Imazu lies on the east coast of the Itoshima Peninsula. Blessed with oceans, mountains and unspoiled landscapes, it is also an important historical area. From ancient times until the Kamakura period, Imazu flourished as a trading port and a hub of multicultural exchange. This prosperous era was followed by the Mongol Invasions (Genko in Japanese) which ravaged the area. The historic sites of Imazu are important cultural properties that cast a light on this period in time. Starting in the 13th century, the tribes of Mongolia succeeded in creating the largest empire in human history, which stretched from the Sea of Japan to Europe. In 1271, Kublai Khan renamed his empire the Yuan, and he sent an expeditionary force to invade Japan in 1274. Unfortunately for him, the invasion was unsuccessful. After this, the Kamakura Shogunate ordered its retainers in Kyushu to build a stone barricade (Genko Borui in Japanese) in case of another Mongolian invasion. The Genko Borui stretched 20km along Hakata Bay from Kashii to Imazu, but it was built in an amazingly short six months. Given the different methods of construction used along the wall, it is believed that different provinces worked on different sections concurrently. The Genko Borui in Imazu is a 3km section of the structure. Excavations were made in 1913 and it has since been partially restored. It is now preserved and maintained as a National Historic Site.
The Genkō Bōrui was typically 2 metres high and wide. It was packed with small stones inside, the seaside steep and the landside less steep. Shields and flags were placed on the Genko Borui and stakes were planted in the sea at irregular intervals. The second attack of 1281 was thwarted by a typhoon ( known as Kamikaze) and the Mongolians were forced to withdraw. Even after this, the stone wall construction continued, and remained intact until 1332.
Most of the stones that were used in the Mongolian Invasion were transported to be used for the construction of the Fukuoka Castle and these stones can still be seen today at the remains of Fukuoka Castle which is one of the stops on our Walking Tours of the City.
I am not a huge history buff but I found this area not only to be very educational but extremely picturesque. It was a lovely day albeit a little cloudy but to stroll around the shoreline, in and around the black pine forests of the area was quite satisfying. Combine this with an amazing part of Japanese history in the fact that were able to keeping the rampaging Mongolians at bay (many say the 1281 Typhoon was a divine hand by the Japanese god`s to protect their lands) has resulted in the Japan we see and love today. If these efforts had been in vain, Japan would be a much different country today and one that maybe doesn`t speak Japanese? Really mindblowing stuff. Just enough English Signage so as to give you some basic facts and historical dates of reference. This combined with your imagination of picturing wave after wave of ferocious Mongolian soldiers attacking the beach head from boats anchored offshore, should leave you satisfied at the end of the day.
Please look below to see the Mongolian Wall Fortifications on a map:
Please click on the pictures below to enlarge:
It's in the countryside alright.
Sample of the wall
Still standing somewhat today!
Remnants of the wall
Well signed in English
The sea is right here!
See more about the Mongolian Wall Restorations here on these videos:
There are numerous WW2 Air Raid Shelters still in existence today in and around Nagasaki Prefecture. However the best and most interesting one that I have had the opportunity to find and explore is absolutely the one called Mukyudo which is located near Huis Ten Bosch in Sasebo,. Mukyudo during World War II, was the air-raid shelter of the former Miyamura Elementary and Junior High School. The reason why this Air Raid Shelter is unique when compared to others is the fact that both male and female students as well as their teachers at the time were responsible for making and maintaining the shelter. Not only was the shelter used as a classroom in times of bombing by the Allied Forces but was also used by the community in and around the school. As most of the towns members were elderly (most of the men were away fighting in the war) the students were basically responsible for protecting their community from foreign forces. This site is not being preserved for laying blame! On the contrary, it is kept as a reminder of community spirit, group cohesion and to remind the younger generation about the historical significance of the area in regards to WW2. There is a brochure in English provided to all international guests, there are signs but mostly in Japanese, however ones imagination and visual clues provided are more than enough to give you the insights in what it must have been like during these turbulent times in Japan and the World in general. This attraction has slowly be surely become a popular site on our Nagasaki Cultural and Historical Tour. Please check out the Mukyodo WW2 Air Raid Shelters below on a map:
Please click on the photos below to enlarge:
Depiction of the situation
The tools that were used
The entrance
Ring the bell for peace
Ventilation
The classroom
Please click on the video below to see more about the Mukyudo WW2 Air Raid Shelters:
Many of our Private Tour pick ups and or drop off originate from Hakata Station in Fukuoka City. Basically, Hakata Station is the most centrally located area of Fukuoka City and the mainstay for incoming and outgoing travel into the City limits.
As a result of this, evert Tom, Dick and Chieko are driven towards Hakata Station like flies to honey. It is a shoppers delight with any and every shop you could desire. It`s a hang out destination for the younger Japanese Millennials so be prepared to be crowded like sardines because from morning to night the place is packed and this is no joke.
However, there is a secret spot to take a timeout if you get overawed with the situation. It is on the roof of the building and it serves 2 purposes. It`s main purpose is to showcase Fukuoka City by giving you a Panoramic 360 degree view of the city and outlying area. I always find it essential on my private tours to give people an idea on actually how Mountainous the areas around Fukuoka City really are.
Once we have our bearings, I usually take the group and participate in a small blessing at the Shrine that is dedicated to safe travels. Quite a lot of Japanese travelers will come to the roof, give a blessing to the Shrine and then catch their train to their destination. To many people this has become second nature just like buying a ticket for their journey.
Finally, there are also aspects of nature of the roof, the sounds of running water, flowers, plants and you wouldn`t believe it a miniature Rice Paddy to show you how intertwined rice is in daily life here in Japan.
It`s just a great way to start the tour and the beginning of our great day together.
I am sure you will agree at the end of the day.
Please look below to see Hakata Station on a map:
Please click on the photos below to enlarge:
Roof View
Convenient location close to Asia
Growing rice as well!
Travel around Kyushu
Please click on the following videos to see more about these 2 interesting places on the roof of Hakata Station.
Although the 2 parks are adjacent to each other there have been and continues to be attempts by the Local and Prefectural Governments to combine the 2 areas and make it a SUPER Park of sorts.
Absolutely there are so many things that you can do and see here. From the Old Castle Ruins of Fukuoka Castle where the powerful elite reigned and wielded power in their Domain to the peaceful and idillic Man made lake that is the center of Fukuoka`s exercise and leisure community.
The parks are a fabulous place for families, kids, couples and tourists to come for a leisurely stroll, partake in many of the cafes and restaurants as well as participate in the many exercise minded activities of the area.
It must be said that at certain times of the year there are a plethora of flowers blooming continuous with the change of seasons. Of course the most famous is the Cherry Blossoms in March/April and there are thousand of these trees to fill your photographic needs. However, the plum blossoms are also magnificent in late Feb/ early March but you must also mention the Lotus Flowers in June and the Wisteria Flowers in late May are a real find as well. I am sure you will find the right flower at the time you are here.
Maizuru and Ohori Parks are a great tour finishing location. A wonderful last attraction to satisfy your requirements of what a good tour requires.
Please check out Maizuru and Ohori Park here below.
Please click on the pictures below to enlarge:
Cherry Blossoms
City view
Well signposted
Picturesque
Many flowers to see
A tranquil place
Aerial View of the Cherry Blossoms
Sunset
Plenty to do
Please click on the Videos below to see more about Ohori and Maizuru Parks:
