The normal view of the Nagasaki Peace Park main statue is a powerful one, undeniably a moving experience and packed with sorrow but at the same time hope for the future. The reverse side however holds all the above but also in addition there is a feeling of doubt that mankind and humanity can actually learn from its mistakes and not go down that narrow windy path of devastation that the nuclear arms race has headed in the past and still does to some degree in this age of the 21st century.

The Atomic Bomb Museum in Nagasaki is located in the park above the epicentre. It's exhibits show the overwhelming destruction caused by the bombing while also telling us the importance of world peace and the removal of weapons to protect the Earth from something like this ever happening again! It is a very sobering place and definitely not for the faint hearted as the stories, exhibits and pictures are extremely graphic. There hasn't been a time when I haven't seen someone crying out loud and or emotionally uncontrollable. This museum definitely isn't every one's cup of tea. However, it is important to remember history and not to forget about the past as this is the way we don't make the same mistakes of the past. So, in that sense the museum can be a great place to come together and never let this happen again for the benefit of mankind.

Every now and then in my travels around Nagasaki Prefecture you come upon a special place that instantly makes a strong and lasting impression on you. Umegae Sake Brewery is just one of these places and as a result of this positive and uplifting experience we intend to make this location a regular attraction on our full day tours.

Hasami town has kept its tradition of producing daily-use ceramics for over four hundred years. To date, Hasami ceramics have 13% of the domestic market share in ceramics for everyday use in Japan. The Ceramics Park, which was coordinated by the legendary ceramic designer Masahiro Mori is definitely one of the highlights of the entire region. The park is extremely well laid out, has an easy walking course and allows for many amazing photos.

A fantastic place to explore various types of ceramics, from a multitude of shops in the famous region of Arita, the birthplace of ceramics in Japan.

The quarry is not in operation these days but you will get a feel of its size and where the natural resources were sourced from to establish a pottery industry in Japan.

One of the most unique libraries that you will find anywhere in the world. Worth a stop and a chance to read a book or 2?

Without a doubt the best and most popular Shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture is the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine located approx 30 minutes from central Fukuoka City. The Shrine is dedicated to the God of Learning and as such is busy all through the year with many student visitors coming here to pray for upcoming success in their educational endeavours, especially during examination time at various periods during the year.