A serene place worthy of a visit on the way to Eboshidake Observatory.

great view on the sea

(Translated by Google) This shrine on Tsushima Island seems to have a long history. We visited at low tide, so the torii gate offshore was connected to the mainland. Behind the main hall is the tomb of Toyotamahime, and the atmosphere was so outstanding that it could be called a power spot. (Original) 対馬にある由緒ありそうな神社。ちようど訪れたタイミングが干潮だったので、沖の鳥居は陸続きになっていました。 本殿の奥には豊玉姫の墓陵があり、これぞパワースポットと言えるほど、雰囲気は抜群でした。

Amazing shrine of tushima ghost of tushima vibes

(Translated by Google) We visited at high tide and low tide. Two of the five torii gates lined up in a straight line stand in the sea, but at low tide they become connected to the mainland. Conversely, at high tide during spring tides, the pond overflows and the tide reaches the parking space. At high tide we couldn't see what was inside the three-pillar torii gate in the pond, but at low tide we could see a scaly rock called Isora Ebisu. Both the three-pillar torii gate and Isora Ebisu are said to be associated with ancient Judaism. Korean nationals are prohibited from worshiping here. (Original) 満潮時と干潮時に訪問。一直線に並んだ5つの鳥居のうち２つは海に立っていて干潮時は陸続きとなります。逆に大潮の満潮時は池が溢れて駐車スペースまで潮が上がってくるそうです。 池の中にある三柱鳥居は満潮時は何があるのか分かりませんでしたが、干潮時は磯良恵比寿(イソラエビス)という鱗状の岩が見えます。三柱鳥居もイソラエビスも古代ユダヤと関連があるとか。 なお、ここは韓国人は参拝禁止となっています。

(Translated by Google) I came here because I heard that this shrine does not allow foreigners, but that did not seem to be the case. I personally agree with this because I think that people with bad manners should be banned from anywhere. However, even though it was a peaceful weekday, there was a mini patrol car and two police officers standing next to the shrine. I wonder what that was all about... The shrine itself was very solemn and magnificent. I put in some offerings and prayed for the safety of my family. The torii gate that leads to the sea is picturesque. (Original) 外国人お断りの神社と聞いてやってきましたがそんな雰囲気は無かったです。マナー悪い人はどこでも出禁で良いと思うので個人的には賛成です。ただし、平日の平和な時間なのに神社の横にミニパト+警官が２名立ってました。どういうことなんだろ。。神社自体は非常に厳かで素晴らしかったです。お賽銭いれて家内安全をお願いしました。海に繋がる鳥居は絵になりますね

(Translated by Google) I visited during the Obon period to pay my respects. I noticed a police car waiting on a nearby road and wondered what was going on, but I'll explain that later... By chance, there were few other tourists, so I was able to visit without any problems. It's a simple shrine, with explanatory signs scattered throughout. As I was strolling around the grounds, I heard angry shouts coming from in front of the shrine office. A group of Korean people were being yelled at by the priest (?). It seemed they'd mistakenly entered the entrance to Toyotamahime no Mikoto's tomb, and he was telling them, "If you've taken even one step, put your money in! Put your money in quickly!" Judging from the behavior of the group of tourists, it seemed they really didn't understand, as the instructions were only in Japanese. "Only those who understand the instructions come here! If you don't understand, don't come," they were repeatedly told. I don't think even Japanese people would recognize it at a glance. There's only a box resembling a fortune-telling slip placed next to the shrine office. Afterwards, they continued to wander around the grounds, constantly keeping an eye out for anything of interest. Seeing this, I understood why police are stationed nearby. I'd like to express my sincere thanks to the police for taking turns patrolling the area... But I'm sure the priests have also been troubled by the bad manners of tourists, which is probably why they're so annoyed. However, I'm worried that this may leave a bad impression on Japanese people. It would be great if we could all come to some kind of solution, such as not treating first-time visitors rudely, clearly indicating the way forward, hiring guide staff to be on-site, or posting large notices in foreign languages. It's difficult, isn't it? (Original) お盆の時期に参拝で伺いました。 近くの道路にパトカーが待機していて何事かと思いましたが、それはのちほど...。 たまたま他の観光客が少なく、難なく参拝できました。神社としてはシンプルな作りで、ところどころに説明書きがあります。 敷地内を散策していると、社務所前から怒号が。韓国人グループが神主さん(？)に怒鳴られていました。豊玉姫命之御陵の入り口に誤って進んでしまったみたいで、「一歩でも進んだならお金をいれてゆけ！早くお金をいれろ！」と言われておりました。観光客グループの様子からすると、おそらく日本語の説明しかないので本当にわからなかったご様子。「説明がわかるやつがここにくるんだ！わからないなら来るな」と散々言われておりました。日本人でもぱっと見わかる人は少ないと思います。だって社務所の横におみくじのような箱が置いてあるだけですもの。 その後も敷地内をうろうろと気になることがないか常に見張っておられました。 この様子を見て、警察の方が近くに常駐している理由がわかりました。警察の方、交代交代で本当におつかれさまです。。。 でもきっと神主さんも観光客のマナーの悪さに悩まれてきたのでしょう。だからこそ気が立ってしまっているのだと思います。 しかし、逆に日本人への心象が悪くならないかも心配です。一見さんを邪険にせず、導線を明確に示したり、ガイドのスタッフを雇って常駐させたり、外国語の注意事項を大きく掲示しておくなど、なにかお互いいい手立てがあるといいのですが。 難しいですね。

8th wonder of the world this observation deck on Tsushima island. The beauty to behold here is jaw dropping and truly epic.

Road is closed to cars due to maintenance. Warnings posted for pedestrians—unclear if you can reach the top on foot.

Best view in Tsushima.

A must go when visiting Tsushima after parking (for free) you can walk up to the observatory with an amazing view of the island.

Love the place but the stairs aren't for the weak. You've been warned.

Absolutely stunning. Visit the shrine before or after. This was breathtaking!

A place to overlook the bay with great view. Need another 5min hike from the parking lot.

This park is a quiet with a wealth of nature and easy to visit, not so far from central Karatsu city. There are sidewalks, shrines, observatories, some little historical sites and toilets throughout this large park so I could enjoy walking around comfortably. If it’s sunny, I’d recommend.

Google Map took us the back road, had to drive very carefully. Once made it up. It was time well spent.

We rushed to catch the sunset. There were not so many people late on a week day evening. The place is surrounded by a beautiful park. The view is excellent and a great spot to capture the sunset.

Good scenery. If you love trains, you can watch the JR train running from here!

It's a great place to experience sunset! You have both mountains and sea in your view. You can see the Kartsu Castle from here. There are gift shop, pottery shop and a Udon shop here. You have to park your car a bit far from the main observatory. It's a 5 minute walk. You will enjoy and remember the view of the nature from here, for the rest of your life. Going here, @ sunset time is highly recommended.

Gorgeous scenery and a friendly, kind uncle who works there guided me on how to walk to the viewing platform. If I get a chance to visit Japan again, I will definitely go to Kagamiyama and meet him again.

It's difficult to get without transportation. But we managed to walk along the road like 10 km total to get up and down. It worth it. Need to be aware of the time, have to get down before sunset if you're walking cause it will become very dark.

(Translated by Google) If you walk about 100 meters from the temporary parking lot, there is also a shuttle bus. There is also a promenade to walk up to the waterfall (about 500m walk. There is water seeping out from the mountain, so the path can be rough at times). Many hydrangeas greet you on the way to the waterfall. (Original) 臨時駐車場から歩いて100mちょっと行くとシャトルバスも出てるところがあります。 歩いて滝まで登る遊歩道もあります(500mほど歩く。山から滲み出てる水もあり道悪い時もある)。 滝までの道中たくさんの紫陽花が迎えてくます

(Translated by Google) ● reiwa07,2025,06,26,thursday,15,32 pm just, cloudy sky・・・by japan,s style expression The state of the river downstream of Mikaeri Falls and the hydrangeas. I've uploaded some of the things that didn't fit in the main body. (Original) ● reiwa07,2025,06,26,thursday,15,32 pm just, cloudy sky・・・by japan,s style expression 見帰りの滝の下流部の川の状態と紫陽花です。本体部分には入れきれなかったものを少し、アップロードしておきます。

(Translated by Google) [Naturally full of negative ions] Parking lot is small ``Mikaeri Falls'' rich in nature You can enjoy fireflies and hydrangeas from June. The spray of water falling from a waterfall about 100 meters high Full of negative ions that will make you forget the summer heat! For a while, I was cooling off by patting my feet🦶. A place where you can be healed by nature. (Original) 【自然とマイナスイオンたっぷり】 駐車場は狭いですが 自然豊かな『見返りの滝』 6月からホタルや紫陽花が楽しめる。 約100メートルの滝から落ちてくる水しぶきは 夏の暑さを忘れさせてくれ、マイナスイオンたっぷり！ 一時、足をちゃぽん🦶と涼を取りながら 自然に癒される場所。

(Translated by Google) The hydrangeas were still early. I think it's about 20% of the total. It was after the rain, so the waterfall was very impressive. The promenade is full of negative ions. (Original) 紫陽花はまだ早かったです。 全体の2割程度と思います。 雨上がりだったので、滝の迫力はありました。 遊歩道はマイナスイオンたっぷりです。

(Translated by Google) This is a place where you can feel negative ions. You can walk close to the waterfall, there is a promenade, and there are many people during the hydrangea season. (Original) マイナスイオンが感じられる場所です。滝の近くまで歩いて行けるし遊歩道もあり、紫陽花の時期は人が多いです。

(Translated by Google) The hydrangeas blooming near the waterfall are wonderful. (Original) 滝の近くに咲いている紫陽花が素晴らしいです。

Parking: Great parking area if you're driving. There were plenty of parking and the outdoor mall is connected by a bridge. Food: Not bad. Way better than the ones in the USA. Shopping: If you've been to the outlets in the USA, there's no comparison. There weren't many options and the prices are not cheap. Not cheap at all. This is supposed to be an outlet, not a regular shopping mall. I think if you're living in Asia, you'll probably like this place. However, if you're living in the USA, skip this place. It's going to be a waste of time for you.

If you’re looking for a big outlet with lots of branded shops, this is the one for you! It’s quite a bit of a travel, but definitely worth it. For me, it’s even better than Ships and Lalaport. The only downside (besides the distance) is the long line for food, so it’s best to bring something to eat or have a snack beforehand. Overall, a great place to shop and spend the day! 🛍️

The usual stores you will find at other Premium Outlets. It’s not as big as the one at Gotemba but still worth a visit. Show your passport and you will get a tax exception on your bill. I was told that next year (2026) you can only get your tax refund at the airport like in most countries. We spend a few hours here and found some nice bargains. I had some of the best burgers ever at the food court.

The place is nice as a venue, but the outlet prices often didn't differ much (if at all) from regular retail. Didn't buy anything except some Nike shoes – both Nike and Adidas likely will have the more compelling sale prices for shoes. Spent less than an hour here and ended up leaving since there wasn't much for us – definitely can't compare to outlet shopping in Europe. The free parking is a plus though.

Good place to shop. Not too crowded and good selwction of brands. Tosu also offered very nice countryside scenery.

An absolute shopping paradise. So many great brands at massive discounts—especially during the Golden Week promo! Most shops had 20% off for 3 items or more, and I could also claim a 10% tourist tax rebate. On top of that, many items were already marked down 40–60% off original prices, so the discounts stacked up really well. Scored quality stuff from Onitsuka Tiger, EDWIN, Calvin Klein, GAP, Tommy Hilfiger, and more. Great mix of style and value—definitely worth a trip!

We came on 12 April 2025. As it was a Saturday, there were many people at the Outlets. You can download digital coupons at the entrance via the QR code.

The Tachiarai Peace Memorial Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in World War II history. Located on the former site of Tachiarai Airfield—once the largest military airfield in East Asia—the museum offers a powerful and sobering look into Japan’s wartime aviation legacy. The airfield played a crucial role in training Japanese Army pilots and later became a major dispatch point for kamikaze missions during the final stages of the war. It was heavily bombed and largely destroyed by U.S. B-29 bombers in March 1945. The museum features a range of excellent exhibits, including two standout aircraft: Nakajima Ki-27 "Type 97" Fighter – the only surviving example in the world, recovered from Hakata Bay and restored in 1996. This model was used in kamikaze missions. Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero (Model 32) – the only surviving example of this iconic fighter, a symbol of Japanese air power during the war. One of the more striking displays is a silhouette of a B-29 bomber suspended from the ceiling. Seeing it overhead gives a real sense of the aircraft’s massive scale—both impressive and deeply sobering. While the exhibits have minimal English translations, using Google Translate helps capture the essence of the displays. Despite the language barrier, the museum’s historical significance and powerful presentation make it highly recommended for visitors seeking a deeper understanding of Japan’s WWII experience.

Tachiarai Peace Memorial Museum is one of three facilities on Kyushu ( including Chiran and Bansei in Kagoshima) dedicated to the memory of the Japan Imperial Army Special Attack Force aka "Kamikaze" suicide pilots. Tachiarai was the former location of the Imperial Army's pilot academy that by 1944 became a center for the rapid training and dispatch of suicide pilots. The museum is notable for its display of a Type Zero fighter aircraft and a Type K27, which was restored after being recovered from the bottom of Hakata Bay, in the main exhibit hall. The remainder of the exhibits are mostly portrait photos of the special attack pilots, their final letters to family, and artifacts. The museum would be more properly called a "war memorial" rather than peace memorial, as there is no context presented regarding the sacrifice of the pilots, soldiers and civilians that were killed in the final months of the war. The museum theater tells the unfortunate story of the local village, which greatly prospered when the army aviation academy was established. As the war progressed and turned against Japan, the academy became a training center for suicide pilots and that caused the base to become a target for a massive B-29 bombing raid at the end of March 1945. The raid damaged the airbase, but also devastated the village including the death of many civilians, including children. There is no context presented as to why despite being an obvious target, the town was not evacuated and there is no context presented on the situation in Japan which allowed senior commanders to send boys to their death on one way suicide missions. The exhibition shows that the average age of the pilots was about 23, with many 18-22 years old. They knew nothing but war almost their entire lives. Most of the boys were quickly trained to reach a minimal skill level, then waited for their special orders. Almost all the missions failed. The few that were successful caused terrible, but inconsequential damage on the US Navy. The museum presents the results in the light of success, which is not historically accurate. It would be much more interesting if all of the Kyushu peace museums included context including the responsibility of the leaders whose failures resulted in the tragic deaths of the pilots and civilians. After looking at so many striking portrait photographs of the pilots (they had photographs taken in pilot gear or had portraits created post mortem) the question remains were the 3,898 suicide pilots heroes or victims? My view is they are both, and were needlessly wasted in the prime of the their youth by the senior commanders. They are tragic heroic victims. But one consolation, is the pilots get their photos and biography recorded and presented in a beautiful museum, while the many other millions of victims of WWII do not get that privilege. A visit to the Tachiarai Peace Memorial Museum shows the dark side of war. It's well worth a visit, even without the context and the restored Type Zero fighter is a gem. Access is by car or the super cute Amagi Railroad. A short walk from the tiny station.

It’s worthwhile visiting if you’re in the area. I applaud the efforts of these people who are trying to promote peace. There were no English captions on the exhibits.

Great to know parts of WW2 Pacific war zone

Being able to see a Zero up close and personal was amazing. Reading about and watching on TV doesn't do justice to this technological marvel. Once you're up close you can really see the level of mastery by engineers, craftsmen, and pilots who employed it. The cockpit has literally no armor. Thin aluminum skin between pilot and sky. Just amazing!

A great and peaceful museum to visit! I was surprised at the sight of a J7W Shinden model! Its portrayal of a B29 and a Japanese interceptor was very creative too!

This is a war museum not a peace museum. It is great if you are a fan of the engineering and design marvel that is THE Zero fighter jet. It is also great if you want to see Japan’s stance towards the war. It was presented that their airforce was defending their homeland, when anyone who read history knows they were the one who started it. It’s also priceless to see the sad sacrifice of 18-22 years old pilots who were known as the ‘Kamikaze’, and the museum glorified their sacrifices. However it is biased, very biased, and the bias is interesting to see. Also, please prepare Google translation because there is almost no English caption provided for obvious reasons.

It’s a unique experience, a small village in the middle of the mountains, all houses basically dedicated to the craft, you see then drying the products outside and the shops are inside their homes. Such a local feel, the price range is reasonable with some going cheaper and some more pricey. They got a small free local museum, all the stuff inside is in Japanese though but nice enough to look at. The parking lot by the museum isn’t the biggest, it was quite empty when I got there around 9:30 am but completely full when I left around 11 am. Guess it depends on season and weather but it doesn’t seem like there are any other parking spots around so I suggest arriving earlier if you’re driving :))

We went on a rainy day so we only went to two shops, but the potteries are so nice, we bought some beautiful tea cups. The shops are unattended and you need to ring the bell if you want to buy. They are professional craftsmen busy working in the workshops, not professional customer service employees, so don't be a jerk going in.

Am a potter hence wanted to visit this place to possibly make some ceramics or buy some unique pieces. However, there were probably only 4-5 shops that were opened, with many store owners being quite nonchalant and products were limited. Not as wide of a range as one would’ve expected. Interesting to still see how they pound the yellow clay using the force of the water. Love the cute (and only food store) soba and udon shop!

When art, tradition, and nature seamlessly fuse, the resulting uniqueness establishes an identity of its own. Originality can't be replicated nor transferred; it exclusively resides within the soul of the creator. This is what it is.

