Hassaku Festival creations If you are interested in art and traditional crafts in Japan then while you are in Kyushu definitely make time to visit Yamato town to see the Hassaku Festival creations. These amazing objects, made entirely of natural materials, are created each year and paraded through town during the Hassaku Festival. Once the […]
Unique Hassaku Festival creations of Yamato town Read More »
Tsuetate Onsen A hidden valley in the far north of Kumamoto nicknamed ‘Kyushu’s inner sanctum’, the once lively Tsuetate onsen resort has a 1800 year history and is still a fascinating place to visit, not least because of its faded glory and step back in time Showa era atmosphere. The hot springs still function and are
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Kokuzo Shrine Tucked away in the shade of the caldera wall in the hamlet of Teno you will find the Kokuzo Shrine 国造神社. Situated only 6 km north of the better known Aso Shrine if you have time the Kokuzo shrine is definitely worth a detour. Why visit? Primarily because here you can see the remains
Kokuzo Shrine and the great Teno cedar tree 国造神社 Read More »
Yamaga Lantern Dance Festival – Yamaga Toro Matsuri 山鹿吐露祭 in Japanese, is held on the evenings of August 15th and 16th in the city of Yamaga every year. The highlight is the One Thousand Lantern Dance when hundreds of women, dressed in simple white summer yukata and red obi sashes dance elegantly through the night wearing beautifully crafted paper illuminated
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Blazing torches light the sky and in the darkness a multitude of flaming reed straw ropes are swung around in an exciting spectacle to welcome the kami of Aso Shrine. The dramatic Hifuri-shinji festival takes place in mid March in the grounds of Aso Shrine. The holy ritual has been designated as one of Japan’s Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. This ancient ritual’s
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