@ Nagasaki By Night, Kyushu, Japan What begins his journey through Kyushu! Nagasaki By Night, Kyushu, Japan Nagasaki is the capital and largest city of Nagasaki prefecture, on the island of Kyushu. The first contact with Portuguese explorers occurred in 1543. This opened up trade with the rest of the world and the tiny port village grew into a diverse city.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Cuddles.
What shook paws with Cuddles the Blushing Koala. They both received one silver mole!
Blue And Gold Egg The first painted eggs came from Mesopotamia, and because eggs were forbidden food during Lent, people painted eggs while Lent was being observed—after Lent, they would eat the eggs on Easter Day.
Beautifully decorated eggs “pysanka” are associated with Ukraine, and the oldest painted egg that was unearthed in northern Ukraine is dated to the end of the 17th century.
Kanji, Kyushu, Japan Kanji, is one of the three writing scripts in Japan. Kanji are Chinese characters and each “picture” represents a word. By combining two words you form another word. Train is the words electric and car written side by side. There are tens of thousands of Kanji characters, and 2136 are described as essential for everyday use.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Heleena.
What shook paws with Heleena the Fox’Maid (Ariilina) . They both received one silver mole!
@ Pine Tree Bonsai, Kyushu, Japan "Let's practise our Japanese phrases in the tour guide," suggested Wulfie. "I'll ask you what your name is. It reminds us not to pronounce the 'u' on the end of 'desu' — it's just pronounced 'dess'. 'O-namae wa nan desu ka'?" "Watashi no namae wa What desu," came the proud reply. Pine Tree Bonsai, Kyushu, Japan Bonsai (tray planting) is the Japanese art of growing miniature trees in pots. This art form was borrowed from the traditional Chinese art of penjing, which produces natural scenery only in miniature. The Japanese Bonsai creates a miniature tree that mimics nature—the purpose of creating these tiny trees is for contemplation by the viewer.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Wulfie.
What shook paws with Wulfie the Tabby Cat. They both received one silver mole!
@ Nagasaki Night View, Kyushu, Japan Usually, countries are content with just the one script. Not Japan; which has three! Firstly, the syllabic hiragana, used to write native Japanese words. Then there’s kanji – Chinese characters adapted to represent Japanese words. They can be read in different ways, often the “native” or “foreign” reading, sometimes depending on what hiragana comes after it. And if that wasn’t enough – katakana. These usually (not always) spell out foreign words in Japanese syllabary to make it easy for Japanese speakers to say. Nagasaki Night View, Kyushu, Japan Nagasaki is a mountainous area; to get a stunning view of the city, what better place than on top of a mountain? Mount Inasa has an enclosed observatory with outside access, a restaurant, and benches. Night viewing is always a special treat. Depending on the weather and visibility, you can capture some amazing photographs.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Daphne Fluffster Tinklehoof.
What shook paws with Daphne Fluffster Tinklehoof the Midnight Mauve Unicorn. They both received one silver mole!
Daphne Fluffster Tinklehoof and you found 5 Travel Tokens!
@ Deer Scare, Kyushu, Japan "Kyushu is famous for its tea production, What. I've certainly been enjoying our morning cuppas at the hotel!" "We'll have to buy some packets of Kyushu tea to take home as gifts, Choose a name," remarked What. Deer Scare, Kyushu, Japan A Shishi-odoshi, meaning deer-frightening or boar-frightening, is a number of items made to scare away animals from agricultural areas. A sozu is a small type of water fountain, usually made of bamboo segments. One of the bamboo poles is pivoted to one side of its pivot point, so the heavier end sits upon a rock with water trickling into the upper part. Once the weight shifts, the pole tilts, emptying the water, usually into a small pool, then the heavier end falls back striking the rock. The sound is what would scare away any animals. The sound is pleasant, and you can find the deer scare in gardens nowadays for purely aesthetic reasons.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Choose a name.
What shook paws with Choose a name the Tabby Cat. They both received one silver mole!
@ Stone Stairs, Kyushu, Japan "Okay, if you get stuck speaking in Japanese to a pet, you can say Wakarimasen, which is 'I don't understand'," remarked Julius. "I can see myself needing that quite a lot!" responded What. "On the other hand," continued Julius, "you can say Wakarimasu—'wa-karri-mass'—which means 'I understand' or Yoku wakarimasu which means 'I understand you perfectly'." "I don't think I'll be using that phrase any time soon, Julius!" Stone Stairs, Kyushu, Japan Stone stairs and walls lead to one of the many castles in Kyushu. There are 15 castles in Kyushu. Put on a pair of comfy shoes and spend the day walking up the stairs to visit some of these ancient sites.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Julius.
What shook paws with Julius the Silver Fox. They both received one silver mole!
@ Ema And Dragon, Kyushu, Japan Samurai were banned from carrying their two swords (yes, two) in 1868; the rule was an attempt to modernise Japan. The swordsmiths, having no swords to make anymore turned their hands to making knives. Hey presto – the best knives in the world! Ema And Dragon, Kyushu, Japan Japan has many shrines, some are devoted to love, some to luck. The Ema is a wooden plaque where you can write your prayer or wish. The dragon is seen to be a wise and powerful protector of mankind. They are also a symbol of good luck.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Dahlia.
What shook paws with Dahlia the Ragdoll Kitten. They both received one silver mole!
@ Nagasaki Night, Kyushu, Japan What and Getaway shook paws, said “How do you do?” and posed for a souvenir photo. “Why am I always on the left?” grumbled What. “Let’s change sides.” “No,” said Getaway. “This is my best side.” Nagasaki Night, Kyushu, Japan Nagasaki lays claim to having the best night views in Japan. If you go to the observation deck on Mount Inasa you will have a 360-degree view of Nagasaki. You will also get spectacular views from Mount Maya or Mount Hakodate.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Getaway.
What shook paws with Getaway the Ragdoll Kitten. They both received one silver mole!
@ Origami Stars, Kyushu, Japan "Does 'Kyushu' mean anything, What?" queried Chocolicious, offering her friend a matcha chocolate brownie before unwrapping one herself. "Yes, indeed!" responded What. " 'Kyū' means 'nine' and the whole thing means 'nine provinces' ". Origami Stars, Kyushu, Japan Origami–Ori means to fold, and kami means paper–is the art of folding paper into shapes. The origins of folding paper into shapes are thought to have started about 1,000 years ago in Japan. Paper was introduced to Japan in the 7th century, and the first folded paper objects were decorations and tools for religious purposes. Origami as play came later between the 1500 and 1600 century. Origami is fun for all ages, and many beautiful sheets of paper are created for the sole purpose of folding into shapes. Many books have been written on the subject, and if one wishes to take up this delightful art form, there are easy projects to start with.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Chocolicious.
What shook paws with Chocolicious the Chocolate Milky Moo Cow. They both received one silver mole!
@ Silhouette Of A Samurai, Kyushu, Japan Japan's Kongo Gumi is the oldest operating business in the world, established in 578. It specialises in the construction of temples and shrines. Silhouette Of A Samurai, Kyushu, Japan The Samurai were the hereditary military nobility who were retained by the daimyo (great lord). A ronin was a samurai without attachment to a daimyo. Both carried two swords, a sign of being a samurai. The full-length sword is called a katana, which is a curved single-edged blade with a circular or square guard and a long grip. The other sword, the wakizashi, was short for close combat. When worn together, the pair are called daisho, which translates as “big-little”.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Otto.
What shook paws with Otto the Red Feisty Fox. They both received one silver mole!
@ Soothing Sounds, Kyushu, Japan "What a varied tour we're having of Japan, RUFINE!" remarked What. We certainly are! Shogun, sashimi, sudoku and saké, you might say!" Soothing Sounds, Kyushu, Japan Bamboo and water, are simple things that create a soothing environment when used together. Water pours gently from the bamboo spout of a deer scare. The water trickles in one end of the bamboo pole and when the balance is shifted the pole moves to empty the water, while the heavy end strikes a rock placed behind it. This continues without the aid of electricity, or batteries.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to RUFINE.
What shook paws with RUFINE the Reindeer - Sleigh Trainee. They both received one silver mole!
@ KiHa 71, Kyushu, Japan "Hey, do you fancy a sand bath, What?" queried Chocolate, clutching the itinerary. "Whatever's a sand bath, Chocolate?" responded her companion, looking up from his perusal of Tokyo Journal. "Volcanic hot springs line the coast of Ibusuki, in Kyushu, warming the sands to 122-131°F (50-55°C). They bury you up to the neck in the sand, then after ten minutes you have a shower on the beach or go and visit a hot spring. It's called sunamushi in Japanese. It's very relaxing, apparently." KiHa 71, Kyushu, Japan The KiHa 71 series is a DMU (diesel multiple unit) trains, operated by the Kyushu Railway Company. The train runs exclusively on the Yufuin no Mori (the forest of Yufuin) between Hakata to Oita and Beppu. Yufuin is a small onsen (hot springs) resort, surrounded by rich forests.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Chocolate.
What shook paws with Chocolate the Wild Brumby Horse. They both received one silver mole!
@ Paper Parasols, Yamaga, Kyushu, Japan "What a varied tour we're having of Japan, Amelia!" remarked What. We certainly are! Shogun, sashimi, sudoku and saké, you might say!" Paper Parasols, Yamaga, Kyushu, Japan Illuminated wagasa–traditional parasols made from washi (paper) and bamboo–are all ready for the Lantern Dance Festival in Yamaga. The festival is held in the evenings on the 15th and 16th of August each year. The origins of the festival come from the story of how the villagers of Yamaga helped the legendary Emperor Keiko, who was lost in the fog. The villagers held pine torches to light the way for the Emperor and his followers.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Amelia.
What shook paws with Amelia the Midnight Happy Dragon. They both received one silver mole!
@ A Shisa On A Roof, Kyushu, Japan "Kyushu is famous for its tea production, What. I've certainly been enjoying our morning cuppas at the hotel!" "We'll have to buy some packets of Kyushu tea to take home as gifts, Sam Winchester," remarked What. A Shisa On A Roof, Kyushu, Japan A Shisa, a lion-dog based on Chinese guardian lions, sits on a red tiled roof as a ward against evil spirits. The open mouth is to catch any evil, and there will be a second Shisa nearby, with a closed mouth, to keep good spirits in.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Sam Winchester.
What shook paws with Sam Winchester the Reindeer - Sleigh Trainee. They both received one silver mole!
@ Warbling White-Eye, Kyushu, Japan Oh look ... you won a pet! Warbling White-Eye, Kyushu, Japan This lovely little bird rests atop a cherry blossom branch. The Zosterops japonicus, also known as the Japanese white-eye, has a native range including most of East Asia, and has been introduced to other areas of the world as a pet. This small bird has been depicted in Japanese art and in ancient times it was kept in cages as a pet.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Heidi.
What shook paws with Heidi the Black Great Dane. They both received one silver mole!
Heidi gave you 1 "Gentle Jellyfish (Diving)" size 7
@ Mount Aso, Kyushu, Japan "Does 'Kyushu' mean anything, What?" queried unie, offering her friend a matcha chocolate brownie before unwrapping one herself. "Yes, indeed!" responded What. " 'Kyū' means 'nine' and the whole thing means 'nine provinces' ". Mount Aso, Kyushu, Japan In Japan, there are 67 volcanoes, and 55 are considered active. It is no wonder that Japan is located in what is called the Pacific Ring Of Fire. Mount Aso, also known as Aso Volcano, is the largest active volcano in Japan and one of the largest in the world. Located in the middle of Kyushu, Mount Aso last erupted Oct. 2021.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to unie.
What shook paws with unie the Blue Beautiful Unicorn. They both received one silver mole!
@ Embroidered Crane, Kyushu, Japan "Kyushu is famous for its tea production, What. I've certainly been enjoying our morning cuppas at the hotel!" "We'll have to buy some packets of Kyushu tea to take home as gifts, BoBo," remarked What. Embroidered Crane, Kyushu, Japan A stunning red crane, the symbol of long life and good luck adorns this traditional kimono. Embroidered with silk floss and employing the long and short stitches to create the satin stitch.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to BoBo.
