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If you want to escape the bustling Hakata city center quickly, Rakusuien (楽水園) at the back of Sumiyoshi Shrine is the perfect place for a short break. The small garden is like an oasis in the city, allowing you to slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature. From mid-November to early December, the garden […]
Rakusuien Garden: The Must-Visit Japanese Garden in Hakata Read More »
On the south end of Higashi Park (東公園), close to JR Yoshizuka Station, you can find Tōkaebisu Shrine (十日恵比須神社), a usually quiet shrine. However, during the Tōkaebisu Festival, from the 8th to the 11th of January, around one million people usually flood the shrine! Not only can you wander through the 300 stalls set up
Tōkaebisu Shrine and the Exciting Tōkaebisu Festival Read More »
If you practice zen or meditate regularly, you might be interested in Shōfuku-ji (聖福寺), the first Zen temple in Japan. The temple is also a spot in Hakata that will excite all cat lovers!
Shōfuku-ji – The First Zen Temple in Japan Read More »
If you are a cat lover, head to Mangyō-ji (普賢山萬行寺) because you will most likely be served by two black cats at the reception! In addition, what will catch the attention of history buffs is the temple’s crest. Contrasting the crest used by other Pureland sect temples in Japan that uses wisteria, Mangyō-ji uses the
Mangyō-ji – A Temple that Excites Cat Lovers & History Buffs Read More »
Just opposite one of Hakata’s most famous shrines, Kushida Shrine, the three traditional houses built in the Meiji period (1868 to 1912) have been renovated and opened as a place to examine and even make your traditional crafts! This is the best place close to Hakata Station to get a good understanding of the local
Hakata Machiya Furusato-kan – A Place to Explore the Old Hakata Read More »
While you might not be aware of it, the method of making food made from flour in Japan, such as udon and soba noodles and buns, originates from Hakata (according to Jōten-ji’s history). This food culture was introduced by Ennibenen (円爾弁円), also known as Shōichi Kokushi (聖一国師), who returned to Japan from his study in
Jōten-ji Temple – The Origin of the Udon and Soba Noodles Read More »
You might have heard of one of the Holiest Mountains In Japan, Kōyasan, and thus you might know about its founder, Kōbō Daishi (弘法大師). After returning to Japan from China, he spent around four years in Hakata and founded his first temple, Tōchō-ji (真言宗 東長寺), in 806. Since the late 20th century, what has been
Tōchō-ji Temple and Japan’s Largest Wooden Buddha Statue Read More »
Apart from Sumiyoshi Shrine, another fascinating shrine not far away from Hakata Station is the Kushida Shrine (櫛田神社). It is where one of the biggest events in Hakata’s summer, the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, is held. The best thing is that the Kazari Yamakasa (the large stationary festival float) is permanently stationed in the precinct.
Kushida Shrine and the Interesting Festivals that It Holds Read More »
If we could only visit one shrine in Hakata, it has to be Sumiyoshi Shrine (住吉神社). Although buried in the urban jungle close to Hakata Station, the shrine has a vast precinct filled with greenery and a long history! Sumiyoshi Shrine in Hakata has a history of more than 1,800 years. Together with the Sumiyoshi
Hakata’s Sumiyoshi Shrine – The Oldest Shrine in Japan Read More »
You might have heard of cat cafes, but did you know there are cat islands? In Japan, some small islands are nicknamed cat islands by the locals because there are more cats than humans living on the island. Due to the cat boom from the early 2000s, many of these islands have become popular tourist
Aino and Uma Island – The Hidden Cat Islands in Fukuoka Read More »
