There is this attraction in the middle of Saga Prefecture, away from any major highway and city center that is gathering a rather lot of attention these days. It is called Oouo Shrine and a site that I have visited many times because of its uniqueness and incredible scenery it possesses.
The Shrine has 3 Torii gates that are strategically placed from the shoreline out into the picturesque and highly productive seaweed producing Ariake Sea. At high tide all 3 gates are covered with water at various depths, whilst at low tide one can wander around and fully inspect each Torii Gate and get a feel of what a 6 meter tidal range really means from an environmental and nature point of view.
Although I have been here 3 or 4 times previously for some reason it is always at low tide. Not that I am complaining because low tide obviously allows for more exploring and a chance to stretch ones legs after a drive of some sorts from the previous attraction. However for comparison sake, I would love to have some high tide photos and videos because in reality one doesn`t know what kind of tide that they will get on the day so we just have to take the results in our stride.
Just in case you were wondering, even though this location is getting more and more popular, don`t worry, you will never feel crowded or unable to find a car park. As a result of its very rural location hardly more than a trickle of sightseers and or cameramen are here at any onetime.
Please look here to see the Oouo Shrine on a map:
Please click on the photos below to enlarge:
Plenty of shells to observe.
Offerings a plenty
A truly scenic spot
An instagrammers paradise
Wide open coastline
Impressive!
The 3 red gates.
At low tide!
Please click on the videos below to see more about this incredible attraction.
By the way, this is what Oouo Shrine looks like on a high tide visit. It is basically the luck of timing whether you get to walk out and explore the Torii Gates or whether you have to be satisfied with taking photos at the watewrs edge. All I can say, is that, no matter what tide you get this place is extremely special especially on a perfect weather day.
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 endeavors, especially during examination time at various periods during the year.
6000 or so Plum Trees have been planted on the site and they begin to bloom around early February to early March. Of course the Cherry Blossoms are also unique to the area and it must be added that during Autumn the leaf changing season of the incredible beautiful Japanese Maple Trees are exceptional and worth a to visit the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in mid to late November.
The entrance to the shrine is a long street lined with small stalls filled with local specialities, a variety of food and drinks and of course many different types of souvenirs that one can take back home after their travels in Japan.
The Shrine itself isn`t anything special and distinctively different to others in the area but the surrounds and the gardens are numerous and each twist and turn brings you to another viewing point and another place to explore. I highly recommend this place and it is a regular destination on our Fukuoka 1 day Private Tours.
Here is the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine`s location on a map:
Please click on the photos below to enlarge:
How to purify yourself
A place for families to come
You will see a lot of kimono's
A place to cleanse your soul
A popular place indeed
Lots of shopping options
Please click on the videos below to see more of the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine:
Tachibana Shrine in Chijiwa Nagasaki is dedicated to army lieutenant colonel Shuta Tachibana who became famous in the Russo-Japanese War which occurred during the beginning on the 20th century. Tachibana Shrine is a noted place for the viewing of cherry tree blossoms and many people come and visit this exquisite flower viewing place in spring.
For New Year, the world's biggest New Year's pine and bamboo decorations more than 11m in height are installed at the entrance to a shrine. They have caught the attention of many followers including the Guinness Book of Records who have noted the fact!
The Shrine and the surrounding Park area are just beautiful, esthetically pleasing and at many times of the year (cherry blossoms in spring and maple leaves in autumn) are picture perfect.
Whenever I have visitors from overseas and from other places in Japan, Tachibana Shrine is always on the top of my list of preferred tourist destinations for our private tours. On this day, nearing the middle of summer, the birds were chirping, the cicada's making a roaring noise, the sun was shining intensely but I was in my element. A picture perfect day and and some amazing photos and video to show for it. Definitely worth and look and tour of the area.
Check out Tachibana Shrine in Chijiwa on this map:
Click on the photos below to enlarge:
Group blessing
Shinto Praying Style
Peaceful location
Sunset perfection
The entrance
3 lovely ladies posing
Water purifying
3 2 1 Bow
Please check out the Tachibana Shrine in Chijiwa, Nagasaki on this video:
