Approximately 20 years ago, a group of people came up with an amazing idea, that some might’ve thought was basically crazy, however, history has paid dividends with an amazing result. Takeo city in Saga prefecture in order to put itself on the map and promote a region of Japan that most Japanese people don’t get to let alone international tourists decided in their wisdom to build a library with a Starbucks and a Tsutaya bookstore and to promote locally manufactured products from artisan’s within the region.
There hasn’t been just one person who can be attributed to this successful idea, but basically a collaboration of many instrumental artists designers and architects were involved in the project from go to wow, the architecture is unique, the design is sleek, the products and services are used extensively by locals and travelers alike, in other words it’s been a win-win situation for everybody involved.
I have been bringing customers here for many many years now and there hasn’t been anyone who hasn’t been impressed by this concept of community spirit and all interested parties working together for the benefits of the local community It’s also interesting to see all the cars in the parking lot that come from afar, including Tokyo and Osaka may I add. Even today with the building slightly aging, it still has a tremendous pull for the average person to enjoy.
You don’t have to be an architect or a designer to appreciate how beautiful and aesthetic this building really is, 20 years later and well over 10 million visitors is testament to how good things still work for years and years after their implementation into the community.
Please check out the Takeo City Library on this map below:
Please click on these photos below to enlarge:
Its on the map now
View from the 2nd floor
Lots to see
The tree comes out at Xmas
Always full of people
Interior is impressive
Starbucks line is always long
Many local products to purchase
So pleasing to the eye
Please click on these videos below to see more of the Takeo City Library:
The Blood Hell Ponds called Chinoike Jigoku in Japanese, in the hot spring town of Beppu, Oita Prefecture is a spring that is blood red. It has existed for over 1300 years and its color is said to be a result of some chemical reaction occurring underground. The color has remained this way ever since the beginning except for a 6 month period in the 1970's. The nearby Aso Volcano in neighboring Kumamoto Prefecture, had a very unstable period which affected the coloring of the water.
I found this information out from the owner who I was fortunate to meet in my first few years in Japan. In fact, I was a guest at their holiday house on site and of course the water that came out of the faucet for the hot bath was indeed red. An excellent opportunity was had to test the quality of the water and its therapeutic benefits. Result, thumbs up, fully recommended! Therefore for those that feel inclined, there is a footbath here can can be used on the premises. It's not the full body experience but it feels amazing nevertheless. Of course, I will bring the towels and all you have to do is sit and relax. For those who have never had a thermal mineral enriched footbath this will be a heavenly experience, guaranteed!
Today, this is a major attraction on the tourist sites of the region. Although there are 7 Hell pond attraction sites, without a doubt the Chinoike Jigoku is by far the most popular. On our private tours of Beppu we will only visit this one as there are obviously many more other remarkable sites in and around Beppu City specifically and Oita Prefecture in general.
We normally stay here for 20 to 25 minutes but they have an incredible gift shop that will be another excellent stop with many keepsakes and superb gift ideas. Those shopaholics and customers who want to find at least 1 special item from their travels, this is definitely the place for you.
Please check out the Chinoike Jigoku on this map below:
Please click on these photos below to enlarge:
Memory photo
Devil horns, lookout where you sit!
Footbath time
Lots of souvenirs
Onsen symbol
The local Oni (devil)
It is indeed Blood Red
Steam rises!
Great color and views
Lots of products to browse.
Worth trying some red beer?
Click find out more about the Chinokie Jigoku on these videos below:
Yame City is an up and coming Tea producing region in Japan located in the southern region of Fukuoka Prefecture. This region of Fukuoka gets a lot of attention not just from producing Green Tea but with its fertile soil and clean water supply from the Chigoku River also allows this region to produce incredible Fruits especially Grapes and Japanese Pears just to mention a couple.
I will never forget that when I first got to Japan everyone who rave and talk about Shizuka Prefecture and say that their Green Tea was the best in Japan and you wouldn't be in your right mind to drink tea from anywhere else. Today, of course Shizuoka is still No 1 but Yame in Fukuoka, Ureshino in Saga Prefecture and Chiran in Kagoshima Prefecture are racing ahead and have garnished a lot of attention over the years.
As more and more people drink Green Tea worldwide these days these rural regions like Yame City now put more emphasis into expanding their production as this has now become a positive economic benefit for the whole community as world prices as a result of increased demand has escalated 2 to 3 fold.
I have wanted to come and see this Tea Producing rural area of Fukuoka and when I got here I was absolutely speechless. The views and the rolling hills are incredible and even on a cloudy day I was in absolute awe of the beauty and nature infused location. I am sure you will too!
At the top of the observation point there is a small cafe selling of course various types of Green Tea, desserts and artifacts from local artisans. I am sure you will throughly enjoy the arts and crafts whilst consuming healthy and brain stimulating Green Tea.
Please check out the Yame Central Tea Plantation here on a map below:
Please click on these photos below to enlarge:
The view for miles
The scene never stops
Cultivated beauty
The lookout
Cafe time
Products on sale
Relaxing as
Enjoy a beverage or 2
Nice vibes
This is Yame Tea
Please click on these videos below to see more about the Yame Central Tea Plantation:
