Tranquil Kyushu Island; 1. Aso Volcano, the world largest caldera !

October 30, 2008 - 2:06 pm by akko@hakata in Others  

After exciting Tokyo and traditional Kyoto, why not visiting tranquil Kyushu, where you can experience magic of nature, and what it bring out, such as onsen (hot spring) , beautiful nature, fresh local food, good sake, and friendly people!

Aso mountain is the general term referring to 5 mountains.
Nakadake (1592m) is one of them, [...]

Katchaman’s Amazing JAPAN guide at Oita Power Spot (Sacred Place) “USA Jingu Shrine” [宇佐神宮・大分県]

August 13, 2008 - 2:10 pm by katchaman in Others  

Usa Jingu Shrine is the main home for all(44,000) Hachiman-gu shrines around Japan. I can recommend USA Jingu Shrine as one of the best sacred place in Japan.
Usa jingu Shrine, constructed in the 6th century, is dedicated to the Emperor Ojin, his mother Empress Jingu - both of whom are legendary - and his deified [...]

Fukuoka, introduced as the World Best Shopping City @ MONOCLE

June 26, 2008 - 2:03 pm by akko@hakata in Others, Travel  

Fukuoka, which already has a very good reputation among residents,
business people (especially Tanshin-Funin people* !), domestic tourists,
and also oversea visitors, first appeared in the latest MONOCLE magazine,
and introduced as the best shopping city, and the 16th livable place.

As a resident, Fukuoka is;
-Gourmet! Especially recommendable is ramen noodle, seafood, local shochu (distilled [...]

Try Maiko Makeup @ Yoji-ya

June 3, 2008 - 3:42 pm by akko@hakata in Culture, Product, Travel  

If you are interested in trying Maiko makeup, not in a heavy, authentic way, but in a casual, easy way, Yoji-ya would be the best solution.

These are colors for your eyes and lips. Each is from Japanese traditional natural colors of flowers, fruits, snow, etc.
They may look unusual, but once you put them, you’ll [...]

Himeji Castle (Himeji/Hyogo)“Kodaman’s J-TRIP”

March 27, 2008 - 3:25 pm by kodaman in Culture  

Talking 30 min by train from Kobe(50 km west of Kobe),Himeji castle is there. It was designated one of four world heritages in 1993(now there are14 world heritages in Japan) and one of four castles which are national treasures.Because of white walls coverded with white plaster, this castle has been called “White heron [...]

Matsumoto Castle(Matsumoto) “Kodaman’s J-TRIP”

February 12, 2008 - 9:42 pm by kodaman in Others  

My wife’s family lives in Chino city in Nagano prefecture. Therefore, we went back to Nagano to meet them on December 2007. Because I have been lots of castles in Japan, I wanted to go to Matsumoto Castle which is one of four castles designated as National Treasures of Japan. This castle was constructed [...]

Gifu Castle (Gifu)“Kodaman’s J-TRIP”

February 1, 2008 - 3:04 pm by kodaman in Culture  

By using a train from Nagoya, taking 30min,there is the Gifu Castle in Gifu prefecture. This castle was first built in 1201. Why here has been so famous is that Oda Nobunaga used to live in this castle. Before Nobunaga used here, Gifu castle was called Inabayama castle and was [...]

Want to pass School Entrance Exam? Visit Michizane-kou @ Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine!

January 15, 2008 - 6:33 pm by akko@hakata in Food, Others, Travel  

This is Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, where Michizane Sugawara, God of Academy, is worshipped.

People from all over Japan visit Michizane-kou (it’s a way to call him friendly and with respect), and pray `Please let me (or let my son/ daughter) pass the entrance exam!’.

(If you know something about Japanese educational system, to enter good [...]

NEW YEAR 2008@ Canal City Hakata

January 7, 2008 - 5:00 am by akko@hakata in Culture, Others, Travel  

Canal City Hakata has no new year holiday !

Shimekazari (decoration for welcoming New Year, fixed on the top of shops’ entrance) in Hakata is very unique.

These are very common in here.

*Kyushu Tourism Information Site will also help you discover the charms of Kyushu !

HAKATA PORT, from where LEXUS exported

- 4:12 am by akko@hakata in Others, Travel  

HAKATA PORT with Long History

This is Hakata Port, which has 2,000 years of history, is especially well known for the cultural trading between China, that the national treasure Gold Seal (Kinin) were given to Na, the old country of Japan.

This means Hakata Port has been the gateway to Asia since 2,000 years old. Actually [...]