A village dedicated to pottery. Serene and tranquil, located in the middle of mountain and forest. Really nice walking in the village and admiring all the pottery items.

Caught bus from bus station worth doing for scenery and the really interesting story of the pottery village and how it’s made. Needless to say we purchased some pottery which is very reasonably priced.

Beautiful, quiet and a great range of high quality traditional pottery. Items are mostly 1000yen and up (each). If you know what you are interested in and need a beautiful addition to your tableware, you will find it here. Spend just under 10000yen on 5 items.

Phenomenal. So many staff around to guide people. The park is unbelievably clean and well kept. The structures are really authentically recreated and you can enter most of them. They have some museums and other things to do inside the park as well. One of the coolest things I’ve come across in Kyushu.

Yoshinogari Historical Park, Kanzaki-gun, Saga-ken Have you ever wondered about the fascinating history of Yayoi & Jomon? The yoshinogari archaeological site of excavation, preservation & ruins holds some unspoken secrets waiting to be discovered. Let’s dive into the past and uncover the mysteries that have been hidden for centuries! You can learn about the history of this place by visiting it. It’s a fascinating place indeed. Opening hours: 9:00 Am to 17:00 Entrance Fee: Ranges from 460¥ There are museum programs where you can learn to make fire and crafting accessories and knives. Magama bead making-250¥ You can check their website for more information and programs. Website: yoshinogari.jp/en/

The park is way bigger than one would expect (maybe) and if you love history, certainly make your way out here. They even have workshops and I loved the one I joined because I love stones. Seeing the Yayoi life in the past was a good experience. You can walk around the park to check out the old houses and the ancient burial. There is a roving bus. There’s a big part of the park that’s good for kids (or so the guide at the community center told me because I didn’t explore that part). Worth visiting!

Relaxing day out from Fukuoka. There’s not a lot of detailed information in English, but the site is very interesting, don’t miss the burial mound. Beautiful views as well.

It's an extremely large area. The train is about the same distance from Yoshinogari Koen Station or Kanzaki Station. I want to be prepared to walk steadily. It feels good when the weather is nice. You can learn about jar coffins. The experience center is also fun.

Plentiful of open spaces and historical artifacts built to scale. A fun place for the family amidst nature. The park is huge. For a start, take the free shuttle bus to go round the park. Then select places of specific interest to you. Bring along food for a small picnic (there are also provisions for BBQ on site) as the restaurant maybe fully booked up. Enjoy!

Very cool experience for a visit to the museum or to just have a picnic in the park. The grounds are beautiful and they have daily activities that you can do for an additional fee. Also, they have multiple paid parking lots around the place. It’s huge so plan to do a lot of walking.

The museum is great and is for free. You can view plenty of historical items and descriptions. There are other visuals, like videos and recording available. If you are interested in Japanese history, I can definitely recommend this visit.

I was really surprised at the size and variety of exhibitions in this museum. They have some interactive parts and photo spots. A very nice volunteer gave me a free tour in English so I learned a lot more than I could have by just reading. I really recommend it! Also if you have a JR Pass, show it at the counter to get a free souvenir!

It's sad that saga castle did not survive the passing of time, the years of neglect, and the numerous fire incidents that eventually brought it down. This museum however encapsulate a great deal of the history surrounding the castle and the region of Saga. A lot of valuable national treasures are enclosed here and valuable history on the first vaccination in Japan, innovations in railway, and the first most advanced school on western education in Japan. The heritage of the Naomasa clan lives on and I am in awe of the history of this place which largely goes unnoticed by most Japanese folks today. Also, a particularly interesting activity to partake in is the digital photography in fictional outfits of the Edo era, the outfits are selected randomly and I was lucky to get the Samurai outfit ^_^

Thanks for the senior tour guide!! We visited the museum 2 days ago. The gentleman guided us in English and gave the detailed history of Saga castle. We enjoy very much and know more about Saga city!!

The best museum I have been.

Visited in January 2020. Reconstruction of the main keep of Saga Castle built in 1838, during the last years of the Edo Period. It is one of the largest wooden reconstructions in Japan. There are historic exhibitions in the museum and it is open to public. Need to remove shoe in locker before entering. Main entrance is located near Naomasa Statue / NHK building

Free! Learn about how the guy reformed the budget and saved enough money to produce canons. Eventually leading to Japan's military dominance in Asia.

Strong recommend for those who love to read! This library combines with cafe, the design is new and it is open for public. I really love the children reading area which is located beside this library. The photo spot is good to have an overview of this library.

A key landmark at Takeo. Nice architecture with a main library and a kids library by the side. Night time is even better with lights on. 2nd floor and part of ground floor are library area. They do have cafe (Starbucks) and some books/magazines/souvenirs （Tsutaya) on the ground floor. There are only two spots in the library where you can take photos in order not to disturb others, so pls keep in mind.

Very beautiful library. I visited during spring but the building a bit warm and heated. Worth to stop a few hours on the route to Nagasaki from Fukuoka. There is another cute kid library next door. Can visit nearby shrine.

I’ve never had a library on my to do list on any free weekend but the Takeo library found it’s way on there last month. First off, what really allured me into going there was air conditioning. Yep, if you haven’t spent a summer in Kyushu then you haven’t felt real heat and humidity…seriously worse than the swamps of Florida or the stickiness of Singapore. The kind of heat you just know is disrespecting you on purpose. Anywho, I wanted to do an indoor activity and this was the perfect place to lounge around for hours and look at books I can’t read because they’re in Nihongo, but the pictures were dope. But the library also speaks the universal language of coffee so enjoy some Starbucks, skim through the magazines while your sweaty shirt dries.

In 2013, Takeo City entrusted the operation to Culture Convenience Club (CCC), which operates Japan's largest franchise bookstore, Tsutaya. CCC's operational know-how, introduced in Korea through a book titled "Tsutaya, the Place Where Tastes Are Designed," has permeated Takeo Library. CCC President and CEO Muneaki Masuda is famous for transforming a bookstore that sells books into a comprehensive lifestyle shop that offers books and music and suggests lifestyles. He achieved great success by instilling "sensibility," which is often mentioned among the younger generation, into a bookstore. Like Tsutaya Bookstore, CCC increased the number of open bookshelves in Takeo Library and introduced a bookstore, cafe, etc. The operating hours have been extended from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and the library is open 365 days a year so that people can use it at any time.

Shouldn’t say it is a library or book shop, it should be treat as an art space of books. Photo are only allowed in designated area to preserve quite environment for library user. Book shops and Starbucks are mix with the library itself. Fun experience.

Saw this library in the list of most beautiful libraries in the world. I haven’t really been to any and this is the first one. Indeed it was beautiful. I don’t know though if it’s worth it to travel all the way just to see the library and eat/drink Starbucks. Ahaha. But what I did was also go to Takeo Onsen. That way, travelling to Takeo itself becomes a proper trip.

There are almost no reviews about the team labs part of this hotel. I’m here to change that. This destination was on my want to go ever since I went to TeamLabs PLANETS in Tokyo. We walked into the hotel and were blown away by the stunning art pieces. We enjoyed delicious complimentary welcome drinks under the lanterns. Then, we began to explore the art pieces in the ruined parts of the hotel. Many don’t understand that the ruined parts of the hotel are not under construction, they are remnants of an old onsen that was operational in the 60s and the 70s. It’s not under construction, it was internationally left to ruin. That’s why the teamlabs art pieces play with that, leaving an interesting vibe, new art pieces interacting with the old ruins. This made for an otherworldly, albeit beautiful vibe, reminiscent of a post apocalyptic kind of feeling. The onsen itself was spectacular. It was absolutely stunning, with fireplace rooms with snacks, multiple hot pools and cold plunge pools, and various steam rooms and saunas. You are missing out if you go. The architecture is Scandinavian inspired, with beautiful, big windows in an open garden. And finally, the teamlabs park itself: we went at night, and the details were stunning. I was transported to another world, where azalea bushes glowed like ocean waves, and where digital koi swam in a giant pond.

Mifuneyama Rakuen, a renowned 500,000-square-meter Japanese garden at the base of Mount Mifune in Takeo, Saga Prefecture, offers stunning seasonal vistas, including vibrant spring blooms and autumn foliage. However, the site’s appeal is tempered by evident maintenance shortcomings, such as unchecked overgrowth of creeping vines on mature trees and other unmanaged vegetation, which detract from its pristine aesthetic. Visitors are advised to plan accordingly, prioritizing peak seasons for optimal enjoyment.

Pleasant garden grounds, featuring a quaint bit murky pond, plus a grand mountain face overseeing proceedings within the garden below. Team Lab collaboration currently on, but only seems to be at night, and even the day time exhibition in the bathhouse ruins was closed. There’s a significant walk to a sacred tree on the east side, with the forest path being pretty narrow and somewhat insecure in places, all to end in not very much.

I had a great stay! Beware that if you book a room with a private hot spring, there is a chance you'll have to deal with bugs. Staff were really nice. Food was really good. The hot spring is amazing. Also, you can visit both the hot springs and teamlab for free if you're a hotel guest.

We have been there by night. Very beatiful walk through the iluminated garden.

This could be a 5 star attraction but, instead it is in dire need of maintenance and grounds keeping. Nature has a way of being amazing despite people's lack of attention. Plenty closed off areas, very little signage, electrical wires everywhere and a general appearance of untidiness. Considering they charge 600¥ per person and there were bus loads of people coming and going. They could at least do basic maintenance and clean up. It probably was a beautifully kept up park but sadly it has been let go to long. I hope they can clean it up before it is too late.

A beautiful garden full of seasonal flowers. We visited during cherry blossom season, but before full bloom. I felt it really came alive at night with the illuminations. There is also a teamLab exhibition tucked in the hillside that connects with a hotel there. The art is beautiful and worth seeing if you enjoy other similar exhibitions. At first I was shocked that the building seemed so dirty, but it's supposed to be a Ruins exhibition. Also, it's on the smaller side, but I felt the price reflected that. Probably easiest access by car, but there was free parking. I would love to come back and see the azaleas in full bloom, the photos look beautiful.

There’s parking a few steps away, entrance is free. The wisteria wasn’t in full bloom yet when we visited, but it was still a sight to behold. The flowers smell so good.

Just the right timing,it was in full bloomed.Its a beautiful place. Good for relaxing 😌

I dropped by before going hiking.

I went here on 15th May, i don't see westeria season anymore :( what a waste😭

Great place

I want to ask when is the best time to come in 2020? Early April?

Somehow the nature here reminded me of Mongolian nature. Breathtaking!

Visited Apr 2025. Far from Hakata station, taking about 1 hr on the train and another 15 minutes on the bus, which comes only 1-2x an hour. Worth a visit if you're in the area, especially if in Saga already. Temple complex was smaller than expected from the photos, stairs are killer but views from the top are great. Ranking wise I would put it one tier down from others such as Todaiji, Horyuji, Engyoji in Himeji, Nikko etc. which I consider must visit places even with 1+ hour travel time

One of the coolest shrines i have visited in the whole of japan! I really loved all the wind chimes and how they danced and sang in the breeze, also the temple itself is amazingly detailed worth the trip in my opinion

We paid for the fox marriage night illuminations and was not disappointed. Entrance was about jpy1.5k. It came with fox masks (first come first serve). We entered the park at about 5.30pm and was able to cover the sights before the fox wedding procession starts at 6.30pm. Remember to visit the other garden on the way out.

Oh my Inari what a glorious place! The shrine was a big reason for me to come to this area and I have no regrets. The weather was horrible but maybe this way there weren't as many visitors and everything at a polished fresh and serene feeling. The hill behind the main shrine with all the little shrines was a high to climb.

A inari shrine noteworthy comparable to inari Fushimi in Kyoto. Spendid and magnificent minus the tourist crowd

This was a beautiful shrine to visit. The path going to the shrine is also pretty especially when there are cherry blossoms. The elevator has a 300 yen fee, but the stairs to the main shrine aren't that bad. You can also climb further up to reach the peak to get a good view of the area. I would say this was worth the 1h20m bus ride from Saga.

One of the best Shinto shrinea I've visited (during Sakura season even more so) There's nearby parking + various shops along the way. The shrine also include a climb up the mountain (resembles Fushimi Inari) with a nice view

Great place to stop by if you're in the area and craving ice cream. One of the shops sells orange or milk or combo soft serve cones. It was delightful on a hot day. They also have local wagashi gift sets (i.e. 🍊 flavor mochi sweets) if you're looking to pick something up for your friends and family.

Nice place for a stop during your campervan trip. Local food, fruit and veggies. Plenty of parking.

Nice station with some foods, views, and restaurants. Unfortunately most of it seems closed on Sundays so our experience was limited.

(Translated by Google) They have a wide variety of locally grown vegetables, meat, fish, fruit, prepared foods, and even homemade bread. There was a space to eat, so I bought some sliced mangoes. They were sweet and delicious for 500 yen a pack. ✨ In the winter, I often buy mandarin oranges, oysters, and shellfish to take home. They have a wide variety of mandarin oranges. This is a roadside station you definitely want to visit. 😊 (Original) 地産の野菜　肉　魚　果物　惣菜 手作りのパンなど珍しい物も色々 あります。 食べれるスペースがあったので 今回はカットマンゴーを買って食べました。１パック500円で甘くて　とっても 美味しかったです✨ 冬になると蜜柑や牡蠣や貝等を買って 帰ります。 蜜柑の種類は豊富ですよ～ 必ず寄りたい道の駅です😊

(Translated by Google) I came here during low tide today. You can clearly see the Ariake Sea's tidal flats stretching into the distance, and it's easy to see why the entire area surrounding the Ariake Sea is reclaimed land. If it weren't for the scorching heat, I'd love to gaze out at it from the observation deck for a while. Local produce includes locally grown vegetables, fruits, and seafood. Tara's mandarin oranges are famous, but they're not the only fruit. In midsummer, figs and grapes are also delicious. I bought a fig today. It was full of sweet flesh and melted in my mouth. I highly recommend it. Speaking of seafood, I also bought some tsukudani (simmered food in soy sauce) made with nori seaweed from the Ariake Sea. This also goes well with hot rice. Although I skipped it this time, soft-serve ice cream lovers should definitely try the mandarin orange flavor. They also have vanilla, mandarin oranges, and a mix of mandarin oranges and vanilla, all priced at 350 yen. These days, prices of 400 or 500 yen are common, but this one is reasonably priced at 350 yen. Please try it before the price goes up. (Original) 今日は干潮時にきました。有明海の干潟がずーっと遠くまでのびているのがよくわかり、この有明海で周辺海域は全て干拓地がひろがっている理由がよくわかるところです。猛暑日で無ければ、展望台からしばらく眺めていたいところです。 物産は、周辺で取れた野菜果物、海産物があります。多良のみかんは有名ですが、果物はみかんばかりではありません。真夏だと、イチジク、葡萄が美味しくいただけます。イチジクを本日は購入。果肉いっぱい甘くてとろける美味しさでした。お勧めです。海産物では、本番有明海の海苔で作った佃煮を買ってかえりました。これも、熱々のご飯にあいます。 今回は見送りましたが、ソフトクリーム好きは、みかんフレーバーを試して下さい。バニラもありますが、みかん、みかんとバニラのミックスがあり、しかも、全て３５０円です。最近は、４００円５００円は当たり前ですが、こちらは、３５０円でリーズナブル。値上がりする前にどうか試してください。

(Translated by Google) Are Takezaki crabs and Takezaki oysters too famous? The restaurant is closed during the off-season. Active Retirement!? Sunday, August 24, 2025 ♏❝Tara Mikan Soft Serve❞ Delicious with a harmonious blend of sweet and sour flavors! If it were a "soft sorbet," the sourness might be too strong... 🗾Kyushu & Okinawa Stamp Rally📙082 🚗Sunday, August 24, 2025 🕘8:58 AM 🚉Station Building (📷️①) 🖼️Observation Deck (📷️②) 🖼️Tidal Flats (📷️③) 🍦Tara Mikan Soft Serve 350 yen [Tarafukukan] (📷️④) 🍱Takoyaki (6 pieces) 600 yen 🛍️Saga Beef Curry 430 yen (^o^)／Stamp Book (📷️⑤) ♏The Roadside Station Stamp Rally kicked off at the Amakusa City Dolphin Center in Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture. ★★★Only 69 stations left until we've conquered all of them★★★ 🧑‍✈️Thank you very much for riding the Saga Line Roadside Station today. Thank you to all passengers who traveled from the Shin-Kumamoto Line Roadside Station and Kikusui Roadside Station. The next stop is Kashima Roadside Station. ♏« Roadside Station Tour My Rule #7 »♏ 🚗　ーSecuring Takeout Itemsー　🚗 In some ways, this is the most important step in adhering to the various rules mentioned above. While it would be ideal to be able to purchase a bento box with a half-price sticker just before closing time, like at a local supermarket, it's customary at roadside stations to grab light snacks like red rice, rice balls, bamboo (persimmon) leaf sushi, or a few leftover loaves of bread. I often find myself excitedly buying a bento box at a roadside station with a plentiful supply first thing in the morning, only to find it a little stringy by midnight, or I end up not finding any takeout food at all all day, forcing me to endure nearly 20 hours of hunger. But this, too, is part of the fun of "Stamp Rally My Rules," and I enjoy it. (Original) 竹崎カニと、竹崎カキが有名過ぎて？ 漁が無い期間、食堂は休業です。現役 引退して行くぞ!? 2025年８月24日(日) ♏❝太良みかんソフトクリーム❞ は、 甘味と酸っぱ味が、調和して美味い！ “ソフトシャーベット“になると、 酸っぱ味が強過ぎるかもです•••。 🗾九州•沖縄 スタンプラリー📙082 🚗2025年８月24日(日) 🕘８時58分 🚉駅舎 (📷️①) 🖼️展望所 (📷️②) 🖼️干潟 (📷️③) 🍦太良みかんソフト 350円 【たらふく館】(📷️④) 🍱たこ焼き (６個入り) 600円 🛍️佐賀牛カレー 430円 (^o^)／スタンプブック 押印 (📷️⑤) ♏熊本県•天草市『天草市イルカセンター』 から、開幕した道の駅巡りスタンプラリー ★★★完全制覇まで、あと６９駅★★★ 🧑‍✈️本日は、「道の駅•佐賀線」御乗車 頂きまして、誠に有難うございます。 「道の駅•新熊本線」、『道の駅•きくすい』 から御利用のお客様、お疲れ様でした。 次の停車駅は、『道の駅•鹿島』です。 ♏« 道の駅 巡り My ルール その７ »♏ 🚗　ーテイクアウト品の確保ー　🚗 前述迄の様々なルールを遵守する為の、 ある意味では最重要項目と言えよう。 近所のスーパーの様に、閉店間際の半額 シールが貼られた弁当を購入出来れば ベストだが、道の駅では赤飯•おにぎり •笹(柿)の葉寿司やパンの売れ残り数個 等の軽食が慣例だ。つい朝イチで弁当が 豊富に置かれている道の駅で、喜び勇み 購入するも当然時間が経過し、深夜に 少し糸引き状態で頂く事や、終日全く テイクアウト品に巡り会う事が無く、 20時間近く空腹に耐え抜く修業を強い られると言う事も多々有るが、これも 『スタンプラリー My ルール』の醍醐味 として、楽しんでいる次第です。

(Translated by Google) First visit, Wednesday, October 29, 2025, around 12:00 PM I was sightseeing in Tara and wanted to have lunch, but the restaurant next door was closed? The souvenir shop was small and cozy. It was cold and not the kind of place I wanted to try soft serve ice cream, so I kept my stay short and left. (Original) 2025年10月29日(水)12時頃 初来訪 太良観光で お昼を食べたかったのですが 隣のレストランは閉業？ 物産館の方もこじんまりとした感じ 寒くてソフトクリームっという感じではなかったので滞在時間短めで 今回は退出させてもらいました

Beautiful bay

(Translated by Google) Located in the central part of Nagasaki Prefecture, Nagasaki Airport is also located within the bay (said to be the world's first offshore airport). Therefore, when using Nagasaki Airport, you will need to access the airport using the road that cuts through the bay. Due to the surrounding mountains and fields, it looks like a lake at first glance, but it is actually open to the open ocean. As you can see from its topography, the sea is very calm, and it is also known as ``Koto Lake.'' Because it is far from the open sea and the tides start later, the tidal difference is not as great as in Sasebo Bay. Horseshoe crabs and finless porpoises also live there, and large-scale whirlpools are said to occur in some places. (Original) 長崎県の中央部にあって、湾内には長崎空港もあります（世界初の海上空港だそうです）。 そのため、長崎空港を利用する際には、湾をつっきる道路を使って空港にアクセスすることになります。 周りに山野が広がっているため、ちょっと見た感じでは湖のようにも見えますが、れっきとした海で外洋に開かれています。 その地形からわかるように、とても穏やかな海で「琴の湖」という別称もあります。 外海から離れていて、潮の干満が遅れて始まるということもあって、佐世保湾に比べると干満差はあまりありません。 カブトガニやスナメリなんかも生息していて、場所によっては大規模な渦潮も発生しているのだそうです。

(Translated by Google) It is a unique sea area where it is said that ``seawater'' has entered the lake. Therefore, the ecosystem is changing a lot. It is said that there are about 300 finless porpoises, which are marine mammals, living there, but the survey was conducted in 2000, so it is possible that the number is decreasing. However, it is also a very delicate sea as it is a very closed body of water. The sea is difficult to clean if it gets dirty. (Original) 「湖の中に海水」が入ったともいわれる独特な海域です それゆえ生態系もいっぷう変わっています 海産哺乳類のスナメリが300頭ほど生息しているともいわれますが2000年に調べられたものなので減っている可能性もあると思います しかし、超閉鎖的水域なのでとてもデリケートな海でもあります 汚すとなかなかきれいにならない海です

(Translated by Google) Lots of nature 🎵When I return home, I always visit a grave on a small mountain. Because from there, the view of Omura Bay on a sunny day is beautiful 🎵 (Original) 自然がいっぱい🎵帰省すると、小高い山の上のお墓参りにかならずおとずれます。なぜなら、そこから、晴れた日の大村湾の眺めが綺麗なのです🎵

(Translated by Google) Driving on a sunny day is very pleasant. You can enjoy various scenery depending on the time of day. There are many stylish cafes popping up around Omura Bay, so it might be a good idea to stop by. (Original) 天気のいい日のドライブはとても気持ちいいですよ。時間帯によって様々な景色を味わえます。 大村湾周辺にはお洒落なカフェもちらほら出来ているのでふらっと立ち寄られるのもいいかも。

(Translated by Google) I stopped by to visit a grave. It was beautiful. (Original) 墓参りに行って寄りました。美しかったです。

(Translated by Google) The sunset seen from the road along Omura Bay is amazing. (Original) 大村湾沿いの道路から見る夕陽は最高ですよ。

Overall quite fun, it offers several rollercoasters and some other fun Egyptian style games, enough to keep you entertained for the whole day, especially if you come with kids. We came on a weekend and there weren’t many people at all. We bought our tickets on klook and that included the smaller games such as shooting etc.

Fun rides and games for the kids. Went for the day after a few weeks of travelling Japan and kids needed a kids day. It’s a bit rough around the edges and showing its age. Theres a room you can go in with some fake polar bears and it’s at -5. As a Canadian it was pretty funny. There’s remnants of several rollercoasters that have been decommissioned but lots of others still going. It was eerily quiet. Very few people. O lineups and by none I mean we were the only people on many of the rides. Didn’t see a full ride once.

We booked our Greenland tickets through Agoda, but unfortunately they couldn't be scanned at the entrance-even after the staff Kitano-san kindly and patiently tried to help. In the end, we had to buy new tickets on the spot. For your information, we were the only tourists there that day lol. When the theme park was about to close and we were heading toward the exit, Kitano-san called out to us and informed us that our Agoda tickets had finally been successfully scanned. Because of that, the on-the-spot tickets we bought could be refunded. What touched us even more was that Kitano-san had actually finished his shift earlier that afternoon, but he told us he felt responsible and waited for us at the exit. A huge thank you to Mr. Kitano Katsuya for his kind hearted in helping us from the moment we arrived until the moment we left. We are very grateful to meet him! Please visit Greenland-best roller coasters! Arigatou gozaimasu! Ggreenland.sub @greenlandstaff

It was so much fun. There were a variety of toys to play with, delicious food spread throughout the area. Even though it was hot under the sun, there were plenty of desserts and cold drinks. Unfortunately, some of the play equipment were closed for maintenance. I hope to come back again soon.

If you have children, this is probably a nice amusement park, but for adults it was a bit of a downer. For me, the rides were either too boring or too daring. I do not recommend going on a hot day even if there are rides that take you everywhere around the park so you don't have to walk all the time.

You should start with the attractions of the car on the rail, you can control the speed in it and drive high enough to see the park and more or less plan the route. Car for 4 people. Amusement park, old. It can be seen that everything is old, a little dilapidated, but the rides are in good condition. I was here in the winter, at the end of January, there were very few people, there were no queues, we walked around the entire park and rode everything we could. Several main attractions were closed, like a dinosaur and a cool spinner))) they sell very large squids on a stick, in other places they are smaller, so I was pleasantly surprised! The card is issued at the entrance, but it's still better to google and read about the rides in advance.

First, We went to the pool and swim🏊🏻‍♀️🏊🏻 I really enjoyed the slide although my nose is little bit hurt when falling into the water. I did it 3x😂😛 After swimming we went on rides. The weather was so hot, it seems good to go in autumn so that not too hot anymore.🥵😰😨even if the weather was so hot we had a great time😊🥰08-19-23

Tucked away in the charming town of Yamaga, Yachiyo-za Theater is a beautifully preserved piece of Japan’s cultural heritage. Originally built in 1910, this Meiji-era playhouse transports visitors back in time with its stunning wooden architecture, traditional tatami seating, and rich atmosphere. The moment you step inside, you can feel the history in the air. Whether you’re watching a performance or taking a guided tour, Yachiyo-za offers a rare glimpse into the world of classical Japanese theater. The backstage areas are just as fascinating as the main hall — from trap doors used for dramatic entrances to the rotating stage (mawari-butai), everything has been meticulously maintained. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, often going out of their way to explain the history and functionality of the theater. English materials are available, and some tours include a brief live performance, which adds to the immersive experience. What truly makes Yachiyo-za special is its ability to connect the past with the present. Whether you’re a theater enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for something unique to do in Kumamoto Prefecture, Yachiyo-za is well worth the visit.

In the northern part of Kumamoto prefecture and an hour drive away from Kumamoto City lies a beautiful and bustling agricultural city of Kyushu region, Yamaga City. Aside from the picturesque views of its mountains, rivers, and rice paddies, one of Japan’s designated National Important Cultural Property, YACHIYO-ZA is located here. Yachiyo-za theater, a playhouse built by hand in the early 1900s, is one of the many cultural attractions of the city. Inside, you can see the patiently hand-painted advertisements of yesteryears on the ceiling. It’s an amazing piece of art itself. You can also visit the back stage and the “abyss” or the under floor area, where the revolving stage and trapdoors are found. Variety of cultural performances such as concerts, kabuki, and the famous Yamaga garden lantern dance (a regular performance which, if you are lucky you can see one when you visit) are held here. The theater is open to visitors/general public on days where there are no performances. You may want to check out Yachiyo-za’s official website for the tour schedule before coming. And oh… the volunteer tour guides are amazing.

Old Japanese theater, which is a National Important Cultural Property. It's very interesting to see back stage and old posters on the ceiling. I would love to come back here and watch the shows next time !

100+ year old wooden theater. We saw a lantern dance and walked the old street nearby. It was a nice experience along a day full of "off the main path" tourist activities.

They provide the Chinese leaflet and it’s a must visit place if you are 劍心/佐藤健 fans.

I had to pay 1500¥ to get in, but that was because they had shows there that day. The good part was that between shows you could explore the whole theater, even under the stage! And the ticket was valid until you left, meaning I could watch more than just the one show. There's AC and free WiFi as well, so it was perfect to relax there for a bit.

Beautiful historical theater.

Interesting though brief introduction of the local lantern making craft.

We had a bit of trouble to communicate with the staff. We bought a combined museum and theatre ticket but were still asked to pay extra for a show we didn’t want to see. In the end, the issue was resolved. Since we visited during the Yamaga Lantern Festival, there were additional charges, but if you enter the theatre after 6 PM, there’s no need to pay extra! The lanterns were beautiful, though the place itself isn’t very large, so it only takes a short while to explore.

The Yamaga Lantern Folk Art Museum is a beautiful celebration of Japanese artistry, culture, and tradition. Located in the heart of Yamaga, this museum showcases the incredible craftsmanship behind the region’s famous Yamaga lanterns, made entirely from washi paper and a bit of glue — no wood or metal at all! The exhibits are both elegant and inspiring. You’ll see intricate, full-size paper lanterns shaped like temples, shrines, and even samurai helmets. The level of detail is astonishing, and the lighting displays make the works glow with a warm, almost magical quality. One of the highlights is the section on the Yamaga Toro Festival, where women in yukata carry glowing lanterns on their heads and perform graceful dances. The museum does a great job of connecting the folk art to the local history and community. There’s also a video demonstration and sometimes even live paper lantern-making displays, giving you a deeper appreciation of the time, skill, and patience it takes to create these delicate masterpieces.

Small place but can learn the story of folk art in Yamaga

The Yamaga Info Centre was very helpful in introducing us to this extraordinary folk craft museum. Highly recommended if you want an in depth insight into the papercraft history of the area.

Quaint little museum. Costs 300¥ to get in.

Very lovely collection of paper artwork, as well as unique Yamaga culture and festival.

Very unique historic sites

The best place with beautiful scenery and also historical place

It's ok to visit if you self drive and have an hour or so to spare.

ok

(Translated by Google) This park has a large area where you can learn about history for free. (A park for strolling, no playground equipment) It's a great place to visit for a quick stroll. When I headed toward the castle ruins, I was surprised by the number of people there. The candy shop seems to be famous here. It was overflowing with people. Some of the castle ruins have been restored and there are things to see. The site is fairly large, so it's easy to get a sense of the overall picture. There aren't any local products, so it's a bit lacking as a tourist spot, but if you're stuck for somewhere to go, it might be worth a visit. I personally found it a great rest stop during a drive. The view is of the mountains. It's crowded, so I think one visit is enough if you're coming from afar. ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ Kikuchi Castle is one of the ancient mountain castles built by the Yamato Imperial Court to strengthen the defense of northern Kyushu following its defeat at the Battle of Baekgang (663) in the late 7th century. At the time, Korean-style mountain castles were built throughout the country to prepare for an invasion by the allied forces of Tang and Silla. Among these, Kikuchi Castle, located inland, served as a strategic base, serving not only military purposes but also as a government office and logistics base. The octagonal drum tower, barracks, and storehouses have been restored, allowing visitors to experience the castle's structure and the atmosphere of the time. The octagonal drum tower is rare nationwide and is said to have been a symbolic building symbolizing the prestige of the central government. Historic sites are scattered across the vast hilly terrain, allowing visitors to explore the castle ruins at their leisure. From the hilltop, you can get a panoramic view of the Kikuchi Plain and the Aso area, which makes it clear just how important a surveillance and defense base this was at the time. (Original) 敷地が広く無料で歴史を学べる公園です。 （散歩向けの公園、遊具無し） ちょっと散歩に行こうかくらいの感覚で訪れたいところ。 城跡だ～と目指すと、何故か人が多くいて焦ります。 お菓子屋さんがどうやら有名な様子。 人で溢れ返ってました。 城跡としては復元されているものもあり見所はあります。かなり広く調べられ敷地として取られているので全体像を想像しやすいです。 物産がある訳では無いので観光としてはちょっと物足りなさはありますが、行くところに困れば来てみても良いかも。 私としてはドライブの休憩所としてとても良いと感じました。 見晴らしは山が見える感じの眺望。 なんにしても人が多いので、遠くからであれば一度来れば十分かなと思いました。 ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ 鞠智城（きくちじょう）は、7世紀後半の白村江の戦い（663年）での敗戦を受けて、大和朝廷が九州北部の防衛を強化するために築いた古代山城の一つです。 当時は「唐・新羅連合軍」の侵攻に備えるため、全国各地に朝鮮式山城が築かれましたが、その中でも鞠智城は内陸部に位置する戦略拠点として、軍事だけでなく政庁・兵站の役割も担っていたと考えられています。 現在は、八角形鼓楼・兵舎・倉庫などが復元されており、城の構造や当時の雰囲気を体感できます。八角形鼓楼は全国的にも珍しく、中央政権の威信を示す象徴的な建物だったとされています。 広大な丘陵地に史跡が点在しており、のびのびと歩きながら城郭跡をめぐることができます。高台からは菊池平野や阿蘇方面を一望でき、当時ここがいかに重要な監視・防衛拠点だったかがよくわかります。

(Translated by Google) It's the kind of place you'd want to bring a packed lunch to on a sunny day. If you go up to the Haizuka Observatory, you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view. You can also see Fudoiwa Rock, which is amazing. (Original) 晴れた日に弁当を持って行きたいような場所です。とくに灰塚展望所まで足を伸ばすと360°のパノラマビューが楽しめます。不動岩も見えて最高。

(Translated by Google) Entrance to the castle, the building, and parking are all free. The staff also gave thorough explanations and the castle seal was also free. Kumamoto Prefecture's hospitality is amazing. The castle itself is a little unusual and interesting. Thank you very much. (Original) 入城、館内、駐車場は全て無料。また職員の方も丁寧に説明してくれご城印も無料。熊本県、おもてなしがすごい。 またお城も少し変わっていて興味深い。 有難うございました。

Amazing look back at a samurai and friends influence on a changing Japan!

It's thrilling to think that samurai discussed politics in such a small house. If you are a fan of the history of the end of the Edo period, you will be impressed.

Super Hero Ryoma was here. How awesome is that 😂

If you're interested in Sakamoto Ryoma, one of the most interesting characters in modern Japanese (bakumatsu) history, this is a must-see. Be prepared for lots , and I mean lots, of climbing stairs through a graveyard.

(Translated by Google) It took quite a climb to reach the site. The remains of Kameyama Shachu. The building is small, with only two rooms. Still, as a history buff, I enjoyed it. There aren't many things to see, so I recommend visiting it along with Ryoma's Boots Statue and Kazegashira Park. However, it does involve quite a bit of walking, so be prepared. (Along the way, there are plenty of Ryoma Street signs and small bronze statues, so it's fun to see them too.) The building itself is built like an ordinary private home, and the entrance was hard to find, so I ended up wandering around the garden for a moment. (Original) なかなかの階段をのぼって辿り着きました。 亀山社中の跡。 館内は狭く、部屋が二つあるくらいです。 それでも歴史好きですので楽しむことができました。 見どころは多くはないので龍馬のぶーつ像や風頭公園と一緒に訪問するのをおすすめしますが、トータルでかなり歩くのでその点は覚悟した方がいいと思います。（道中には龍馬通りの看板や小さい銅像などもたくさんあるのでそれを見るのも楽しいです） 建物は普通の民家のようなつくりで入り口が分かりづらく一瞬庭でウロウロしてしまいました。

(Translated by Google) A place I wanted to visit: Kameyama Shachu Memorial Museum, associated with Sakamoto Ryoma. The first company in Japan founded by Ryoma. Items related to Ryoma, such as replicas of his boots, a pistol, copies of his letters, and photos of the Kameyama Shachu patriots, are on display. Nearby, there's a popular photo spot, a statue of Ryoma's boots, where I got to feel a little like Ryoma himself while holding the ship's steering wheel. ❤️ After panting up a narrow, steep slope, I reached the top. Kameyama Shachu, a trading company and political organization, began trading firearms with Glover & Co., which worked to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate. They also engaged in commercial activities such as supplying weapons to the feudal domains, transporting supplies, and conducting navigation training. They also mediated the restoration of the strained relationship between the Satsuma and Choshu domains. They played a major role in the formation of the Satsuma-Choshu Alliance. Wow, that's amazing! ❗️ I'm glad I came. (Original) 行きたかった場所 坂本龍馬ゆかりの亀山社中記念館 龍馬が結成した日本初の カンパニー 龍馬のブーツのレプリカやピストル、書簡の写し、亀山社中の志士達の写真などゆかりの品々が展示近くには、記念撮影スポットとして人気の龍馬のぶーつ像があって船の操舵輪を握りながら龍馬になった気分をちょっピリッ味わってみた❤️ 狭くて急な上り坂をﾌｰﾌｰ言いながら登った先には 貿易会社と政治組織を兼ねた亀山社中、徳川幕府の倒幕を目的とした活動を行うグラバー商会と銃器の取引を開始し、藩に武器を卸す商業活動や物資の輸送や航海訓練なども行い、険悪だった薩摩藩と長州藩の関係回復の仲介。薩長同盟の締結に大きな役割を果たした う～すごい❗️ 来て良かった

(Translated by Google) It's no exaggeration to say that this memorial museum is a holy place for fans of the late Edo period, built on the site of Kameyama Shachu, Japan's first troupe founded by Sakamoto Ryoma. It was compact, but it allowed me to imagine all sorts of things - it was at the top of a hill like this, it's a pretty ordinary private home, and Ryoma and Manjuya Chojiro were here... It was originally a private home, so the space is very compact, but it was fun to indulge in my own interpretations, and I imagined that its compactness must have also led to strong bonds among the troupe members. On the slope leading up to the troupe, there are panels introducing the troupe's representatives, so why not enjoy those as well? (Original) 幕末ファンには聖地といっても過言ではない、坂本龍馬さんが結成した日本初カンパニー「亀山社中」跡に建てられた記念館です。 こんな坂の上にあったんや、結構普通の民家やなー、ここで龍馬さんや饅頭屋長次郎さんが・・・などコンパクトながら色々想像の捗る施設でした。 元々が民家だったらしく非常にコンパクトなスペースでしたが、コンパクトがゆえにカンパニーの仲間たちの絆もまた強いものだったのだろうと自分勝手な解釈も捗り大変楽しかったです。 社中に至るまでの坂には社中を代表する人々の紹介パネルもあるのでそちらも楽しんでみては。

A nice little scenic side quest when visiting Nagasaki. The bridge does look a bit like a pair of spectacles when you see the reflection. For the brave there are stone steps leading across the water so you can take a picture from the water level. When down at this spot you may notice one of the Heart Stones in the canal wall. All is all a decent photo stop

This stone bridge has a history spanning over 400 years. Although it was repaired in 1983 due to flood damage, it was reconstructed to keep its original arch shape. About 80% of the damaged stones were recovered and reused, showing the effort to preserve its original appearance as much as possible. It’s said there may even be a “heart stone” hidden in the embankment. The cloudy, hot, and humid weather actually made our stroll near the bridge feel pleasant. You can walk down the path along the river to enjoy the bridge from a different angle. It must be especially beautiful to visit during the bloom of shidarezakura, as the pathway is lined with these graceful cherry trees.

Megane Bridge is one of Nagasaki’s must-see landmarks, even among the many charming bridges that span the Nakashima River. Its twin arches create the famous “spectacle” reflection that gives it its name. The area is lovely for a leisurely walk, with small shops and cosy cafes nearby to explore. A free and photogenic activity, it’s a peaceful spot that beautifully captures the character of historic Nagasaki.

Megane Bridge is one of Nagasaki’s most iconic landmarks and a must-visit spot for anyone exploring the city. Built in the 17th century, it’s the oldest stone arch bridge in Japan and gets its name “Megane,” meaning “spectacles,” because its twin arches reflect on the river to form the shape of eyeglasses. The area around the bridge is peaceful and picturesque, especially on a sunny day or in the evening when the lights are reflected on the water. The stone paths, small temples, and charming shops nearby create a relaxing atmosphere perfect for a short stroll or taking photos. It’s also a great place to feel the blend of Japanese and Western influences that characterize Nagasaki’s history. Whether you’re interested in architecture, photography, or simply want a calm break from the city, Megane Bridge is definitely worth a visit.

Great bridge for viewing but does not look like what its name suggests. Called Megane-Bridge which is supposed to look like spectacles, but I don't see it. It is just a regular bridge. The waterway is nice though, and there are plenty of koi. Be sure to look for the heart shaped rock.

Very authentic bridge. During the shape of a glasses. The Neighbourhood is super quiet, but it is connected today market Street of shin chi Chinatown. Very cool place to visit lots of restaurants coffee shop, restaurant around

It’s a bridge. There’s a pool with large fish and a fish ladder immediately upstream. Pleasant walk beside Nakashima river

(Translated by Google) Change the angle and direction What if you change your viewpoint? You can see Ryoma with all sorts of different expressions! ️😊✨✨ The Boots 🥾 statue and Kameyama Shachu are also nearby, about 100 meters away... But there are so many stairs You can't get there by car 🚗 (Original) 角度、向き 視点を変えると⁉️ 色々な表情の龍馬さんが見れます‼️😊✨✨ ブーツ🥾像や亀山社中も近く100mくらいなのですが…… 階段ばかりで 車🚗では行けません

(Translated by Google) I climbed Mt. Kazeto on January 29, 205. On the way, I took pictures of the Kameyama Shachu Memorial Hall and the Ryoma Butsu statue. I climbed the mountain by walking along a narrow path that only people can pass. Last month, I took a bus to Mt. Kazeto and walked down from there. Although the distance is short, it's easier to go by bus and get off and visit each place rather than walking up. 2025/02/04 I have finished editing the video shot with Insta360 X4, so I will add it. (Original) 205年1月29日に風頭山に登りました。 途中、亀山社中記念館や龍馬のぶーつ像を撮影しながらです。 人しか通れない細い道を歩いて登りました。 先月はバスで風頭山まて行き、そこから歩いて降りました。距離は短いのですが、歩いて登るよりもバスで行って、降りながら各地を回るほうが楽です。 2025/02/04 Insta360 X4で撮影した分の動画編集が終わったので追加します。

(Translated by Google) If you go up towards Kazagashira Park and walk about 300m you will come across a large statue of Sakamoto Ryoma. (Original) 風頭公園の方に登って300mほど歩けば大きな坂本龍馬像に会えるぜよ

(Translated by Google) Uploading photos and videos. I hope I can convey the atmosphere. A little-known tourist spot. (Original) 写真、動画をアップロードしています。 雰囲気が伝わればと思っています。 穴場の観光スポット。

(Translated by Google) I can't help but get excited thinking about Ryoma walking around here. (Original) 竜馬さんがこの辺りを歩いていたとおもうとワクワクがとまりません。

(Translated by Google) After taking a taxi to Kazagashira Park during the Obon holiday, I walked around the Ryoma statue → Ryoma Street stone monument → Mini Ryoma statue at Wakamiya Inari Shrine → Ryoma's boots statue → Nagasaki City Kameyama Sha Junior High School Memorial Hall → Megane Bridge. I thought it would be better to go by car if you don't have the physical strength to get around because you might get heat stroke in midsummer, and there are some steep steps. (Original) お盆休みにタクシーで風頭公園に行ったあと、龍馬像→龍馬通り石碑→若宮稲荷神社のミニ龍馬像→龍馬のブーツ像→長崎市亀山社中記念館→眼鏡橋へ徒歩で周りました。 真夏時は熱中症、また急な階段道もあるので体力に自身の無い人は車で回った方が良いと思いました。

(Translated by Google) It is located halfway up the mountain, up a flight of stairs named Ryoma-dori. If you go up from the bottom, it's like climbing the stairs of a 2-30 story tower apartment. For Ryoma fans who are not confident in their physical strength, we recommend taking a taxi. (Original) 龍馬通りと名付けられた階段を登った山の中腹にあります。下から上がると2〜30階建てのタワーマンションの階段を登るイメージです。体力に自信がない龍馬ファンはタクシーをおすすめします。

It’s a good 45 minutes trip one way from the JR station. The bus comes every 30 minutes. The aquarium is run down and extremely dirty. Penguins are squeezed on a very small space. I hope that this kind of places will be successfully being closed down.

