謝美芳 's page

As the weather gradually cools and a single leaf heralds autumn, I think back to my 2025 Tokyo fall foliage trip~

An unexpected discovery during the trip was strolling through a grove of ginkgo trees. The towering canopies on both sides had already turned a rich golden yellow, with sunlight filtering through the leaves. Walking among them, I was surrounded by the beauty and tranquility unique to autumn.

An autumn night beneath TOKYO SKYTREE. I arrived at TOKYO SKYTREE in the evening and looked up at the majestic tower soaring overhead. The warm surrounding lights intertwined with branches covered in orange-yellow leaves in front of me, adding a gentle touch of autumn to the modern architecture.

With autumn on my mind, I could feel in the slightly chilly weather that winter was approaching. May this feeling continue to accompany me on my travels around Japan ^_^

🌿 World Heritage Site・Sakitsu Village

First, I saw the commemorative marker for the “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki and Amakusa Region” World Heritage Site.

On a quiet afternoon, I strolled through the sparsely populated World Heritage Site of Sakitsu Village. There was no bustling commercial district or crowd of people, so I could take my time observing the houses, streets, and residents’ daily lives.

Sakitsu Village weaves together faith, history, traditional homes, mountains, and the sea.

Christianity went through a period when it was banned. The older guides told stories about this fishing village and how the faith continued to live on here.

A quiet little place where you can walk slowly, look around at your own pace, and take in the stories that remain here.

“Take part in a famous life, enjoy life”〜

First stop on our Kyushu trip: Yachiyoza in Yamaga (やちよざ)

We visited this famous century-old kabuki theater, whose architecture combines Edo-period wooden construction with a Western-style structure using German rails. The biggest highlight on the ceiling is undoubtedly the nostalgic advertisements left by sponsors from the Meiji period. Together with the traditional tatami seating and traditional stage lift, they create a wonderfully nostalgic atmosphere.

We were very lucky that there was no performance on the day of our visit, so we were able to personally explore the mechanisms beneath the stage. Guided by an experienced docent, we listened as he calmly recounted the theater's ups and downs and stories over the past century. It made the visit feel like more than just a quick look around—it was more like a journey across time and space, engaging in a heartfelt conversation with history.

〜“Participate in Mingsheng, enjoy life”〜

Aso Shrine (阿蘓神社, Aso Jinja)

A solemn and majestic shrine. The approach runs sideways through a retro-style shopping street. Passing through the Romon Gate and bowing with your hands together before the worship hall, you can truly experience the resilient and tranquil power of this 2,500-year-old shrine amid today's technology and prosperity.

Strolling along the main approach and visiting with a sense of nostalgia, a goshuin gives worshippers a devout memento while they pray for peace, success, happiness, and good health ^_^

“Take part in a meaningful life and enjoy life”

Amakusa Dolphin Center (天草イルカセンター)

Under a blue sky and over a clear blue sea, we set sail with a mix of excitement and nervousness, riding the wind and waves in search of adorable dolphins swimming freely.

Full of anticipation, we eagerly looked around. Before long, enthusiastic cheers rang out—pods of dolphins had already appeared before our eyes! Their streamlined bodies surfaced, revealing lively, graceful dorsal fins amid splashing water.

The healthy marine environment and thriving ecosystem have created this breathtaking scenery, allowing wild dolphins to live freely here. This dolphin-watching trip in Amakusa not only let us enjoy the beauty of nature but also left us with countless surprises and deeply moving moments. It was undoubtedly one of the most treasured pages of our trip to Amakusa!

〜“Join Meisheng, Enjoy Life”〜