Tatsuishi Seashore Geopark Nagasaki on the Shimabara Peninsular was a volcanic island in a shallow sea. The shallow sea was covered with sand and mud near the present Tatsuishi coast. The stratum from that period is called the Kuchinotsu formation and the uneven surface is known as a surface of uncomformity.
The activity of the Unzen volcano began near Obama on the western part of present Shimabara Peninsula. The first eruption was so intense that the whole magma degassed and the explosions sent volcanic material to the Tatsuishi Seashore Geopark Nagasaki. The volcanic activity continued but Obama was a considerable distance so not so much volcanic material reached the Tatsuishi Seashore.
As the mountain grew, the stratum then eroded in the Tatsuishi coast and another ‘surface of uncomformity’ on top of the first one began. Then a part of the Unzen volcano which continued to grow reached the Tatsuishi coast and again can be seen in the stratum. It was about 700 000 years ago that the stratum was initially completed. It was 500,000 years ago that the Unzen volcano started activity. Then, about 300 000 years ago the stratum of the Unzen volcano which built up reached the Tatsuishi shore again. The beginnings of the Unzen volcano from over 400 000 years ago is recorded on the stratum as well.
All this information doesn't mean much to you and me but to a geologist it is like 1's and 2's, basic data that shows the way the Earth was formed all those years ago and the best thing is that it is really accessible, just metres off the main highway, available 365 days a year and free for anyone who would like to take a look. So, even if you are not a great geological fan but would like to see nature in its purest form then this is the place for you.
Please check out Tatsuishi Seashore Geopark Nagasaki here on a map:
Please click on the photos below to enlarge:
Here is to another million years
Geology Heaven
Nice place to step back in time
That's a lot of time and years
Lots of layers
Where it all began for the Shimabara Peninsular
Please click on the videos below to see the Tatsuishi Seashore Geopark Nagasaki in more detail:
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Hokobaru Martyrdom Site: Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture
Hokobaru Martyrdom Site is an interesting place to visit in Omura City. You will be able to step back in time and learn and understand more about the Christian History of the area and some of the surreal and horrible acts that were committed at the time in order to protect and preserve Japanese Nationalistic ideals of the time. After Christianity was banned in 1587, it seemed that the Christian religion had vanished forever within the realm of Nagasaki and Japan in general. However, many Christians continued to practice in secret and are referred as the Hidden Christians.
When the Tokugawa Shogunate took control in 1614 and then closed Japan’s borders to the outside world in 1633, they started a hunt to eliminate all practicing Christians in order to restore only Japanese traditions through the implementation of rebuilding Shrines and Temples and force feeding the public to revert back to the original Buddhist and Shinto Religions.
In 1657, known as the Kori Kuzure (Collapse of Kori) the government found and arrested 603 Christians hiding in the area known as Kori Village within the Omura domain. Out of this large number, 197 people were either found innocent or imprisoned. The other 406 people were executed. Due to the number of executions, 275 people were sent to other areas to meet their fate, such as Shimabara, Nagasaki and Saga. At Hokobaru Martyrdom Site, 131 of those captured were beheaded.
The landmark that stands today at the Hokobaru Martyrdom Site is a sign of respect and a tribute to all those that lost their life during this troubled period in Japan. The Japanese Christian community within Nagasaki and Japan have done a marvelous job to keep their history alive and to continue to tell the story of what happened all those many years ago for future generations.
Well worth a visit.
Please check out the Hokobaru Martyrdom Site in Nagasaki here on a map:
Please click on the photos below to enlarge:
When the Tokugawa Shogunate took control in 1614 and then closed Japan’s borders to the outside world in 1633, they started a hunt to eliminate all practicing Christians in order to restore only Japanese traditions through the implementation of rebuilding Shrines and Temples and force feeding the public to revert back to the original Buddhist and Shinto Religions.
In 1657, known as the Kori Kuzure (Collapse of Kori) the government found and arrested 603 Christians hiding in the area known as Kori Village within the Omura domain. Out of this large number, 197 people were either found innocent or imprisoned. The other 406 people were executed. Due to the number of executions, 275 people were sent to other areas to meet their fate, such as Shimabara, Nagasaki and Saga. At Hokobaru Martyrdom Site, 131 of those captured were beheaded.