It was a very enjoyable experience. Although the aquarium isn't that big in size, it was nice to see so many different penguin species in one location! Spent around 1h 40min, could have been longer but the rain prevented us from going to the outdoor exhibition. Worth the effort to travel from the city centre.

It's nice a cozy. Loved the place, simple and beautiful. Wouldn't believe I would meat penguin in my travel, but I did in this place and different kinds.

It is a good place to pass time. Despite their feeding timetable being shown as 11am. There was continuous feeding starting at 1030am pass 11.30am. It was just that at the ther timings it was normal feeding without comments from the workers there. Parking wise nite that there are two car parks. DO NOT PARK AT THE 1ST ONE. PARK AT CAR PARK 2. Car park 2 is much nearer.

520 yen for this is absolutely unbeatable. There are over 200 penguins inside, and feeding sessions take place at 11:00 and 15:00 — highly recommended, don’t miss it.

Had an awesome time here! Cute penguins. Wasn’t a very large park but it was a great stop for us

Best place ever. Home to 9 (out of 18 total) different penguin species whereas most aquariums only have 1-2 types. The feeding times (at 11am or 3pm) are cuteness overload with penguins frantically waddling after food. The museum also has a ton of information about all the penguin species and very nice visuals. We spent over 3 hours at the aquarium without getting bored.

I really appreciate this location due to the rich history. It provides a deeper insight into Japan's history and architecture. However, it is hard to find the parking close to this site. There aren't many visitors so you can truly enjoy your time in there.

Quiet, beautiful street full of history of the lives and past of the samurai families. Pros: This tourist attraction is free of charge, providing you access to 3 samurai houses that are preserved throughout the times. There's a tourist information centre in one of the houses where you can access the toilets and gift shop. Directions are clear as to where to go and there are some english information boards.

I really recommend taking a walk here. You can see an old samurai street and go inside the old preserved houses. Incredible piece of history

It's free and close to the train station. I was just stopping by for one afternoon and I enjoyed seeing inside the 3 open houses.

Water flowing everywhere, old samurai homes you can visit, great area, come visit!

Nice place to stop by. It's not big and only a few houses are open to the public. So, it's not really a big tourist spot. But if you have half-an-hour to spend and want to enjoy a slow, peaceful walk in the area, it will be a good place to visit.

After visiting Shimabara Castle, you can drop by the samurai residences. Located 8~10 minutes on foot from the castle, this short street features samurai residences that give you a historical feel of the place. The old street also has a canal that was traditionally used to supply the house with their daily water needs. It's a simple display of Japanese history.

A well preserved historical site just a 10 minute walk from Shimabara Station. The entrance fee is ¥700 for adults as of March 2025, and you can explore the castle in about an hour. Originally built in the early 17th century, this castle played a key role during the Shimabara Rebellion. It was later dismantled during the Meiji era but reconstructed in the 1960s. The main keep offers panoramic views of the city, Mount Unzen, and the Ariake Sea. Inside, the museum showcases samurai armor, weapons, and historical artifacts, but most descriptions are in Japanese only. The castle grounds also feature statues and exhibits related to Christian history in Japan. Overall, it's a nice place for history enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy scenic views of the region.

The newly redone Shimabara castle is celebrating their 400th anniversary this year, and it was pretty nice. They had two guides dressed in period outfits showing people around, and a selection of weapons, outfits, crafts, and pottery from the Japanese fuedal ages up until the restoration. Views are good from the top. Can see the whole thing in an hour or less on foot from Shimabara station if you’re in a hurry.

We made a short detour to visit Shimabara Castle, and I’m so glad we did. It’s not as famous as some of Japan’s bigger castles, but it has its own quiet charm and unique history. The white five-tiered keep rises gracefully over the surrounding town, and the moat and stone walls give it a classic, picture-perfect look. Even from the outside, it was already beautiful. Inside the castle, the atmosphere was calm and unhurried—no big crowds, which made it easy to take our time. The exhibits inside were more than just your typical historical displays. They focused a lot on the Christian history of the region, the Shimabara Rebellion, and local samurai culture, which gave it a different flavor compared to other castles I’ve visited. I learned a lot, especially about the hidden Christian communities during the Edo period. Climbing up the keep, each floor had something different to offer—from armor displays to old photographs—and at the top, we were rewarded with sweeping views of Shimabara city and even glimpses of Mount Unzen in the distance. It was peaceful and surprisingly scenic. The castle grounds were also worth exploring. There were a few small museums nearby and a tranquil garden area. Everything was well maintained, and the staff were warm and welcoming. It felt like one of those under-the-radar spots that deserves more attention. Shimabara Castle might not have the grandeur of Osaka or Himeji, but its history runs deep and its quiet elegance leaves a strong impression. If you’re in Nagasaki Prefecture or near Unzen, it’s absolutely worth the stop.

20251121. Day 2 of Chan Brother Tour, second attraction. Walking one round the area.

If you like history like I do 100% recommend checking out the castle. They have old samurai armor, weapons, art and just cool relics from the past. Plus you get to learn about the ways that went on in the surrounding area.

Newly built reproduction of a feudal castle. Great informational displays with some English. Views of the city, port, and nearby mountains are of a plus.

Visited on 23 Jan, 2025. The staff in blue traditional costume provided perfect explanation of the Shimabara Challenge. Thanks to her, I have completed it and earned the badge. The castle offers a fantastic 360° view of the lovely place.

Drove up to the very top. The weather was great with slightly over casting with light cloud. The view still was nice and breezy wind. No resting area as to dine to eat so you will need to bring with you or before or after you visit the pass. Most people hikes however if you dont wish to you may purchase the rope way ticket either one way or round trip. This pre summer season you get to view the "tsutsuji" azalea flowers surrounding the mountain.

Came at 5pm late march. There was nobody, very strong winds and very cold. Do come during other seasons would be very very beautiful.

just exploring Nagasaki. visit here to ride the rope way to the top of the mountain. The view from the top is amazing 😉 before you can get here you will drive zigzag roads 😅 🚗🤗

Cloudy, cold day. But it was a nice hike and the clouds broke for a short view.

Rainy but sooooo beautiful

The Unzen ropeway is a great place to visit during all seasons. There is only one mountain road up to the top of the mountain. On the weekend it gets pretty busy so you might be stuck in your car for an hour or so waiting for parking. Make sure you use the restroom before heading up the mountain, because there is no where to turn around on your way up or down.

So cold Views very Nice

amazing views and lots of cats(´ 3｀) we got here late so we didn't get to see any attractions but we still saw the views and they were amazing! i'd say the only downside of this place is the smell. it has a strong smell of rotten eggs that you really can't ignore, but i guess thats something you really can't change. i'd definitely recommend this place if you're in shimabara. even for a teenage girl like me, the place isn't boring at all!! (pictures focus mainly on the cats, sorry lol.)

Honestly it's so amazing and beautiful and beautiful. And it's free! I almost thought it's not worth coming to unzen just to see fumaroles, because I saw them in Hakone. But it's 100% worth it. They are so interesting - they're loud, they sputter and make a ton of noise, the mud bubbles are so interesting to watch, and the cats are MARVELOUS! You'll never meet such sweet wonderful cats. Especially ones who live on a volcano.

Interesting place worth visiting together with other places on this peninsula. It's less impressive then Beppu, but it is more authentic and less like an amusement park. Admission was free, parking 500 yen

Don’t miss this geothermal national park if you’re in Nagasaki! No entrance fee and not crowded. The place is fascinating, with lots of hot springs and sulfur vents. But it’s not just about witnessing the natural beauty—the real highlight is learning the history behind it. Many years ago, before it became a national park open to the public, this area was associated with tragedy and suffering. It was once a place where Christians were thrown in to die, which is why it’s called “Unzen Jigoku,” meaning “hell.”

The South island of new Zealand is better. This is only 4* but seeing all the cats at dusk makes it 5*. The cats are super friendly and you can go up and pet most of them. Was great walking around at dusk and at night time it changes again. Highly recommend you stay nearby.

Interesting spot if you’d like to learn about volcanoes but I thought the natural sulpheric smell was too strong. Other than that, was a nice day trip to visit

We stopped here on our way to Nagasaki. It is an interesting place with lots of potential. We enjoyed the place, but it is a pity that a little effort is made to make it as good as it can. It looked like there was a lot of old construction and piping rubbish left behind which detracted from the experience. It wouldn't take a lot to improve it and make the site to look more natural (less concrete and more discrete pipes). Despite the above, it is still worthwhile a stop if time permits. It is one of a very few sites that is still free (hope it stays that way).