
Huge selection
The range of products and displays at the Kyushu Ceramic Museum are as diverse and wide ranging as you would expect from a highly rated institution. They get visitors from all over Japan and many more from abroad and this reflects in their efforts to provide as much English signposting and subtitling.
Once you have finished inside there is a lovely garden outside that deserves a stroll and a wander around. Very peaceful and with many cherry trees, so if your visit coincides with Spring then you will be able to see the cherry blossoms as well.
Well worth a visit!
Please click here to see Kyushu Ceramic Museum below on a map:
Check out these 2 videos to see more about the Kyushu Ceramic Museum:
