ONE-STEP-FURTHER SIGHTSEEING ROUTE

STARTFukuoka Airport

1Dazaifu Tenman-gu (Shrine)

Dazaifu Tenman-gu is the head shrine of Tenman-gu in Japan which was dedicated to Michizane Sugawara. Many people come to the shrine to pray to this god of study. The main shrine, which is also Michizane’s grave site, was selected as an important cultural property. It has a camphor tree over 1000-years old, approximately 6000 plum trees of 197 kinds, including the sacred plum tree, ”Tobiume”(flying plum), Kanko History Museum and the “Homotsu-den” (treasure house) etc. in the shrine grounds. Every year, “Tobiume” produces fragrant flowers earlier than the other plum trees. Legend has it that this particular tree flew from the capital Kyoto overnight, to be with Michizane Sugawara because it missed him so much after he was demoted and transferred to Dazaifu by Fujiwara Tokihira.

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2Yanagawa River Cruising

Yanagawa City flourished as a castle town under the Tachibana clan and is also famous as the home town of renowned tanka poet Kitahara Hakushu. Take the famous river boat ride that runs various places in the city by a gondola-like Donko boat, and enjoy the scenic view of riverside town. Leisurely glide along the surface of the canal while watching the beautiful scenery pass-by. Taking in this breathtaking sight as a boatman uses a pole to guide the gondola down the Yanagawa River. This boatman is Mr.Katsuyuki Tanaka, a 30 year veteran. ”The scenery from the gondola has not changed over time. But throughout the 4 seasons, customers will be deeply moved by the scenery”, says Mr.Tanaka. From families to children on school trips, there are many groups that have experienced this river boat ride. It is also not that uncommon to see Chinese, Korean and other foreign travelers enjoying this river cruise as well! When taking foreign guests on a cruise, the boatmen do not use Japanese! According to Mr. Daiki Kaida, ”We get a big reaction when we use a mixture of English while explaining the sights to our customers”, as this young boatman laughs. The sound of the water and the scene of the willow trees swaying in the wind are very popular for foreign guests too!

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3Saga Beef

“Saga Beef” is one of the approximately 150 beef brands existing in Japan and is highly regarded along with such brands as “Matsusaka Beef” and “Kobe Beef.” Amongst these brands, “Saga Beef” attracts the attention of people throughout Japan because of its stable supply and quality. This beautiful marbled beef, which’s fat is finely mixed with its soft lean meat, is very nice for steak, “shabushabu” (Hot pot with thin slices of beef and vegetables) and also for a special gift. It is a kind of “kuroge wagyu beef (black haired wagyu)” and has a rich and sweet taste, which are gifted from Saga’s mild climate, tasty water and clear, clean air. To produce tasty beef, special care and good farming skills are needed to raise the cattle from calves. In order to relieve cows of stress, feed blending and feeding methods are carefully controlled. Please enjoy the taste of “Saga Beef”, produced with care in Saga’s rich nature.

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4The Arita Ware Experience

Experience Arita ware, regarded as the first porcelain ever to be made in Japan!

5Takeo Onsen

After touring Arita, take the train to "Takeo Hot Springs" to spend the night there. Takeo has been a popular hot spring for more than 1,300 years and was a popular station town on the Nagasaki Kaido during the Edo Period. The area has many hot springs to choose from.

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GOALAccomodations in Takeo Onsen

STARTTakeo

6Ureshino Onsen

It is said that the name “Ureshino” came from the story of when Empress Jingu noted that her soldiers became reinvigorated after having a hot bath in the Onsen on return from battle. She is said to have cried out, “How wonderful! “(“Ureshii” in Japanese)”. The onsen is known as one of Kyushu’s best. It has 17 spring water sources and is always full. It has good quality alkaline hot water which contains salt and carbonic acid and its pumping temperature is approximately 100 degrees C. It is regarded as one of the top 3 hot-spring waters for beautiful skin in Japan. In the Edo Era the Ureshino Onsen prospered as a post station on the “Nagasaki Kaido (Road)”. Even now, about 60 inns exist along the limpid stream of Ureshino-gawa. In addition, it is also famous for its tea, which is offered at the inns along with other services. “Onsen Yudofu (A tofu dish) Festival” and “Attaka (Warm) Festival” are held during the winter time.