The landmark that stands today at the Hokobaru Martyrdom Site is a sign of respect and a tribute to all those that lost their life during this troubled period in Japan. The Japanese Christian community within Nagasaki and Japan have done a marvelous job to keep their history alive and to continue to tell the story of what happened all those many years ago for future generations.
Well worth a visit.
Please check out the Hokobaru Martyrdom Site in Nagasaki here on a map:
Please click on the photos below to enlarge:
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Good information in English too!
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Impressive from all angles
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| Shot down by Angels from above |
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| Powerful images |
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| Interesting to say the least! |
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| Sacifice |
Click on the video below to see the Hokobaru Martyrdom Site:
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Awashima Shrine: Nagasaki Pefecture
Awashima Shrine in Nagasaki is probably one of the most interesting and unique Shrines that you will ever come upon in Nagasaki let alone all of Japan. Many women visit this shrine to make prayers related to female matters such as childbirth and fertility as it is believed to have special powers an a lucky charm to those who want children or those that are having problems getting pregnant.
Awashima Shrine was built in 1812 so in a sense compared to other Shrines in Nagasaki it is a rather young and hasn't got a long and rich history but it is what the Shrine stands for and that people believe in its powers which makes it such a popular and well visited place. The Shrine has a series of small Torii's which are the gate entrances to the shrines. Most shrine gate entrances are measured in metres and I mean 5 to 10 meters in height, however the Awashima Shrines Torii's are measured in centimeters and not meters.
If one passes through these gate entrances it is said that it will assure a smooth and safe delivery for mother and child once she becomes pregnant and will allow women who are having problem to become pregnant in the future as well if all 3 gate entrances can be passed through.
The smallest Torii is only 27 centimeters high but I can tell you that it looks so much smaller than this. In fact, I could hardly get my head through the gate entrance let along my large frame and shoulders as well as other parts of my body. Whilst I was there I didn't actually see anyone pass through these Torii's but I have been told by many people that it is possible and done on a regular basis. Now that is something that I need to see for myself in order to believe something that I honestly think is impossible!
Please check out Awashima Shrine here below:
Please click on the pics below to enlarge:
Awashima Shrine was built in 1812 so in a sense compared to other Shrines in Nagasaki it is a rather young and hasn't got a long and rich history but it is what the Shrine stands for and that people believe in its powers which makes it such a popular and well visited place. The Shrine has a series of small Torii's which are the gate entrances to the shrines. Most shrine gate entrances are measured in metres and I mean 5 to 10 meters in height, however the Awashima Shrines Torii's are measured in centimeters and not meters.
If one passes through these gate entrances it is said that it will assure a smooth and safe delivery for mother and child once she becomes pregnant and will allow women who are having problem to become pregnant in the future as well if all 3 gate entrances can be passed through.
The smallest Torii is only 27 centimeters high but I can tell you that it looks so much smaller than this. In fact, I could hardly get my head through the gate entrance let along my large frame and shoulders as well as other parts of my body. Whilst I was there I didn't actually see anyone pass through these Torii's but I have been told by many people that it is possible and done on a regular basis. Now that is something that I need to see for myself in order to believe something that I honestly think is impossible!
Please check out Awashima Shrine here below:
Please click on the pics below to enlarge:
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| Looks like a rather usual shrine but it has an edge over the others! |
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Passing through the Torii's will promote fertility
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It has some of the smallest Torii's you will ever see!
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The average western woman has no chance to pass through!
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| Tiny gap |
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The 3 Torii's are actually different sizes
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| Peck a boo |
Please check out the Awashima Shrine Nagasaki in the video below:
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Giant Tree Street: Nagasaki City
The Giant Tree Street in Nagasaki is one of those places where you know that the street planners and government officials have made the correct decision and allowed nature and development to work in conjunction with each other, create cohesion and the right balance between the continual struggle of how to keep nature and expansion in check and to retain the regions natural beauty!
To drive up and down the street is to step back in time and feel the real connection with nature. At first, the feeling that this is impossible creates a wave of anxiety as the gap between the tree located in the middle of the road and the guard rail looks way too narrow to fit a large sized car through let alone a small car or a couple of motorcycles. But slowly by slowly, ones confidence and ability to navigate the twist and turn road up and up to the top of the Giant Tree Street turns a slow and careful drive into a fun and joyful experience that you would like to do again and again!
It is without doubt one of the best drives in Nagasaki and I will look forward to driving this street again in Spring and Autumn when the tree colours and foliage are at their best. Comes well recommended and an absolute delight for all nature lovers.
Please check out The Giant Tree Street in Nagasaki here on a map:
Please click on the photos below to enlarge:
Here is a video of the Giant Tree Street Nagasaki for your viewing enjoyment:
To drive up and down the street is to step back in time and feel the real connection with nature. At first, the feeling that this is impossible creates a wave of anxiety as the gap between the tree located in the middle of the road and the guard rail looks way too narrow to fit a large sized car through let alone a small car or a couple of motorcycles. But slowly by slowly, ones confidence and ability to navigate the twist and turn road up and up to the top of the Giant Tree Street turns a slow and careful drive into a fun and joyful experience that you would like to do again and again!
It is without doubt one of the best drives in Nagasaki and I will look forward to driving this street again in Spring and Autumn when the tree colours and foliage are at their best. Comes well recommended and an absolute delight for all nature lovers.
Please check out The Giant Tree Street in Nagasaki here on a map:
Please click on the photos below to enlarge:
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| Not much room through here! |
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A very busy section of road
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| Another taxi |
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| Lots of activity |
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Nature wins out over destruction
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Here is a video of the Giant Tree Street Nagasaki for your viewing enjoyment:
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Strawberry Picking: Nagasaki Prefecture
Strawberry Picking is one of the best family activities that you could ever want to do. It works on so many levels. Firstly, wives just love Strawberries! I don't care if it is ice cream, cake, shortcake, cheesecake, parfait, sundae or dipping in whipped cream, let alone with champagne or straight up just as it is, the ladies like Strawberries, period!
Then you have the kids, running around trying to find the perfect one and when they find it they talk about the strawberry as if its their long lost cousin and presto it is gone down to their stomachs within seconds and guess what miraculously they find another strawberry 2 seconds later that was better than the last and the process repeats itself over and over again.
The great thing about Nagasaki is that these Strawberry picking places and their massive greenhouses are everywhere so in reality you don't have to travel very far to find them. The one we went to was the unlimited picking and eating variety and it was reasonably prices at 1500 yen (approx $15 US) and 800 yen (approx $8 US) for the kids. The Strawberry picking season is generally between February and April as this is when the fruit is at its optimum sweetness and juiciness.
As for me, I hit the road running, came out of the blocks fast as a cheetah but alas we all have our limitations and mine is apparently unlimited strawberry eating. By my estimation I hit the wall at 60 and couldn't force another strawberry down. Maybe you will have better luck than me when you try your hand?
Click on the link to see Strawberry Picking in Nagasaki on a map:
Click on the photos below to enlarge:
Please check out Nagasaki Strawberry Picking on the videos below:
Then you have the kids, running around trying to find the perfect one and when they find it they talk about the strawberry as if its their long lost cousin and presto it is gone down to their stomachs within seconds and guess what miraculously they find another strawberry 2 seconds later that was better than the last and the process repeats itself over and over again.
The great thing about Nagasaki is that these Strawberry picking places and their massive greenhouses are everywhere so in reality you don't have to travel very far to find them. The one we went to was the unlimited picking and eating variety and it was reasonably prices at 1500 yen (approx $15 US) and 800 yen (approx $8 US) for the kids. The Strawberry picking season is generally between February and April as this is when the fruit is at its optimum sweetness and juiciness.
As for me, I hit the road running, came out of the blocks fast as a cheetah but alas we all have our limitations and mine is apparently unlimited strawberry eating. By my estimation I hit the wall at 60 and couldn't force another strawberry down. Maybe you will have better luck than me when you try your hand?
