What a beautiful place😊 to trek around this area, you can even cycle or jog over here. 👍👍👍

Visit after dark! Millions of LED lights are projected up into the canopy, like fireflies. It’s an amazing experience.

One of my list place to go in Ulsan: Done ✅ Nice afternoon walks with my little family. There's so many nature scape I love. If I am Korean, as a Landscaper, I just want to involve on this place arrangement and maintenance...🤭😎

Enjoyed the stroll and fresh air. Disconnected with the outside world while I’m here and felt so at peace. Highly recommend everyone to visit!

The Taehwagang Bamboo Forest (태화강 십리 대숲) is part of the Taehwagang National Garden and free to enter. It’s not very large but is beautifully maintained, offering a peaceful walk among the tall bamboo. A nice spot to relax while exploring the park.

I would like to review the Tarhwagang Bamboo forest Park in Ulsan City, which is an iconic and beautiful park located in the heart of Ulsan. This 843-acre park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a peaceful oasis in the midst of the bustling city. One of the most striking features of Bamboo Forest Park is its diverse landscape, which includes open meadows, wooded areas, lakes, and gardens. Visitors can stroll along the winding paths, or have a picnic on the grass patch. The park is also home to many historic landmark which provide great photo opportunities. In addition to its natural beauty, Bamboo Forest Park offers a wide variety of recreational activities, such as trekking, camping, picnic and flying kite. There are also numerous playgrounds and a carousel for children to enjoy. The park is well-maintained and clean, with plenty of benches and seating areas for visitors to rest and take in the views. It is also very accessible, with multiple entrances and many public transportation options nearby. Overall, Bamboo Forest Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Ulsan City. Its stunning natural beauty, diverse landscape, and wide range of recreational activities make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience. A very big park that is good for work out and also family gathering. There are a lot of young adult camping and also eating ramen. Haha. The flower bed created by the Govt is beautiful and a lot of local resident is admiring the flower in the park. The red flower bed is a total Lastly is the main highlight which is the bamboo forest. Give u a vibes that u are totally out of the city area and return back to the nature. A must go location if you are here. Do not miss it.

It’s the first time for me to see this large bamboo groves. Local people like to walk on the path with bared feet. I was irresistibly drawn by the fragrance from the nearby chrysanthemum garden. There’re also some other beautiful places in surrounding area.

My favorite park! I love there, there are so many activities for kids. You need one day to see all and walk around. There are vending machines for drinks and some stores at the enters. It is free to enter, expect the flowers and the zoo.

Ulsan Grand Park is a large, beautifully maintained green space that offers something for everyone. There are plenty of walking and cycling routes, open areas to relax, and various activities spread throughout the park. It’s clean, peaceful, and full of life — you’ll see people walking their dogs, families enjoying picnics, and school groups on outings. Especially now, with the trees turning vibrant shades of red and gold, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the crisp autumn air.

Rose Park is situated inside Ulsan Grand Park, near to the south gate. This place gets beautifully decorated during rose festival, generally in the month of May. During Christmas also, the park is open for visit. Small stalls with different handicrafts and street foods will surely attract you. A nice picnic spot with family and friends; kids will enjoy the playground and open space. The park and washrooms are clean. Easy to reach through public transport. The parking system is good. Mostly 2000 krw fee is needed per person during the special exhibitions.

Its a very big park and Free of charge,Very clean and calm place for walk, you can rent bicycle for a ride its 3000 won for an hour also it has a Zoo and butterfly garden each costs 2000 won. there are many very clean washrooms and vending machines situated inside the park and several coffee shops are available.(30.10.2022)

This is a great place to visit anytime of the day or night. If you are going for a morning walk there are exercise machines to use not far from the lake. Also there are places to sit down and have a picnic with the family on the weekend. There are some stalls located at the entrance of the park. And on the other side of the lake. Great places for photos. There's a windmill there. Also if you keep walking through the park there's a very good war memorial with some old military aircraft and tanks. A must see is the main memorial really a good place for remembrance. If in Ulsan this is a MUST see park.

This place is quite amazing. It's spacious. Has playground and the good part here is you can really spend time with your family.

Pleasant and extensive park if you are looking to do a leisurely tour, and not for activities or buzz. The highlight for us was the colourful plaza of flowers in bloom.

Perfect place to walk, hiking, enjoy the nature and serenity, alot choice of drink and meal, and don't forget ur jacket when come to Daewangam rock, so windy and watch our ur hat

We really liked this park! It's an easy walk to the suspension bridge and lighthouse. Continue to the end to reach the rocky outcrop where the scenery is just gorgeous. We spotted 3 cats too 😁

Daewangam Park, with its striking beauty and mythic past, is more than just a scenic spot.This park is absolutely stunning, and there's no better time to experience its beauty than at sunrise. Walking through the park in the coolness of a summer morning, before the heat of the Korean summer kicks in, is truly refreshing. The calm atmosphere and the fresh morning sea air make it a perfect start to the day.An ideal place for pet lovers with a walking trail and a rocky beach.

TP-Link Deco E4 AC1200 Dual-band Mesh Router (1 Pack)

Great views when you go during sunset time. Do note that there is a closing time also as well.  We were the last few groups allowed to go in, and there weren't many people behind us. It does take a short walk also as well to reach the suspension bridge, but nothing that is too physically taxing.

Absolutely stunning park with nature enveloping every corner and captivating viewpoints. The Hanging Bridge and Sea Bridge stand out as the park's highlights, adding an extra layer of beauty. The cleanliness and excellent maintenance, coupled with the unbelievable free entry, make it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and casual hikers. Ulsan's gem of nature indeed!

Daewangam Park has a fantastic hanging bridge with a great view of the beach. The area has a god cool weather as it is located in a foggy area in Ilsan Beach. The suspension bridge is only one way. The exit is different way, so take the most memorable photos for your reference. You can see a big dragon statue where a small playground has slides for children to play. NO Entrance fee. It's free It is very convenient, nearby restaurants and coffee and hotels, Ilsan Beach is good to add to your activities.

This was absolutely delicious and absolutely worth the trek. We went up to one random store at the main corner of the market (photo attached) and got a king crab. 65,000 won for 1kg. 2kg crab + fried rice (6k) + service charge for 2 people (6k) made it not the cheapest meal but an excellent value for money considering the price and quality of the meal. The crab was delicious. We went to their restaurant on the second floor where other locals were eating (look for this sign) and were served some delicious appetizers by a very friendly staff member. Amazing experience. For quality shellfish do be sure to make the trek out here.

Pretty cool outdoor market selling all kinds of seafood that you can eat at local eateries. You pick it and then eat it. Very fresh.

The Gijang market feel vibrant. It really gives off the vibe. Also, you could buy live seafood, especially snow & king crab with reasonable prices. I recommend you'd better to visit and buy with locals. Not bad to visit.

A local market mainly sells seafood. Some seafood restaurants. Fresh and cheap. As the seafood is alive and fresh, steaming is good enough😋

Another seafood market with a variety of fishes, get your dried stuffs too 🐟 😋

Cheap, but remember to bargain for a better price! Nice seafood and local food! A must go place!

Review for the basement crab restaurant on the picture below. AVOID AVOID AVOID The place is a scam because 1. They give you a different crab to what you order 2. They unexpectedly charge you table space per person. So 2 of us were unexpectedly charged extra 8,000 kWON 3. They unexpectedly charge you for small dishes that you never ordered. Also at least 4,000 per person. 4. They are very rude 5. Waiting time for getting wrong crab served is ridiculous. It took us about an hour to even get it on the table Conclusion: try to find a better crab restaurant and keep an eye for the crab that you order and check the total fee before you walk in. Because once you walk in and want to leave they can get aggressive

This lovely beach was a really nice change from the crowded, commercialised vibe of Haeundae. It still has a nice strip with great seafood establishments, with many locals hanging out. We went there around sunset when the air was cooler, and it was the most delicious swim. Since the beach was far less crowded, it meant that we could leave our backpacks right at the front of the beach where we could keep an eye on them while swimming.

