Mongolian Wall Remains in Central Fukuoka: Fukuoka City

The Mongolian Wall Remnants in Central Fukuoka are a real find indeed!  You wouldn't expect to be able to find this incredible site and a window to the long and dynamic historical past.  Obviously, the wall is only a fraction of what it was at its peak in the 13th Century but never the less, such a strong impression can be obtained of what the exact situation was with the combative Mongolians and their quest to invade Japan.

The remains are central located near Seinan University and only a 10 minute walk from the nearest subway station, so its a location that isn't too difficult to find let alone enjoy a stroll and feel the historical significance of the area.

Fukuoka Day Tours always includes this location on its full day walking and public transport tours.  You will no be disappointed with the experience.

Please click here to see the Mongolian Wall remains in Central Fukuoka.

Please click on the photos below to enlarge:

Well signposted in English

The wall still remains

Centrally located!

The Mongolians were a real force!

Sumiyoshi Shrine: Fukuoka City

One of the more popular Shrines in Fukuoka City is Sumiyoshi Shrine which is located within a 1 km  radius of Hakata Station.  Realistically a very close and conveniently located Urban site and quite remarkable that such a quiet and open area can be situated so close to a major Train Station.  You are enclosed in such a nature filled area that you could be confused that you are in the countryside and not a large metropolitan city, such as Fukuoka.

Our walking tours of Fukuoka always includes a Shrine is our travels as it is a great way to connect to Japanese History and Culture.  The Shinto religion encompasses everything Japanese and it is believed that the gods created Japan in its purest form.  Sumo, the National Sport of Japan, was originally performed as a Shinto ritual and the Deity of the Sumiyoshi Shrine worshipped Sumo as a result.

In fact, before the annual Kyushu Basho in Fukuoka every November you can see a Sumo Ceremony at the Sumiyoshi Shrine whereby all the Wrestlers pray for healthy and prosperity for the last tournament of the year.  I haven`t seen this ceremony yet although I have been to many sumo matches in the past.  In the future I will attempt to get some photos and videos of this special and highly respected occasion.

A trip to Sumiyoshi Shrine will be remember for a long time to come.

Check out Sumiyoshi Shrine here on a map:

Please click on the photos below to enlarge:

Picturesque indeed

Photo opportunities galore

Check out these videos below to learn more about Sumiyoshi Shrine in Fukuoka City:

Cherry Blossom Viewing: Nagasaki Prefecture

Cherry Blossom Viewing in Nagasaki is so much more popular than it's plum tree cousins.  In fact, it's more like a religion rather than a casual stroll around a park looking at the beautiful flowers.   It is such a big deal that people plan these days weeks and months in advance even before the Cherry Blossom forecasts have been given by the Japan Meteorological Service, such is the devotion and fanatical feeling towards these inspiring flowers.

Even once the Cherry Blossom Viewing season starts, it's not the lack of places to go (there are cherry trees all over Japan) but the lack of car parking due to the influx of fellow spectators who all have one thing on their mind:  Cherry Blossom Viewing.  I mind admit, when I first came to Japan I wondered out loud what the fuss was and why on earth would someone have to visit 5 different places in one day and take literally 1000 photography of this rather pretty flower?  But, now that I have lived in Japan for a while I have come to realize that Cherry Blossom are so intricately linked to the Japanese psyche and soul that one cannot get enough of this awe inspiring and moving flower.

I guess I have turned Japanese some what because this year I visit 4 different locations, not all in one day mind you so i guess I am still Australian as well.

Viewing Cherry Blossoms will move you as well I am sure.

The pictures I took are from the famous Omura Park and they grab a lot of attention from all over Nagasaki and other areas as well.  The crowds never dispersed all day and even though the weather wasn't the best, this didn't hold anyone back.

Click on the photos below to enlarge.

A time to ponder and stroll around

One of the most popular places in Nagasaki

The social highlight on everyone's calendar

Pretty as a peach

Best time of the year

Please click on the videos below to see Cherry Blossoms as seen from a moving car, another great way to enjoy the beauty of this special event:

Sushi Experience: Nagasaki and Fukuoka Prefecture

In my adopted Prefectures of Nagasaki and Fukuoka, we without doubt have some of the best and freshest tasting fish in all of Japan.  Now, for those who aren`t in the know, which is most of us non Japanese people, not all sushi tastes the same!  Of course going to a fast food type sushi restaurant (kaizen sushi/ sushi train) is a good experience but going to a real sushi restaurant where the Master makes the sushi right in front of you and prepares the meal one piece at a time, this is what eating sushi is all about!

I am so lucky to have one of the best sushi restaurants in my backyard and the ingredients and choices change according to the season and what the Master believes will satisfy his patrons the most.
The interaction with the Master (known as Taisho in Japanese) adds to the experience of the meal as does the Japanese sake (rice wine) which compliments the sushi to a T!

If you wish to request this type of Gourmet eating experience on your Private Nagasaki or Fukuoka Tour it can be catered for depending on whether the Master is available that day.

Please click on the photos below to enlarge:

Sea Bream

Sea Urchin

Yellowtail

2 Types of Tuna

Delicious Eel

Special herb and sauce

The Master hard at work

Looks amazing

Unlimited varieties




And if you thought the Sushi in Nagasaki is great you should check out the Sashimi:

Fresh and delicious

Seafood Galore

Peace Park Statues: Nagasaki City

Of course when one thinks about the Nagasaki Peace Park Statues, the main one that comes to mind is the sculpture by Seibo Kitamura of the human being with one hand pointing to the sky whilst sitting cross legged and eyes closed shut.  Nagasaki Peace Park is synonymous with this awe inspiring statue.

Indeed this is a powerful and internationally known symbol associated with the Nagasaki Atomic Explosion but one of my favourite things to do is to walk peacefully through the Peace Park and look at the tens of sculptors and statues that have been donated by Organizations and Countries from around the world as a symbol of hope and peace for the future.

They are all special in their own way and of course one's imagination and feelings of sorrow come through with each viewing yet at the same time they give hope for the future.  In this way they cause the statues to come alive and speak to us in a private way because everyone needs hope and want to leave the earth in a better way for the future generations.

If you ever have a chance to visit Nagasaki for yourself I implore you to do the same and come to the Nagasaki Peace Park Statues.  It will be a surreal if not highly moving experience and one that you will never forget, especially the viewing of the Mother and Child Statue which really hits you at your core of compassion and empathy.  It is this symbol of sorry and regret that must be remembered so that the weak and innocent are protected no matter what and in all situations of conflict around the world.

Come and check out the Nagasaki Peace Park Statues on a map:

Click on the pictures below to enlarge:

Strength in Numbers

Whisked away by angels

A popular but haunting photo

Mother and child

Water is a big part of the exhibition

The date and time of that horrific day