Click on the link to see Strawberry Picking in Nagasaki on a map:
Click on the photos below to enlarge:
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| Now that`s a strawberry |
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| Looking for the good ones |
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| Sweet and delicious |
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The face of someone who has eaten too many strawberries!
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| The wife and kids didn't hold back! |
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| Another one bites the dust |
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| Last one! |
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| My take home pack |
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| These aren't ready for eating yet! |
Please check out Nagasaki Strawberry Picking on the videos below:
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Mitsubishi Shipyards: Nagasaki City
Mitsubishi Shipyards in Nagasaki is such a dominate and striking feature of the Nagasaki Port and the city itself. It is virtually impossible not to see a dozen of so unmistakable Mitsubishi Company Logo's throughout the area and it is still today one of the largest employers in Nagasaki.
In 1857 at the request of the Shogunate engineers began work on a modern, Western-style foundry and shipyard and construction was completed in 1861. In 1868, the shipyard was placed under control of the new Meiji Government and the first dry dock was completed in 1879.
The shipyard was renamed as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 1934. It became the largest private firm in Japan and was active in the manufacture of ships, heavy machinery, airplanes and railroad cars. From its inception, the Mitsubishi Shipyards Nagasaki were heavily involved in contracts for the Imperial Japanese Navy and originally the Atomic Bomb was destined to be dropped directly above the Mitsubishi Shipyards Nagasaki but of course this was not the actual result and unfortunately the suburban area of Urakami, approx. 6 kms away was the actual target. As a result of this the Mitsubishi Shipyards Nagasaki was largely untouched and unaffected by the atomic bomb and resulting shock waves and remained operational ever since.
From a boat on the harbor or from the shoreline you can get some great shots of this dry dock in fully operation and there is always a huge ship or tanker or two getting some repairs that can be seen. Without a doubt one of the most impressive harbors of the world.
Come and check out Mitsubishi Shipyards Nagasaki on a map:
Click on the photos below to enlarge:
Here is a video of the Mitstubishi Shipyards in Nagasaki:
In 1857 at the request of the Shogunate engineers began work on a modern, Western-style foundry and shipyard and construction was completed in 1861. In 1868, the shipyard was placed under control of the new Meiji Government and the first dry dock was completed in 1879.
The shipyard was renamed as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 1934. It became the largest private firm in Japan and was active in the manufacture of ships, heavy machinery, airplanes and railroad cars. From its inception, the Mitsubishi Shipyards Nagasaki were heavily involved in contracts for the Imperial Japanese Navy and originally the Atomic Bomb was destined to be dropped directly above the Mitsubishi Shipyards Nagasaki but of course this was not the actual result and unfortunately the suburban area of Urakami, approx. 6 kms away was the actual target. As a result of this the Mitsubishi Shipyards Nagasaki was largely untouched and unaffected by the atomic bomb and resulting shock waves and remained operational ever since.
From a boat on the harbor or from the shoreline you can get some great shots of this dry dock in fully operation and there is always a huge ship or tanker or two getting some repairs that can be seen. Without a doubt one of the most impressive harbors of the world.
Come and check out Mitsubishi Shipyards Nagasaki on a map:
Click on the photos below to enlarge:
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| The massive cranes |
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| Oil tanks in the foreground |
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| Long view |
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Here is a video of the Mitstubishi Shipyards in Nagasaki:
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Unzen Christian Memorial: Unzen, Nagasaki Prefecture
The Unzen Christian Memorial is a very special place indeed. It is hard to believe that such a special, unique and picturesque place was actually a murdering ground for the prosecution and killing of Christians all those years ago in feudal Japan.
During the depression of Jigoku (1627-1632) many Christians were killed. Though it is impossible now to indicate the exact place in which many Christians suffered martyrdom, two monumental stones were placed in the Jigoku (Hell Ponds) to honor the Martyrs. One is called "Seika Moyu no Hi," (monument of sacred flame) which was built in 1939. The Japanese poem written by Chosuke Ikuta is inscribed and reads "Your exalted spirits and sacred red blood have never faded away and are still vividly seen through the red mountain covered by azalea flowers."
