Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is probably the most popular destination in all of Yakushima. The park is known for it’s hiking trails through the deep and dark mountain forests, covered in moss and ferns, and home to the gigantic Yakushima cedar trees – some so large that the trail actually, physically, passes through the trees. The …
Jomon Sugi
Jōmon Sugi (縄文杉), an enormous and several thousand years old cedar tree, is one of the main attractions on Yakushima. The tree, which is located deep in the mountain forest of Yakushima, is considered to be the oldest tree in Japan, and one of the oldest in the world. The actual age is unknown, but …
Oko-no-taki Waterfall
Oko-no-taki Waterfall (大川の滝) on the south-western side of Yakushima, is the tallest waterfall on the island. It is a spectacularly beautiful fall and has been included in the list of the 100 most beautiful waterfalls of Japan. Yakushima is home to more waterfalls than you can count, and at least a handful of really tall …
Nagasaki 1-day itinerary
Nagasaki City (population: 412,000), in Nagasaki Prefecture on the western side of Kyushu, is a city full of history. Across the world Nagasaki is known for being the second city ever to be hit by an atomic bomb. However, even before that time, Nagasaki was known world wide. For centuries this southern port city was the only place …
Nagasaki 2-day itinerary
Nagasaki City (population: 412,000), in Nagasaki Prefecture on the western side of Kyushu, is a city full of history. Across the world Nagasaki is known for being the second city ever to be hit by an atomic bomb. However, even before that time, Nagasaki was known world wide. For centuries this southern port city was …
Mount Inasa, Nagasaki Night View
Mount Inasa (Inasayama) is a small mountain located on the western side of Nagasaki City. It offers one of Japans 3 best night views, and is completely free. Mount Inasa is relatively close to downtown Nagasaki, and is easily accessible by a scenic ropeway. The 333 meter high Mount Inasa is located very near Nagasaki‘s …
Megane Bridge, Nagasaki
Megane Bridge, also known as Spectacles Bridge or Meganebashi in Japanese is an old stone bridge which spans the Nakashima River in Nagasaki. The bridge is famous for resembling a pair of eyeglasses when it reflects in the water of the river below it. The Nakashima River cuts straight through Nagasaki, splitting the city in …
Kofuku-ji Temple
Kofuku-ji (興福寺), located in Nagasaki’s temple town district, was the first Obaku Zen temple in Japan. It was established in 1620 by a Chinese priest, as a place to pray for the safety of seafarers. It’s Chinese architecture makes Kofuku-ji stand out among Japanese temples and shrines. When entering Kofuku-ji temple it will quickly be …
Oura Church, Nagasaki
Oura Church (大浦天主堂), also known as the “Basilica of the Twenty-Six Holy Martyrs of Japan” is a Catholic church located near Glover Garden in Nagasaki. The church was first constructed by two french priests, who dedicated it to the 26 Martyrs who were crucified in Nagasaki in 1597. Very near the famous Glover Garden, and …
26 Martyrs Museum and Monument
The 26 Martyrs Museum in Nagasaki is a museum dedicated to 26 Catholics who were crucified in Nagasaki in 1597. The museum has a large monument in front of it, and has a large number of original artifacts and relics on display inside, including a number of Maria figures disguised as buddhist Kannon figures . …