Hello Kitty Land (Harmonyland) -1-@ near Beppu, Oita

December 15, 2007 - 4:11 am by akko@hakata in Culture, Others, Travel  

There’re two Hello Kitty theme park in Japan, one is in Tokyo and the other is here, with the name, `Harmony Land’. This is the perfect place to bring your little children, to spend the whole day in a Hello Kitty World!

Swinging Coffee Cups. You can choose your favorite character. There’re some other [...]

Katchaman’s Amazing JAPAN guide at Miyazaki-ken Power Spot (Sacred Place) “Eda-jinja Shrine”

December 14, 2007 - 6:42 pm by katchaman in Others  

“Eda-jinja Shrine” is situated near the Sheraton Grande Ocean Resort in Miyazaki.(within a 10 minute walk to Eda-jinja)  One of Shrines(Jinjya) of Japanese myths and legends in Miyazakiis Tsuma-jinja Shrine. Here is Power Spot.  Here is my favorite place. I can relax and regain composure. I recommend this power spot strongly.    
In Eda-jinja Shrine,  November [...]

Katchaman’s Amazing JAPAN guide at Miyazaki-ken Power Spot (Sacred Place)”Tsuma-jinja Shrine”

- 5:58 pm by katchaman in Others  

There are the several amazing Shrines(Jinjya) of Japanese myths and legends in Miyazaki.  One of them is ̶ [...]

Katchaman’s Amazing JAPAN guide at Fukui Power Spot (Sacred Place) “Eiheiji Zen Temple[永平寺・福井県]“

October 9, 2007 - 5:41 pm by katchaman in Culture  

I went to “Eiheiji” at Fukui-ken on July 21.
Eiheiji is the Zen temple that was surrounded by hills and woods.
Here is very very peaceful temple! If you are interested in Zen and Japanese nature, do come to Eiheiji! The Butsuden (Buddha Hall) July 21 2007
According to Eiheiji’s official website http://www.mitene.or.jp/~katumin/eiheiji/gaiyo/eigo00.htm, Eiheiji, the “temple of [...]

Katchaman’s Amazing JAPAN guide at Kyoto Power Spot (Sacred Place) “Kurama & Kibune”

October 7, 2007 - 12:44 pm by katchaman in Culture, Others  

The Kurama-dera (temple) is famous in Japanese history as the place of exile of Minamoto-no-Yoshitsune (1157-1189).
The temple was established in 770 by the monk Gantei from Nara’s Toshodai-ji. After seeing a vision of the deity Bishamon-ten, guardian of the northern quarter of the Buddhist heaven, he established Kurama-dera in its present location, just below the [...]

Visit the only Lemon soda factory in Japan, @ Hita Soy Sauce Shop of 15 generations!

July 2, 2007 - 7:09 am by akko@hakata in Food, Travel  

Hita is also famous for delicious soy sauce!

This is rainbow ramaune（lemon soda）, gently sweet, and the color is all natural !
It’s another simbol product of Hara Jirozaemon Soysauce shop.

It has the only ramune factory open to public in Japan!

Marbles used for ramune tap.

Now this is the soysauce factory.

Good soysauce is made from good water.
Attached with [...]

Samurai Time Trip? Visit Tenryo Hita to see Edo merchants’ town

- 6:38 am by akko@hakata in Travel  

Not only hot spring town Beppu and Yufuin, but there’s a beautiful old town in Oita, with the name Hita.

Mameda town of Hita used to be directly governed by Edo (Tokyo) government in Edo period(Samurai Time, 17C-19C), and prospered as a merchants’ town.
(*Tenryo means a special district directly controlled by the central government of Japan. [...]

Hinamatsuri (Hina Doll Festival) in Hita, where Edo merchants’ life still exist

March 2, 2007 - 9:08 am by akko@hakata in Travel  

Hita is a place which flourished in Edo period (Samurai Time), about 200-300 years ago.
It was actually the center of Kyushu, culturally, economically and politically,
and still protects and cherishes its tradition, just the way it was.

Hinamatsuri (Hina Doll Festival) i(Feb.15-Mar.31) is the event you can enjoy the most beautiful season of Hita, by [...]