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7Peace Park

The Nagasaki Peace Park was built at the epicenter of the atomic bomb explosion that occurred during World War 2. The park stands as an international symbol of peace, so that such damage and atrocities may never occur again. The park features statues and monuments donated from countries all over the world and reminds people of the importance of upholding peace. The Peace Statue is a symbol of Nagasaki as a city of peace. The raised right hand pointing to the sky depicts the threat of the atomic bomb, and the left hand stretching horizontally symbolizes eternal world peace, while the slightly closed eyes express a prayer asking that the souls of the victims may find rest. On the 9th of August every year a memorial service is held at the park to remember those who died.

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8Glover Garden

The former Glover residence, which was designated as a national property of cultural importance, as well as other famous Westerner’s residences such as the Ringer and Alt residences that were formerly dotted about the city, have been relocated into the garden. Since Nagasaki is a city having a lot of hills, moving sidewalks and escalators are provided throughout the whole garden, as well as attractive wall fountains and cobbled walking trails. Over 1,000,000 people from home and abroad visit this exotic sight seeing spot every year. The statue of diva Tamaki Miura, famed for her role as ‘Cio-Cio-san’ in the opera, Madam Butterfly, as well as the statue of its composer, Puccini, which was contributed from Italy, stand in the upper open space of the former Glover residence. The view from the Glover residence is extraordinary. The garden is open at nighttime from the middle of July to the beginning of October. The lit up Western style buildings make for a splendid atmosphere, which is different from daytime.

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9Gunkan Island Cruise

Hashima Island, also known as “Battleship Island”, is an island that had undersea coal mines which helped in the modernization of Japan. Presently, cruises taking visitors around the island have been operating. The ruins of these buildings spreading out before one’s eyes tell the story of the rise and fall of the coal mining industry. Studying about Japan’s transition from coal to oil is an important cultural heritage.

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10Mount Inasa (One of Japan’s three best night views)

Mount Inasa, rising to a height of 333 meters serves as a landmark of Nagasaki and the night view has been selected as one of the three best night views in Japan. One can enjoy the 10 million dollar night view from the observation station at the top of the mountain. The view from the ropeway is also exhilarating. Observation Station: open 8:00 ~ 22:00 ※Nagasaki Ropeway is closed after operating hours. (Rooftop observatory is open 24 hours) Mount Inasa Observatory Parking is open 24 hours Nagasaki Ropeway hours of operation: 9:00 ~ 22:00 Nagasaki Ropeway Individual Roundtrip: General ¥1,230 / Jr. & Sr. high school students ¥920 / Elementary school students ¥610 One-way fare: General ¥720 / Jr. & Sr. high school students ¥510 / Elementary school students ¥410 ※ Discounts for groups

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GOALAccomodations in Nagasaki

STARTNagasaki City

11Unzen Onsen

Since the Edo Period it has been popular with writers and artists, and from the Meiji Period until the outbreak of WWII it was a popular resort among foreigners. It is also the first national park established in Japan. As a mountainous hot spring area with a historical background, the place evokes a modern atmosphere where there are many hotels noted for their Western cuisine. ”Unzen Hell”, with its 30-some stoma emitting smoky fumes of sulfur, is a landmark of Unzen.

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12Shimabara Castle Town

A 406.8-meter channel that was used to provide water for daily life in the residences of lower ranking samurai during the former clan era has been preserved. Since this was the residential area of a rifle unit, it was also called ”Gun Town”. The channel was built in the center of the road along which clean water was used for daily purposes by the houses along it, but from around 1950 the channel was moved to one side for the purposes of disaster and fire prevention. After that, with the cooperation of the residents, one section has been preserved in its old form as a ”Samurai Residence Townscape Preserved Area”.

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GOALAccomodations in Kumamoto

STARTKumamoto City

13 Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle, also known as Ginnan Castle (ginkgo castle) is regarded as one of the 3 best castles in Japan. It is famous for the magnificent cherry trees in its grounds. In 1601, a senior commander Kiyomasa Kato expanded the fortification. In 2007, the castle marked the 400 year anniversary of its construction. In April 2008, the “Honmaru Goten Large Hall” was completed, which was the most important project of the Kumamoto Castle restoration and maintenance plan. Today, the reconstructed resident’s area of the clan including the living room, the large hall (meeting room) and the kitchen, etc is open to the public. It originally had 53 rooms, however 25 of them are still undergoing work The castle is being restored on the basis of pictures, literatures and old photographs from the Meiji Era (19th Century), etc. Its shohekiga (paintings on room partitions), ceiling pictures and other decorative ornaments make for a gorgeous and luxurious atmosphere, which would be in tune with the original character of the castle. ※ Currently it is not possible to enter the main citadel but it is possible to view the Ni no Maru Plaza, Kato Shrine, and castle tower.

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14Suizen-Ji Joju-En

The Suizen-Ji Joju-En is a Kaiyuteien*, a type of Japanese garden. In this garden, said to imitate the 53 Stations of the Tokaido Road*, visitors can enjoy this beautiful garden along with its gentle hills and its ponds that resemble lakes. In the northern part of the garden is the Izumi-jinya Shrine where successive generations of the Hosokawa clan are enshrined. *Kaiyuteien is a type of circular Japanese garden where individuals walk around the garden and appreciate what is in it. *Tokaido Road was the most important of the five routes of the Edo period, which connected Edo (present day Tokyo) to Kyoto.

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15Ebino Plateau

Ebino Plateau is located at an altitude of 2,450 meters and surrounded by the Kirishima Mountains, which include Mount Karakuni. The plateau’s summer is cool with temperatures between 17℃ and 23℃; therefore, it is an ideal place for a summer retreat. The area is well equipped with tennis courts, nature trails and camping sites , so the whole family can enjoy the outdoors. In winter it becomes a winter wonderland with snow covered trees. You can enjoy winter sports to the full. It also has a large artificial skating rink. At the end of August, the Japanese Silver Grass on the plateau changes colour to ‘ebi-iro’ (reddish –purple). The plateau then looks like it has been carpeted in red. The view from Mount Karakuni is especially beautiful.

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16Kirishima Jingu Shrine

Kirishima is referred to as ”the land of Tenson-Korin (that means gods descended to earth)”. Kirishima Jingu Shrine is a notable shrine enshrining these deities. Generally speaking, Kirishima Jingu Shrine is a famous ”power spot” that feels you sacred and shows its divine favor in ”prosperity descendants” and ”matchmaking”. Kirishima Shrine itself was built during the Muromachi period on a different site to where it stands today. The shrine had been destroyed multiple times by volcanic eruptions, but always rebuilt, with the current incarnation being completed in 1715 to which it still survives. The shrine features beatutiful red laquered buildings, and is surrounded by a forest. The mythology there below: It is said that the mountains in the Kirishima region are very important in Japan’s mythology of creation, and it is believed that Ninigi no Mikoto, the grandson of the sun godess Amaterasu, first descended from Heaven to rule the Earth at this location. When Ninigi no Mikoto came to Earth, he brought with him 3 artefacts; a sword, a mirror and a gem, all of which are now imperial regalia in Japan. Ninigi no Mikoto eventually married a local princess and from thence produced the long line that would become the Japanese imperial line.

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17Sand Bath (Ibusuki)

Ibusuki is an onsen town located in southern Kagoshima Prefecture. Unlike other onsen towns in Kyushu, Ibusuki is famous for its sand baths where visitors are buried in sand that has been heated by onsen hot spring water underground. After having been submerged in the sand, people will go to wash off in a regular hot spring. The sand baths are said to be very good for the health.

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GOALAccomodations in Ibusuki

STARTIbusuki City

18Fukiagehama

Fukiagehama is a sand dune coast stretching along the cities of Ichikikushikino, Hioki, and Minamisatsu in the western part of Kagoshima Prefecture and is one of the three great sand dunes in Japan and has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 top beaches.

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19Mt. Sakurajima

Sakurajima is the volcano which towers across the bay from Kagoshima City. One of Japan’s most highly active volcanoes, visitors to Kagoshima can often see smoke pouring from the crater and might even experience ash rain as a result of an eruption. Sakurajima itself has a height of 1117 meters and a circumference of 50 kilometres. Before 1914 Sakurajima was actually separated from the mainland as an island, however, due to an eruption the lava flow connected this island to the Osumi Peninsula. The volcano is accessible via the ferries which make the 3.5 kilometre trip across the bay of Kagoshima. Sakurajima has three different peaks named Kita-dake (North Peak), Naka-dake (Middle Peak) and finally Minami-dake (Southern Peak). The Minami-dake is the most active part of Sakurajima and smoke can often be seen rising from the Showa Crater on the eastern side. Given the active nature of the mountain, there is a 2 kilometre exclusion zone surrounding Sakurajima to keep people from being injured. Sakurajima is responsible as the engine for some onsen hot spring baths in the area, including some wonderful little foot baths found near the ferry terminal. Rental cars, sightseeing busses, and bikes are another fantastic way to see the mountain in all its glory.

