There is a very impressive place located in the rural confines of Saga Prefecture that has significant historical and cultural connotations. It is called the giant tree of Ureshino and for a green tea buff it is the origins of the green tea industry in this region of Kyushu.
Not only is the location completely in the countryside (it's about as rural as you are ever going to get) but no matter what the season the Green Tea fields are still an amazing shade of vibrant green. It's hard to explain that in the middle of winter that colors like this even exist. The contrast is so mazing that it actually blows your mind. The manicured hedges of the Green Tea fields are absolutely mesmerizing. It could be just me but every time I see another interesting hedge shape along the river bank or on the hill I just have to step out of my car and take another picture. It's like a drug, you just can't get enough!
I have been told that in summer the density of the tree when its leaves are at its peak are quite a lit more than in its current state. However a 340 year old specimen that is 4 meters high and has an 8 meter circumference, i think that it has nothing to apologize for. This is a true indication that nature is incredible and that we need to preserve and protect everything we can for the next generation to enjoy.
Even if there is no English signs to enjoy, this is one of those locations that no explanation is necessary. Nature trumps linguistics every time!
Please check out the Giant Green Tea Tree on the map below:
Please click the photos below to enlarge:
Great all year round
Rows and rows of green tea
Manicured perfection
Beautiful scenery
Big Green Tea Tree
It's massive
Close up of tea
The origins of Tea
Gotta love nature
Please click on the videos below to see more about the Green Tea fields in Ureshino, Saga Prefecture.
There is no doubt that the most historical and as a result the most popular location in Hiroshima City is the Peace Memorial Park and the Peace Memorial Museum. These 2 iconic locations always come up first on everyones agenda when planning a trip to Hiroshima, no matter whether you are Japanese or any other nationality from around the world.
It really is a bucket list location that we all must visit at least once in our lives and especially whilst traveling around Japan. In fact, all Japanese school students must visit Hiroshima and or Nagasaki at least once in their school education as mandated by Japanese law. For this reason, whether you are in Nagasaki or Hiroshima it is more than likely that you will encounter at least one school group at the Peace Park or Atomic Bomb Museum. I have been told numerous times by my clients that it was amazing and beautiful to see the next generations of Japanese youths being educated about the horrors of war and why we should try and attain peace for humanity to thrive.
For me personally, it had been about 6 years between visits to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park but it was just as I had remembered. The main attractions including the Prayer Fountain, Pond of Peace, Peace Flame, Bell of Peace and of course the main monument the Atomic Bomb Dome which is the most famous and iconic image as a result of these 2 devastating Atomic explosions during WW2.
However, what really delighted me, is to see the park being expanded and many more public spaces being created. The vibe and atmosphere of the area now is very different and the 2 separate parks have definitely improved the overall concept and image of the City. It is not just a sad and depressing place where contemplation of humanity is fore-front in every visitors minds but an area where vision and a strong, vibrant and positive future can be visualized by everyone. It is for these reasons that you could easily spend 2 or 3 hours just in the parks let alone the Peace Memorial Museum.
Please check out the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park on the map below:
Please click on the photos below to enlarge:
The peace fountain
The eternal flame
A place to contemplate
The peace bell
Lots of info to digest
The atomic dome
Close up
So much to see
Symbol of Hiroshima
Entrance to the Museum
Main entrance
Please check out these videos below to see more of the Hiroshima Peace memorial Park:
There is a special experience that I have wanted to do for ages now but there was always something either holding me back or preventing me for accomplishing this task. However, my opportunity arose last weekend because my family joined in in one of my many forays into adding more attractions into my itineraries and thus I had another driver that could meet us on the other side so to speak.
Both sides, can be designated as the entrance point. This time I chose to enter from the Honshu side of Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture and exit from the Kyushu side of Fukuoka Prefecture but it is obviously possible to choice the other option. This exercise although not an issue for me (however height challenges affect me greatly) may not be for everybody, I can understand that people who feel uncomfortable to be in relatively small areas may not want to participate in this activity. In these cases, they may stay in the vehicle and drive with me across the bridge or thru the automobile instead of the pedestrian tunnel.
I am sure everyone will enjoy and remember this not normal and not everyday experience.
Please click on the photos to enlarge.
The entrance
Check out the many maps
Time to walk.
Not too far
Half way point
The 2 separate prefectures
Before heading down to the bottom of the tunnel there is a very historical area in front of the entrance called the Dannoura Battlefield. This area is where the major battle between 2 major clans took place in the 12th Century. As a result of this battle the Genji Clan went on to become a powerhouse in feudal Japan and the Heike Clan became a footnote in history. Sad how things can change in an instant but interesting and a important part of history that made Japan the country that it is today.
Please click on the photos below to enlarge.
12th century technology
Check out those guns
Lots of info
Kanmon Bridge
Leader of the Heike Clan
Leader of the Genji Clan
English explanations
Powerful image indeed!
Finally, on the arrival side and where I pick you up at the Mekari Shrine, we will quickly say thank you for your safe passage under the sea and praise the gods for your continued safety during your travels here in Japan. It can never hurt to have as many prayers and blessings as possible, right?
There is no need to go overboard but a few coins as a symbol of gratitude will definitely go a long way.
Lots of info to digest
Great views
Great location
A popular place
Contemplation time
Please click here to see the Kanmon Tunnel Pedestrian Walkway on a map:
Please click on these videos to see more about this above location;