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 view across the bay

Chijiwa Fault

View from the port

Here is a video showing the Chijiwa Fault Nagasaki Geopark:

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

Now a beautiful drive/ cycle course

Overhanging foliage

Below are a couple of video highlighting the scenic beauty of the Converted Railway Line Nagasaki:

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:

Very scenic indeed

Crowds galore

Full Bloom

Favorite pastime

A very popular place

Great place for a picnic

I can still see you!

Hiding

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!

I drive this stretch of road many times within the week and it is always such a striking feature that makes so want to pull over and further inspect every nook and cranny that mother nature has been able to impact on this structure over time.  It will be a sad day when the rock no longer exists so I urge everyone to visit before it is lost forever!

Check out Futagoiwa Geopark in Nagasaki on a map!

Click on the photos below to enlarge:

The last 2 rocks standing

The main rock

Please check out the video below of the Futogoiwa Geopark, Nagasaki:

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:

Famous for its tulips

Huis Ten Bosch

View from above

Lots of street performers

Superb Gardens

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

R.I.P   Tombs in a row

Here is a video of the Christian Tombs Fukae, Nagasaki:

Old Chinese Settlement: Nagasaki City

The Old Chinese Settlement in Nagasaki was home for many Chinese sailors and traders who traded goods with the Japanese from the 15th to 19th centuries.  The Chinese Traders came to Nagasaki because it was the only "open port" to visit Japan at this time.  The Government at the time only allowed Nagasaki to stay open throughout all of Japan and closed off Japan to the rest of world from western foreign powers in order to prevent the spread of Christianity.

Strict rules were placed on these Chinese to never be outside their settlement at night and they were not allowed to live outside of the gates that kept them virtual prisoners inside the gates.  However at least the Chinese Settlement was on the mainland within Nagasaki City.  The Dutch, who were the only other traders allowed to enter Japan at that time because their Religious beliefs were not as severe as others such as the Portuguese, had to live on an artificial island just off the mainland and weren't even allowed to step on the mainland itself, business had to be conducted on the island called Dejima.

Today a  great walking course around the old areas of Nagasaki city exists and it is possible to step back in time and see how the Chinese lived in a limited way all those years ago.  Well worth a stroll around the oldest area of the city and to look at the buildings erected centuries ago.  If the old walls of the Old Chinese Settlement could talk you would be able to play a game of Chinese Whispers?

See the Old Chinese settlement on a map!

Click on the pictures below to enlarge:


Chinese temple
Old Chinese building

Check out the Nagasaki Old Chinese Settlement in the video below:

Shinchi Chinatown: Nagasaki City

Chinatown is located in the centre of Nagasaki City and is also known as Shinchi. There you will find four gates facing in four different directions.  These gates are called the Seiryu-mon,  Byakko-mon, Suzaku-mon and Genbu-mon, with the suffix mon meaning gate in English.

Nagasaki`s Chinatown is a major draw card for tourists who seem to flock here in major numbers so you have to be careful to avoid the constant rush of people and the non stop clicks of cameras going off left, right and center!

There are many Chinese restaurants and stores selling Chinese goods throughout the area, allowing you to enjoy a bit of Chinese flavor in Nagasaki.  During the Chinese New Year this place serves as the center of the Nagasaki Lantern Festival, which is the feature winter event in Nagasaki. The whole area is decorated with many Chinese lanterns, drawing crowds of people from all around Japan and the world.

It's a great place to take a walk, lose yourself in a different part of Japan and soak in the rich history of the area.  The Chinese were major traders in the area for centuries and their presence can still be felt today reaching out to the masses.  The food here is very authentic as I am sure the traditional Chinese recipes have been passed down from generation to generation to carry on the traditions and make sure their culture remains strong and intact.  So, if you want some Chinese food that is as good as what it is in Shanghai then Chinatown is the place to come and experience its amazing flavors and smells.

Click here to see Nagasaki`s Shinchi Chinatown here on a map:

 

Click on the photos below to enlarge:

The gate entrance to Chinatown

The Chinatown Arcade

Lanterns across the bridge

Have a look and feel Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown on the video below:

Dejima Island: Nagasaki City

Dejima Island in Nagasaki was the sole trading spot with foreign countries from the 17th to the 19th centuries.  It is a island with a 400-year history of Dutch trade.

Dejima was an artificial island built in the shape of a fan with an area of about 13,000 square meters. It was built south of the current city center during the Edo Period in order to accommodate Portuguese Christian missionaries and prevent the propagation of their religion. It also used to be the residential quarters of the Dutch, the only foreigners allowed to trade in Japan during the Sakoku (Isolation) Period and a Dutch Trading House operated on the island. For 200 years, until Japan reopened the country in the 19th century, Dejima was its only window to the world compared to the rest of Japan that lived in complete isolation from all things foreign.

Today, Dejima Island has been preserved and is an excellent example of what life was like in Japan and particularly Nagasaki 300 years ago.  The buildings have been painstakingly reformed to their original condition and the gardens are well looked after.  Someone could spend anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours just strolling around and being transported back to past.  Inside Dejima Island  there is a model replica of the entire island that has been made in order to show exactly what the island looks like in tiny detail with retaining wall and moat to boot.   This replica by itself took up about 20 minutes of my time as I studied and screened everything.  Absolutely amazing!!

Dejima is another one of those locations that is situated near the International Port Terminal thus walking distance and an easy to find attraction.  Combined with Glovers Gardens this make a perfect half day walking and history tour of Nagasaki.

Click on the link to see Dejima Island in Nagasaki on this map below:

 

Here are some pictures of what Dejima Island looks like today:
Click to enlarge:

The old ships at Dejima Wharf

A typical Dejima Building

A restored Church

Lots of important info

At sunset

Dejima Scenery

Check out Dejima Island Nagasaki on a video below:

Mount Fugen in Winter: Unzen, Nagasaki

Mount Fugen Unzen Nagasaki is not as challenging as Mount Fuji (I don't know from firsthand experience) but a great experience to climb never the less.  Not being much of a mountaineer myself, I jumped at the opportunity when a friend said to me out of the blue, let's climb to the top of the Volcano in the middle of winter.  Now, some might say that is a little foolish, but the views and the scenery at the top are well worth the effort and freezing temperatures.  You see in winter the scenic views are usually at their peak, not much cloudy cover and or fog or pollution polluting the desired view for climbing the mountain in the first place.  The frost on the limbs and trunks of the trees are worth seeing as the angles of the frost match the incoming wind direction to form the icicles perfectly.

Although we weren't able to get to the volcano it looms large and in all directions, such a massive and dominating effect on the landscape it's impossible to miss.  Absolutely the most interesting and extraordinary location on the Shimabara Peninsular.

Come and check out Mount Fugen Unzen Nagasaki here on a map:

Click on the photo below to enlarge:

It was extremely cold

To see vapors wafting out of the ground as we were getting closer and closer to the Volcano was a little intimidating especially whether they might be toxic or not was unknown and a little disconcerting but we were as brave as could be expected to virgin winter climbers and if i get another invitation in the future I will jump on the bandwagon again without a doubt in the world!!