Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Fukuoka Tower - Going Up!

School children waiting to go up

Lovers sanctuary

Entrance to elevator

Asian Townscape Award

Lovers compass

3rd tallest sightseeing tower in Japan

Going up!

Monday, April 22, 2013

Fukuoka Tower

Fukuoka Tower overlooks Hakata bay. It has several hotels and beach resorts close by. Fukuoka Tower is one of the top towers in Japan known for the breathtaking view. It is also used for educational purposes for school children.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Atago Shrine – Fukuoka City

Fire gods reside on mountains and are among the most powerful deities’. They stand as protectors of the cities as well as guardians for their citizens. Fire is also considered a source of light and cooking in both modern and ancient times. Atago Shinto Shrine is dedicated to the god Atago-Sama, which he is usually called. Atago Shrine is one of the three major shrines in Japan dedicated to the god Atago. The other 2 are located in Tokyo and Iwana (present day Kasama).

The shrine was dates back to 72 A.D. when it was first built. It was then known as Washio Shrine. Originally the shrine was home to 2 gods. 2 more were added when Atago Shrine in Kyoto merged with Washio Shrine in 1634 by Kuroda Tadayuki, of the Kuroda clan. The Kuroda clan was given the Fukuoka area after supporting Ieyasu’s victory during the battle of Sekigahara in the year of 1600. The shrine today is home to 4 gods. The present building today dates from the 17th century.

The shrine attracts visitors year-round. On New Year’s Day, approximately 700,000 people will visit this sacred shrine. The shrine hosts a new year’s festival (January 23-24), a cherry blossom festival (April 1-15), Tanabata (Star) festival (July 7), Hozuki summer festival (July 20-21), Shichi-go-san (November 15), a fire festival (December 5) and the Dai-Saito Homa Ceremony of Shinto and Buddhist realms.

The shrine attracts visitors from Fukuoka and outside Fukuoka for its healing powers. The shrine is said to help drive away evil, bringing about good fortune, helping start a harmonious relationship, have success in business and academics, bring traffic safety and keeping the home safe and secure (hearth in the home as a place of warmth and cooking). The shrine is also said to have power to help those who wish to give up drinking and smoking!

The shrine and the hill it stands on were long known as Mount Washio and Washio Shrine. This changed when the feudal lord of Fukuoka transferred his tutelary deity there from Kyoto in 1634. There is a breathtaking view of Fukuoka, Hakata bay and Fukuoka Tower. Night or day, the view from the hill is spectacular. There are over 2,000 cherry blossom trees on the shrines grounds which draws thousands of visitors during the Sakura festival.

Atago shrine is a 15 minute walk from Muromi Stations on the Kuko subway line and a shorter walk if you take the bus (Nishitestu bus #1 and get off at Atago-shita bus stop).

819-0015 2-7-1 Atago Nishi-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka Tel: 092-881-0103 Fax: 092-883-9200

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

JR - Hakata City - Fukuoka

Being inside a JR station can be overwhelming with the crowds. The stores inside give you a place to get your breath, and shop for a snack or some wonderful souvenirs. If you love train stuff, you will not be disappointed with the product selection!