The other monument is of the Christian Cross and was raised by Archbishop of Nagasaki in 1961. On the surface of its setting stone, 6 martyrs' names are inscribed to keep the plight of these people many years ago alive and in the memory of all Christians of today and yesteryear. It is a place that one can lost in the magnificent scenery not to mention the history of the area and at the same time you can learn about the Christians of Japan and the persecution that they had to endure in order to follow their faith.
Check out the Unzen Christian Memorial here below:
Please click on the pictures below to enlarge:
Please check out the video of the Unzen Christian Memorial here:
Many Nagasaki Christian were martyred here!
This is where it all happened!
The memorial stands to remember the Christians of the time
During the depression of Jigoku (1627-1632) many Christians were killed. Though it is impossible now to indicate the exact place in which many Christians suffered martyrdom, two monumental stones were placed in the Jigoku (Hell Ponds) to honor the Martyrs. One is called "Seika Moyu no Hi," (monument of sacred flame) which was built in 1939. The Japanese poem written by Chosuke Ikuta is inscribed and reads "Your exalted spirits and sacred red blood have never faded away and are still vividly seen through the red mountain covered by azalea flowers."
The other monument is of the Christian Cross and was raised by Archbishop of Nagasaki in 1961. On the surface of its setting stone, 6 martyrs' names are inscribed to keep the plight of these people many years ago alive and in the memory of all Christians of today and yesteryear. It is a place that one can lost in the magnificent scenery not to mention the history of the area and at the same time you can learn about the Christians of Japan and the persecution that they had to endure in order to follow their faith.
Check out the Unzen Christian Memorial here below:
Please click on the pictures below to enlarge:
The names and dates of the Christians who were boiled to death
Please check out the video of the Unzen Christian Memorial here:
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Hamanokawa Spring: Shimabara, Nagasaki Prefecture
Hamanokawa Spring is one of those places that is a page out of yesteryear. The people, the buildings and the community spirit are all from a bygone era where society was nicer to each other, people lived and acted by another ethos of friendship and support of their fellow man and the community worked together to get things done and create opportunities for all.
I was pleasantly surprised to walk around Hamanokawa town to see the extremely old Japanese houses and I felt the atmosphere of a place that still today in the 21st century follow so many rules and life experiences of a culture and spirit of centuries before. The Hamanokawa Spring in Shimabara is divided into 4 distinct areas and the system has been in place for 100's of years since feudal times and still holds fast today.
The 1st water chamber is used for the washing of fish and all types of foods such as vegetables and fruits. The 2nd chamber is specifically for the rinsing of plates whilst the 3rd chamber is used for the washing of plates. Finally the 4th chamber of water is only used for the washing of clothes.
When I arrived a little old lady was just finishing washing her clothes in the 4th chamber, I wanted to take a photo but she whisked away in a blur. I really want to see these ancient systems in use by the local community, so I will return again someday and try and capture the process in full operation.
Please check out Hamanokawa Spring on a map:
Click on the photos below to enlarge:
Here is a video of the Hamanokawa Spring in Shimabara, please take a look:
I was pleasantly surprised to walk around Hamanokawa town to see the extremely old Japanese houses and I felt the atmosphere of a place that still today in the 21st century follow so many rules and life experiences of a culture and spirit of centuries before. The Hamanokawa Spring in Shimabara is divided into 4 distinct areas and the system has been in place for 100's of years since feudal times and still holds fast today.
The 1st water chamber is used for the washing of fish and all types of foods such as vegetables and fruits. The 2nd chamber is specifically for the rinsing of plates whilst the 3rd chamber is used for the washing of plates. Finally the 4th chamber of water is only used for the washing of clothes.
When I arrived a little old lady was just finishing washing her clothes in the 4th chamber, I wanted to take a photo but she whisked away in a blur. I really want to see these ancient systems in use by the local community, so I will return again someday and try and capture the process in full operation.
Please check out Hamanokawa Spring on a map:
Click on the photos below to enlarge:
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Well sign posted
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| Abundance of clean fresh water |
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The whole community uses the water for a variety of reasons
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The rules of how the system works
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Shared by all the local community
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The oldest part of town in Shimabara
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Here is a video of the Hamanokawa Spring in Shimabara, please take a look:
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