Atago Inari Shrine: Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture

Atago Shrine is one of those places that you hear about a lot but actually never actually get to. It is positioned in an area that has many more famous attractions and thus seems to get left off most agendas and itineraries.

One this fine sunny day, I decided to take the plunge and check it out.  Of course once I got there I was kicking myself, wondering why in the world had I left it too long for a first visit?

Atago Shrine is perched up on a hill with an amazing scenery of the western part of the city with obviously spectacular views of the 2 standout landmarks of the area, namely the Fukuoka Tower and the Fukuoka Dome/ Hilton Seahawk Hotel.  In fact, I am sure that there is no where else in the city that offers these panoramic views.

The shrine itself is nothing special and there are many more important and impressive shrines in and around Fukuoka City but I can tell you this there aren't any with better views than this one. I have been told by a few good friends that the sunsets here are sublime as the sun sets in a westerly direction. Haven't had the chance to be here during that time but it's just another to do, and on the list.  When I finally do, I will post it here.

Please see the Atago Inari Shrine on a map below:

 

Please click on the photos below to enlarge:

Spectacular views

The gate entrance

People come for the view

It's a popular place.

The Shrine itself is non-descript

What a view!

Fukuoka Tower

Need an amulet?

Please click on the videos below to see more of the Atago Inari Shrine.

Sumiyoshi Shrine: Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture

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 below on a map:

 

Please click on the photos below to enlarge:

Picturesque indeed

Dedicated shrine to the Sumo deity

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:

Karato Market: Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

On this day, my wife was busy but my kids weren't so we headed out from our base in Fukuoka to go to the Karato Market for some breakfast.  Karato Market is well known as the mecca for blowfish otherwise as Fugu in Japanese which is the most poisonous fish in the world.  If not prepared properly by a licensed chef, death will come fast and furious. Luckily for you and me the last registered death as the result of eating this delicacy was way back in 1975.  It's a rigorous process to become a fugu chef, so in my mind the risk is minuscule and the reward in terms of taste and flavor are indeed amazing.

From Fukuoka, its about a 1 hour drive and you will be able to drive across the Kanmon Strait Bridge crossing from Kyushu into the main island of Honshu.  It's very special to see how close the the 2 islands are and the fact that there have been many wars over the last 500 years by clans striving to increase their territorial gains in the region.

Upon arriving ,you can see how popular the area really is by checking out the number plates of the cars in the carpark. Some cars have just come from around the corner for a quick bite to eat whilst many are from various reaches from all over Japan. I always like to arrive quite early in the morning for my seafood bowl consisting of rice and various types of sashimi, then a dollop of wasabi and a topping of seaweed is a meal made in heaven that even non seafood lovers could enjoy.  Because of the numbers it took us a while to be seated but it wasn't too long, in fact the 20 minutes of waiting gave us some time to go for a stroll and do some sightseeing in the area.

This 20 minute stroll created a huge appetite and when our meals arrived we finished then in no time flat.  I must say it was not only absolutely delicious but such a reasonably priced meal.  Once finished, we did some more sightseeing on the upper deck of the market and on the floor getting a real close up of the fish available for purchase.

This location has become a popular stop on our day tours out of Fukuoka.

I am sure you and your private party will not be disappointed.

Please look below to see the Karato Markets on a map:

 

Please click on the photos below to enlarge:

Maritime symbols

Maguro on the rice

The main market below

Nice place to take in the views

This is Fugu

Sashimi and tempura meal

Blowfish up close

Looking very cute

Lots of information to digest

Well marketed product

The fish market in action

Checking out the Kanmon Strait Bridge

Uni (sea urchin) meal

The entrance

A real anchor to touch

A throwback photo of a previous visit

Please click on the video below to see more about the Karato Market in Shimonoseki City:

Please click on the video below to see the sights around the Kanmon Strait Bridge:

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