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20Senganen Garden

Sengan-en is a stately home and traditional landscape garden originally constructed as a second residence in 1658 by the wealthy Shimazu clan, a powerful family during the Edo Period (1603-1868). The Shimazu Clan ruled Satsuma Province for almost 700 years, until the feudal system was abolished in 1868. The house at the centre of the gardens was built along with the gardens in 1658, but was remodelled in 1884 when the Shimazu moved to live there full time. Former feudal lords and nobles received titles based on European aristocracy after the feudal period, and the family took the highest ranking title becoming Prince Shimazu. A self-guided tour of the house is available for an additional 300 yen, and detailed explanations of the hospitality afforded to Royal visitors such as Nicholas II of Russia, and Edward VIII of the UK, and the Imperial Family of Japan are on display. The expansive gardens cover 12 acres and feature a stunning view of Kinko Bay and active volcano Sakurajima as well as a pleasant and colourful variety of plants and trees throughout the year. Winding pathways, small ponds, stone bridges, a bamboo grove, and tucked away shrines add to the ambiance of the gardens, which were designed to be walked around and explored. A 30 minute hiking trail to the mountain behind gives a panoramic view of Sakurajima and Kagoshima City beyond. Two restaurants serving excellent local cuisine, a super chic Matcha Café, and a number of shops selling local products are also tastefully incorporated into the property. Satsuma Kiriko crystal glass is one of the products available, and the nearby factory can be viewed for free after a visit to the gardens. Nearing the end of the Edo Period, the Shuseikan Complex was constructed next to Sengan-en as an effort to produce iron for shipbuilding and cannon. Whereas most of these industrial constructions are no longer standing, you can still visit the foundations of a furnace and the former machinery factory which is now the Shoko Shuseikan Museum. The nearby Ijikan, a residence constructed to house seven British engineers contracted to teach spinning technology is also worth a visit. Sengan-en and the Shuseikan were designated as a World Heritage Site in 2015 as part of the Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.

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21Nichinan Coast

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22Udo Jingu Shinto Shrine

Udo Jingu Shinto Shrine is known as the location for the Japanese myth, ‘Umisachihiko and Yamasachihiko’. The story is about 2 brothers, one is a fisherman and the other a hunter. The local people endearingly call the shrine ‘Udo-san’. The shrine is famous for its unique construction. The main building was built inside a cave on a coastal cliff.It is a popular tourist spot on the Nichinan Coast. On the1st of January, many new-year worshippers visit there to see the first sunrise over the ocean.

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23Sunmesse Nichinan

“Sunmesse Nichinan” is situated on the top a slightly elevated hill along the Nichinan coastline. Located here are Moai statues, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The landscape, with seven replicas of Easter Island Moai statues reaching 5.5m high, is in complete harmony with the blue sea. It is said that if one touches the second Moai statue from the right, one will be blessed with economic fortune. If one touches the third statue from the left, one will have luck in love.

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GOALAccomodations in Miyazaki

STARTMiyazaki City

24Takachiho Gorge

Takachiho Gorge was formed from lava from Mount Aso which over time eroded to create 80～ 100m high cliffs of volcanic basalt columns. Its old mysterious abysses and water trickling from rocks are complemented by vivid greenery in early summer as well as tinted leaves in autumn; its magnificent views refresh visitors. A view of Manai Waterfall from a boat is both beautiful and mysterious.

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25Takachiho Shrine

The shrine is familiar to people as alias God Jissha-daimyojin. During the period of Tengyo era ( 938 - 947 A.D.), it largely gained religious faith as a central shrine for 88 shrines in 18 districts in Takachiho. There is a 800 year-old Chichibu cedar s

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26Aso

Mt. Aso, located to the south of Aso City, has five peaks, one of which, Nakadake, is an active volcano. There is an exhibition about volcanic activity at the Aso Volcano Museum. Surrounded by natural beauty is is also a famous hot springs area.