What shook paws with BoBo the Brown Lovable Labrador. They both received one silver mole!
@ Omikuji, Kyushu, Japan "What a varied tour we're having of Japan, Boci!" remarked What. We certainly are! Shogun, sashimi, sudoku and saké, you might say!" Omikuji, Kyushu, Japan An omikuji (sacred lot) is a strip of paper with a random fortune written on it. The omikuji is found in Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples throughout Japan. A small offering is made, and an omikuji is randomly selected from a box. If the prediction is not favourable, it is usually folded up and tied to a pine tree or a wire fence on the temple grounds. The idea behind this is based on a pun on the word for pine tree, which is matsu and the verb to wait is matsu, though both words have different characters. It is thought that the bad luck will wait by the pine tree and not become attached to the person. If the fortune is good the holder can also attach it to a pine tree, thereby increasing the good luck, or keep it.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Boci.
What shook paws with Boci the Chocolate Milky Moo Cow. They both received one silver mole!
@ Tonkotsu Ramen, Kyushu, Japan “Would you pass me the binoculars, What?” said Night Owl. "I think that's an Amami Jay flitting around over there! You can tell by its black head, purple neck and back, chestnut body and multi-coloured wings." Tonkotsu Ramen, Kyushu, Japan Tonkotsu ramen originated in Fukuoka, on Kyushu island. It is a specialty dish, that was first created as an affordable and fast dish for labourers at the fish market. The broth is made by boiling pork bones, and other ingredients such as spring onions, ginger, and onions, for upwards of 18 hours. The ramen noodles are traditionally left hard in the center, though some shops offer the customer a choice of noodle firmness. Sliced pork belly is added to the dish along with a choice of toppings: chili bean paste, sesame seeds, kombu (kelp), soy sauce, and other offerings.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Night Owl.
What shook paws with Night Owl the Young Grey Horned Owl. They both received one silver mole!
@ Churadama, Okinawa, Kyushu, Japan “Ooh, it's just starting to get a bit cold, What!” said Fanny. “Can you hold my map and itinerary while I dig out my gloves?" What good-naturedly took charge of Fanny's possessions while she emptied her rucksack of a pack of Sakura Mochi candies, a Thermos flask, a pair of galoshes, a bag of caramels, a paperback novel, a bottle of mineral water, an address book, some postage stamps, biros in three different colours, a bottle opener, a couple of old bus tickets, an assortment of golden and silver moles, a hotel door key, some shopping receipts, a small torch, a bottle of multivitamins, a lottery ticket and a selection of rather battered sachets of salt, sugar and tomato ketchup before locating the gloves right at the bottom. These she donned and then What helped her put everything back in her rucksack. Churadama, Okinawa, Kyushu, Japan Churadama comes from “chura”, which means “beautiful”, and “dama”, which means “jewel”. These glass balls, a popular souvenir in Okinawa, are made from sea glass and Ryukyu glass—recycled glass bottles. Usually one buys the colour that matches their birthstone.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Fanny.
What shook paws with Fanny the Holstein Friesian Calf. They both received one silver mole!
@ Kumamoto Castle in Kyushu, Japan Second only to Hong Kong, the life expectancy in Japan is 84, which is four years higher than in the United Kingdom, three years higher than in Canada and seven years higher than in the USA. Kumamoto Castle in Kyushu, Japan Kumamoto castle, in Kumamoto Prefecture, was constructed in 1607 and is one of the most impressive castles in Japan. Not much remains of the original wooden castle, fires, civil war, and earthquakes took their toll on the buildings. The castle keep and most of the other buildings are reconstructions made of concrete. The grounds surrounding the castle boast over 800 cherry trees making this a popular spot in March/April to view the blossoms.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Dante.
What shook paws with Dante the Luscious Lilac Dolphin. They both received one silver mole!
@ Hiragana Wood Stamps, Kyushu, Japan "'Japan!'" read out Choose a name from their tour brochure. " 'A country in which you will be swept off your paws by stunning scenery, pastoral countryside, idyllic islands, dramatic mountains and ancient historic cities. It's easy to understand why Japan is one of the most amazing destinations in the world.'" What settled back in his tour bus seat. "It's certainly been all that so far, Choose a name!" Hiragana Wood Stamps, Kyushu, Japan Japan has three writing systems. Hiragana—which young children learn first—Katakana, and Kanji. Hiragana and Katakana are native to Japan and represent syllable sounds, and the two are known as kana. Kanji is from China and is made up of word pictures representing whole words. Kanji is the oldest form of writing. Kanji came to Japan in the 4th-5th century. Japan had a spoken language but no written language. Kanji is a difficult language, and only men were permitted to study and write in Kanji. In the 8th century, the women of the Heian (modern-day Kyoto) court created the Hiragana. The men realized that Hiragana, based on sounds, was much easier to read and write, so the men adopted Hiragana as well.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Choose a name.
What shook paws with Choose a name the Tabby Cat. They both received one silver mole!
@ Shirato Beach, Kyushu, Japan Kyushu is noted for its porcelain (Satsuma and Hizen ware). The famous Imari ware was manufactured at the ancient town of Arita. Shirato Beach, Kyushu, Japan Along the Kumamoto coast, you will find the popular Shirato Beach, known for its emerald waters. The area is surrounded by mountains with rich plantations. Near the beach is a small town with traditional Japanese houses, a cafe, and a hotel.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Snowball.
What shook paws with Snowball the Sparkling Snow Foxee. They both received one silver mole!
@ Japanese Maple Trees, Kyushu, Japan Usually, countries are content with just the one script. Not Japan; which has three! Firstly, the syllabic hiragana, used to write native Japanese words. Then there’s kanji – Chinese characters adapted to represent Japanese words. They can be read in different ways, often the “native” or “foreign” reading, sometimes depending on what hiragana comes after it. And if that wasn’t enough – katakana. These usually (not always) spell out foreign words in Japanese syllabary to make it easy for Japanese speakers to say. Japanese Maple Trees, Kyushu, Japan The beautiful Japanese Maple trees come in a variety of gorgeous colours, golden, red, orange, green, dark purple, and more. The leaves vary from what we think of as the traditional maple leaf shape to long spidery leaves. The trees can grow very tall, 10-25 feet, but there are dwarf varieties that will only grow 5 feet. Artfully displayed maple trees can create stunning garden views.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Archie.
What shook paws with Archie the Brown Owl. They both received one silver mole!
@ Shisa, Kyushu, Japan What has now completed his journey through Kyushu! As he prepares to go home, he receives a wonderful gift! Black Bear, Novice Skier Two boards to stand on, check; two sticks to hold onto, check—this will be fun. Here we go! Woosh! The cold air is exhilarating, the snow is pristine, and the landscape is peaceful and beautiful. Wait, what is my right leg doing? It seems to be going off in a different direction. Oh oh! I just lost one of my sticks. Whaaa! What is that tree doing in my way? Oh no! This hill has turned too steep, and I am going far too fast.
CRASH!
Whew! All in one piece. Thankfully I landed in a pile of soft snow, but how undignified.
Hmm, perhaps bears were not meant to ski—it looks fun when humans do it. Maybe I should have taken some lessons. Ok! Hot chocolate first, lessons second, and a smaller hill. I can do this.
Shisa, Kyushu, Japan This souvenir shop features the stone Shisa, a traditional Ryukyuan cultural artifact. The Shisa is derived from the Chinese guardian lions–a cross between a lion and a dog– most often seen in pairs, that protect from evils. Placed on roofs or flanking the gates. One of the Shisa has an open mouth to gather in any evil spirits, and the other Shisa has a closed mouth to keep in the good spirits. What has enjoyed his journey through Kyushu, but it is time to go home now! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also enjoy a journey through Japan!
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Midnight.
What shook paws with Midnight the Midnight Happy Dragon. They both received one silver mole!
Midnight gave you 1 "Black Bear, Novice Skier" FULL SIZE
What has completed the quest of
