13/07/2021 / Last updated : 13/07/2021 d.d Kyushu 2020-21

Takasu Shrine and Koshin-zuka　　高須神社、庚申塚

As travel in a time of pandemic is anti-social, it has been a time of exploring or revisiting little local gems. Takasu Shrine　高祖神社 One of these is Takasu shrine located in Takasu, Itoshima Kyushu. This place is not particularly famous or spectacular, but it is worth a visit. I say it is not famous, but it has an historical record dating back to 1197. Its origins are, as they say, lost in the mists of time, The shrine is related to Takasu Castle the remains of which we did not explore as they appeared to be lost in the tangles of undergrowth. It also has a special stage for shrine […]

02/05/2021 / Last updated : 02/05/2021 d.d Kyushu 2020-21

Kora Taisha shrine and Rhododendron hiking in Kurume　高良大社

Kora Taisha Hiking in Kurume Today we plan to hike the Kyushu Olle hiking course to Kora Taisha shrine in Kurume. We take the Kyushu highway and exit at the Kurume interchange. From here it is a short drive that quickly leaves the town and begins to climb through narrow streets. Soon the houses are left behind and the road climbs steeply, with numerous bends, through wooded mountain or steep hillside. The full Olle hiking course starts from Kurume University station and ends at Mii station further down the line. This complete course necessitates taking the train and, as we are accompanied by a large dog, this is not feasible. […]

10/04/2021 / Last updated : 07/06/2021 d.d Kyushu 2020-21

Nagoya Castle, Hideyoshi’s base camp in Saga　名護屋城

March 26th. 2021 Niji no Matsubara　虹の松原 We set off for Karatsu heading towards Yobuko and the Genkai Nuclear Power station. Not that we have become fans of nuclear power generation, but we want to explore Nagoya Castle. No, not the Nagoya castle in Aichi prefecture but the less distinguished affair in Saga near the Genkai Power station. This Nagoya Castle or its remains, and the remains of 150 plus other base camps, are the relics of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s ill- fated attempt to conquer Korea. It is also noted for its cherry blossom so now is the optimum time to pay a visit. Following R. 202, we pass through Nijo no […]

24/02/2021 / Last updated : 24/02/2021 d.d Kyushu 2020-21

Rakan-ji, one of our favourite temples, and the Yabakei Gorge　羅漢寺、耶馬溪

December. 2020 Nakatsu michi-no-eki Wake in Nakatsu michi-no-eki (roadside station) on a cold bright morning. This is the second time to spend the night at this michi-no-eki and it stands up well to a return visit. Parking, at the far end, from the truck park, by the side of the information centre is quiet, secluded, to some extent, and near the toilet. Good clean facilities but I don’t recall any flowers. This michi-no-eki has a restaurant that also provides take out and a large market selling local vegetables, meat, fish ,specialty, Bento and so on. So large, in fact, that they provide shopping trollies something unusual in a michi-no-eki. D. […]

19/02/2021 / Last updated : 19/02/2021 d.d Kyushu 2020-21

Kunisaki Peninsula – Antony Gormley　国東半島

Dec 2020 day two Kunimi michi no eki was a very peaceful place to stay. We were the only vehicle staying overnight and the road itself was almost as silent as the bright, cold night, stars and half-moon hanging overhead. Itsutsuji Fudoson – Antony Gormley 　五辻不動尊 Our first stop of the day is to be Itsutsuji Fudoson. This is a shrine clinging to a rugged crag high in the Kunisaki Peninsula. Since the 2016 Kunisaki Art Project, the shrine has shared this outcrop with an Antony Gormley figure “Another Time XX”. The figure stands on a rocky ledge, just below the shrine, staring out over a magnificent view of the […]

03/02/2021 / Last updated : 03/02/2021 d.d Kyushu 2020-21

Matama Beach sunset, Kunisaki Hanto 真玉海岸、国東半島

December 2020 Considering a trip to Kunisaki Hanto (peninsula) and checking places to visit, we discover that today, forecast to be bright and sunny coupled with a low tide, is an optimum time to check Matama Beach. This beach in Kunisaki is famous for its spectacular sunsets. So, at short notice we load the van and set off, heading first for Kita-Kyushu and then taking the Higashi Kyushu highway towards Oita. This is mainly a one lane highway which makes for boring driving, but the traffic is light even on a fine Saturday. Matama Beach We exit the Higashi-Kyushu highway at Koge Parking Area and follow local roads to Matama […]

18/01/2021 / Last updated : 18/01/2021 d.d Kyushu 2020-21

Ikitsuki Island and Hirado 生月島、平戸

Hirado and Ikitsuki November 25th. Ikitsuki Ohashi michi no eki A mild night at Ikitsuki Ohashi michi no eki, which proved to be an excellent place to stay. The toilets are clean, if basic, but boast a heated seat washlet which was a surprise. The car park has a view of the bridge, you are almost underneath it, and the sea is next to you. There are benches and picnic tables if the weather allows outside dining. In season it is probably very busy but at this time of year, November, there were only a couple of other vehicles overnight. Obae Lighthouse and Shiodawara cliffs　大バエ灯台、塩俵の断崖 We set off for Oobae […]

09/01/2021 / Last updated : 09/01/2021 d.d Kyushu 2020-21

Chimachibou to Ikitsuki Island　乳待房、生月島

November. 2020 Yamabushi The middle of a pandemic, despite the government’s urging “Go To Travel” is not the ideal time to set out on a trip. The government’s campaign may be an economic success in the short term but, perhaps, also a super spreader event. Shachuhaku, we reason, is different in that you can almost completely isolate yourself traveling in your own bubble. So we set off on a short trip to explore Chimachibou. This is a small but rugged mountain in Saga Prefecture. It features perpendicular crags – like those in Chinese sumi-e paintings – that are much sought after by Yamabushi. This religious sect venerate mountains and favour […]