Cool and relaxing beach

(Translated by Google) Unlike Ilgwang Beach, it has a reasonable parking system and relatively fine sand, making it good for visiting with children. (Original) 일광해수욕장과 다르게 합리적인 주차시스템과 모래가 비교적 곱고 아이들과 오기에 좋음

(Translated by Google) The public restroom is very far away and parking is a bit difficult. (Original) 공용화장실 매우 멀어요 주차시설도 좀 어렵습니다

(Translated by Google) Compared to Haeundae, the water is cleaner and better for families to take a walk. (Original) 해운대에 비해 물이 깨끗하고 가족이 산책하기 좋다

(Translated by Google) new year (Original) 새해

(Translated by Google) It was fun (Original) 즐거웠어요

Beautiful place but very busy. Also alot of uneven steps and some very steep stairs so not good of you have any mobility issues. The grounds, temple and atmosphere is perfect. Great for pictures and definitely worth a visit.

Haedong Yonggungsa is the "most beautiful temple" in South Korea. At least that is what the sign says. We caught bus 1001 from Gwangan Station for the easy 48 minute ride to this seaside temple. This was one of our rare sunny days during our trip, so the temple and ocean lookrd particularly beautiful and colourful. It is very popular so there were crowds of people. Taking a photo while posing with the big gold Buddha was the touristy thing to do.

Based on your question, here is information on Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (해동 용궁사). It is a famous and beautiful Buddhist temple located in Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea. What makes it very special is its location. Unlike most Korean temples, which are built deep in the mountains, Haedong Yonggungsa is one of the few temples built right on the rocky coastline, offering stunning views of the ocean. Key Features * Seaside Location: The temple's main draw is its dramatic setting by the sea. You can hear the waves crashing as you explore the grounds. * Haesu Gwaneum Daebul (Sea Goddess Buddha): It is a sacred place that honors the Sea Goddess Buddha of Mercy, who is believed to live by the sea and ride on a dragon. * The 108 Steps: To get to the main temple area from the entrance, you must walk down a long staircase with 108 steps, which represent the 108 earthly desires in Buddhism. * Sunrise Views: It is a very popular spot to watch the sunrise, especially on New Year's Day. * Motto: The temple is known for its motto, "At least one of your wishes will be answered here through sincere prayers." Brief History * Original Temple: It was first built in 1376 during the Goryeo Dynasty by a monk named Naong Hyegeun. * Destruction: The original temple was destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasions in the late 1500s. * Rebuilding: It was rebuilt in the 1930s and later given its current name, which means "Palace of the Dragon King of the East Sea." It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Busan due to its unique beauty.

A stunning seaside temple with dramatic ocean views and ornate traditional architecture — a great spot for photos and watching the sunrise.  The grounds are full of statues, lanterns and winding stairways, so be ready to climb a lot of steps.  It’s extremely popular and can get very crowded, especially on weekends and holidays — go early if you want quieter time to enjoy the scenery.

We went there on a rainy day. Very lucky, in the way, not a lot of tourists. This beautiful temple is back to a “temple-ly” mood: astonishingly tranquil. Everything looked more majestic in the rain storm. We were soaked, and stoked. It’s public transit friendly, with a easy short hike up.

It's a beautiful temple on a picturistic location but if you are travelling with a group and tight on time you won't get to explore the place in peace. I was just running from one shrine to another. So come without being rushed and enjoy every part of the temple. Especially just sit outside this one small shrine where a monk prayers, if there aren't any chatty tourist you shall experience the sound of wind, waves and chanting. You can also offer food grains in the main temple as offering. Just sit somewhere and soak In the beauty and spirituality.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple offers a profoundly peaceful and spiritual experience. The serene atmosphere, accentuated by the calming sound of waves, makes it an ideal place for quiet worship and purifying the spirit. The stunning sea views from the temple grounds are breathtaking, creating a perfect harmony of natural beauty and spiritual tranquility.

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.

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.

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.

I wish I read NEW google reviews before planning a whole day excursion here from our cruise. We got there and were convinced we were in the wrong place bc it looked NOTHING like the pics. All those super beautiful pics are from Spring. In the summer there is pretty much trees and green water. We walked part way up and headed back out. Should have gone to that little Dutch village instead :(

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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!

Worth coming for the little stores that carries crafted goods. There are also stores that sold sake bottles.

This is like Kyoto that hasn’t been discovered yet. A quaint little heritage town that hasn’t gotten its fame, but the simplicity of its style has huge potentials in future growths.

Good for visit 1-2 hours.

It's a small market but has enough shops to look around and shop. It was interesting to watch traditional drum performance which was unexpected. It's quite a long performance but end of that, you can join the session that allows you to participate to play the drum under the performance team's instruction which I missed out.

We went here for the festival with lanterns on November 11, 2023. The evening is not typical on most days and I believe shops are closed at 5-6 pm. However, the street is a heritage area though the town is not well known.

It's not so crowded during weekdays. Most of the shops are selling souvenirs.

Nice old shopping street. Lots of shops selling wooden clog shoes. The Sui cheesecake roll is really good too!

Here, visitors can tour the Sapporo Beer Hita factory and sample the beer being made. I recommend the limited-time-only beers available in the tasting room, which are very tasty and I encourage everyone to try them:) Make no mistake, drivers should not be inoculated with alcohol... Drink only at the hotel or back home ✌

The tour had limited english and there isn't actually that much to see. In saying that, it was still interesting, and includes a glass of beer. You also get to keep a souvenir glass to take home. If you are going past anyway, worth a visit.

nice brewery exhition tour but have to pay fee for tasting

Free self guided tour that is bi-lingual Japanese and English. Helpful staff. Fun to see beer factory in a very lovely city.

As per this google information (opening 10am~5pm) I arrived here around 4pm, and they said beer testing closed already. However last year I joined testing 4:30pm, Until what time is possible for testing? please let us know the exact time on this site. As you know, this is not easy way upto there even from abroad like me.

It's a nice place to enjoy a glass of Sapporo beer. I had a peaceful and pleasant time there.

fun. Sapporo factory. free tour. beer is 400yen. 2 floor

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

Not crowded, cooling at the waterfall area. Stairs and paved area with two routes to take. Blue route is shorter whilst the red route is longer and covers more. Easy climb up and down. Recommendation for 300 yen per pax to upkeep place

Worth visiting! Even if it was over 34 degree in Oita, it was only 26-28 degrees there. The path to the Gorge was absolutely breathtaking! When you get there, you can put your bare feet in the freezing cold-crystal clear water. I recommend this place for those who look for somewhere peaceful place to spend time with your family.

It was so amazing!! What a beautiful little walk. With photos and quiet gazing it took me about 2 hours and I spent even more time in the reception area eating snacks to celebrate my exercise! Totally recommend!

Amazing place!! My family and I had a great time hiking the trail. We saw many old people, do we can confirm that this trail is suitable for everyone. The waterfalls are breathtakingly blue, and the forest was lush. I highly recommend eating the fish and chicken from the old uncles selling them. They were very tender, crispy and delicious 😋. 10/10 can't wait to visit again

Beautiful area with lots of places to take pictures. The water is so calming and you can forest bathe with ease. Not a lot of people come here so you mostly have the place to yourself. Add this to your list of things to do in Japan.

The drive from Kumamoto to Kikuchi Gorge is about an hour. Parking is available at the entrance to Kikuchi Gorge. The walk is about 1hr20mins round trip, through the forest and along the waterfalls. The beauty of Kikuchi landscape is beyond words. And don’t forget to stop at the entrance near Visitor Center to get some grilled fish! The guy working at the food stall is super lovely.

Amazing place to visit with your family. Cool environment and well-maintain nature trails. Waterfalls are so beautiful.