27Yufuin Onsen

Yufuin Onsen is located at the foot of elegant Mt. Yufu. At one time, it was a small therapeutic bath place by Lake Kinrin. However, after 1970, due to the regional activation campaigns, such as movie festivals, music festivals and the Beef Eating and Screaming Competition, etc, it became a famous and highly ranked onsen, where people flock. A variety of lodgings can be found here such as traditional and elegant ryokans, pensions and inns, etc. There are some spots which are historical but overlooked by many tourists including the Christian Cemetery. Its climate is typical of a river basin, therefore morning mist is visible in winter and Lake Kinrin is famous for being especially misty. Spring Quality: 41-98 ℃, Simple hot spring Beneficial for: Neuralgia, myalgia, arthritis and fatigue, etc Formation of Institution: In the Edo Era (The year is unknown) Leisurely soak without staying: Possible Drinking from the hot spring: Possible Drinking hot spring water is beneficial for: Diabetes, gout, constipation and obesity

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28Yunotsubo-Kaido Street

On the Yunotsubo Kaido Street, found in the centre of the popular onsen town Yufuin, you can find all kinds of special goods from Oita Prefecture, as well as delicious food and plenty of places to eat and drink. It is a nice place to have a slow wander around and enjoy the scenery before perhaps retiring to relax in some onsen.

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29Beppu Onsen

Beppu Onsen (hot spring) is located between the JR Beppu Station and Kitahama, which is the Beppu bay coast area. It is a leading hot spring tourism area in Japan. There are many modern and well equipped hot spring accommodations in Beppu. However some public bathhouses, such as Takegawara Onsen and Ekimae Koto Onsen are still found here. You can also enjoy the quaint atmosphere of the onsen town. Recently, many events are held, including the ‘Hatto Walk (Walking to eight onsens)’, which is an eight onsen tour with volunteer guides to encourage tourism. Spring Quality: Simple hot spring, chloride spring, sodium bicarbonate chloride spring, etc Beneficial for: Neuralgia, rheumatism Leisurely Soak without Staying: Possible Drinking from the Hot Spring: Possible Drinking hot spring water is beneficial for: Gastroenteritis, diabetes, gout

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GOALAccomodations in Beppu Onsen

STARTBeppu City

30Beppu Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour)

The name, Jigoku (hell), was derived from the fact that the site is unapproachable, because of fumarolic gas of around 100 degrees. Thermal mud and hot springs have been gushing tremendously from the ground for over 1,000 years. There are 8 jigokus in total at Beppu consisting of the cobalt blue ocean hell, ‘Umijigoku’, deep-red blood pond hell ‘Chi-no Ike Jigoku’ as well as ‘Oniishi Bozu Jigoku’ (Onishi Shaven Head Hell), ‘Yama Jigoku’ (Mountain Hell), ‘Kamado Jigoku’(Boiling Hell), ‘Oniyama Jigoku’ (Demon Mountain Hell), ‘Shiraike Hell’ (White Pond Hell) and ‘Tatsumaki Jigoku’ (Geyser Hell) . Its onsen eggs (eggs boiled in the hot spring) and ‘Jigoku Mushiyaki Pudding’ (Pudding steamed in the Hell) are popular for visitors.

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31Kitsuki, Hita Castle Town

Kitsuki City is the only ”sandwich” castle town in Japan. Explore the town dressed in kimono and get a feel for what the culture of an Edo Period castle town must have been like. Also, in the city of Hita, which flourished as an imperial fief, the town exists very much as it did during the Edo Period making it a popular place for many tourists who enjoy strolling though the old streets.

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32Mojiko Port Retro District

Mojiko Port opened in 1889, and became the location where the industrial might of Kitakyushu joined together, and especially, became the base of foreign trade with the Chinese mainland. In the streets there is an exotic atmosphere; trading companies and buildings were erected side-by-side, structures that gorgeously added to the flair of the district of Mojiko. Existing to this day are Western style buildings which retain the atmosphere of that prosperous era such as Mojiko Station, the Former Osaka Shosen Building and the Former Mitsui Minato Club. These traditional buildings and new buildings, including the Kaikyo Dramaship, come together in Mojiko Port Retro District. Also located nearby is the Kyushu Railway Museum where visitors can experience the operations of trains.

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