10/04/2021 / Last updated : 23/02/2023 d.d Hiking / Walking

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

March 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 Matsubara, […]

09/01/2021 / Last updated : 23/02/2023 d.d Scenic Drive / Spots

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 […]

02/01/2021 / Last updated : 23/02/2023 d.d Hiking / Walking

Nanatsugama Quasi National Park and Yobuko 七ツ釜、呼子

November. 2020 An extraordinarily hot day for November. Due to the Corvid 19 pandemic, long trips seem indulgent and reckless, so we take a day trip to Nanatsugama Quasi National Park and Yobuko. From Fukuoka, we take the coast road R.202 to Karatsu. This road used to be narrow and very busy but, due to the toll road highway (Free in this area), the coast road has become far less frequented. It has also been improved so less heart-stopping but still satisfyingly winding. There are also good views of the sea for considerable parts of the way. Niji-no-matsubara　虹の松原 This road also passes through Niji-no-matsubara an area of pine trees planted […]

11/08/2019 / Last updated : 02/02/2023 d.d Temple / Shrine

Ariake Sea 　有明海

December 2017, Fukuoka to Ariake -Sweeping curves to a blow-dried rectum Just after 11am we leave Fukuoka and head for Susenj to cross the mountains (pref.R.56) via the Mitsuse Tunnel. After crossing R. 202, the road up towards the tunnel is wide with smooth curves sweeping upwards. I recall coming down this road, 30 years ago, when it was a dirt track that became increasingly impassable as the gully erosion in the centre became wider and wider. We were too far down to reverse and there was no possibility of turning round; we had to press on. I unloaded the family and eased the 4WD Honda Street down the crumbling […]