(Lena & Jon Standing by Ume blossoms and a statue just outside the Dazaifu shrine)Close to where I live there is a Shinto shrine called, Dazaifu tenmangu. At this time of year the "ume" or plum trees blossom and the area is decorated by their white and pink buds. My ALT friends from Hawaii, Lauren and Lena, decided we should take a day trip to see the trees as this only occurs for about one week each year.
(Ume or Plum tree in bloom)Although the shrine is hardly a half an hour drive from my house, as none of us drive, we had to take the train system there. This involved multiple transfers and, at first, heading in the complete opposite direction! It was so complicated, in fact, that at one point we got lost and had to ask for directions. Sadly, the people that we spoke to were even more lost than we were, although they didn't inform us of this at the time...
(Lots of people heading toward the Dazaifu tenmangu)Regardless of the slight hiccup at the beginning we, eventually, made it. As it was a bright and sunny Sunday afternoon there were hoards of people, young and old, making their way to enjoy the sights.
(The Dazaifu Shrine)The original shrine dates back to as early as 905, however certain portions were demolished, destroyed and then reconstructed.
(A pond near the Shrine, there were fake turtles on the small island in the middle)We were lucky in that there were numerous ladies dressed in traditional kimonos (which made for perfect picture opportunities!) Also, I was really excited when we were able to witness a traditional Shinto wedding. The couple could not have asked for a more lovely day.
(Lena & Jon with ladies in kimonos)
(Shinto wedding. The bride is wearing the white and red outfit and the groom is wearing the black and grey robes and dress/pants)The Dazaifu Shrine is a place to worship the god of scholarship, Tenjin. As it was the peak of exam time in Japan, students from all over the country were praying for good results on their tests.
(Students of all ages praying for good test results)As it is the year of the cow, there were many different charms for good fortune in the New Year. There was even a statue that you could rub in order to receive good luck!
(Charm celebrating the year of the cow)
(Lauren & Jon rubbing the cow statue for good luck!)Also, as with most Shinto shrines, worshippers could draw a fortune, either good or bad, and then tie it to this wall of strings. The belief is that if you receive a good fortune, tying it to the string will help it to occur and if you had a bad one, tying it to the string keeps it from following you home.
(A Lady tying her fortune to the wall of strings)Apparently, when you first go to enter the main area of the shrine it is important to wash your hands; however, we did not know this and only found out as we were leaving...oops!
(Shrine visitors washing their hands before entering the main complex)Finally we decided to settle down in a grassy area and enjoy a picnic (thanks to Subway sandwiches). It was great sitting outside in the sun, and even though there were a lot of people, it was still so tranquil and serene. A very calming experience.
Obviously my presence as the only non-Asian in the immediate area did cause quite a stir, resulting in everyone having a good stare as they passed me. Lena and Lauren (who are Japanese by heritage, but American by everything else) had a good time laughing at my attempts to feed the natives candy.
(Lauren & Lena setting up for the picnic)Finally, we finished with a trip to the Kyushu National Museum. We went to the main exhibit which was a detailed history of Japan in the context of its Asian influences (anywhere from Vietnam to the Mongols!) and also to the Okinawa and Kyushu art exhibit. Sadly, we weren't allowed to take any pictures but it was a history lesson during which I was wide awake!
(A serene view leading up to the Kyushu National Museum)It was a very culturally insightful day and one that I won't forget.
And, don't worry, getting home was much easier!!
