Continuing part I of my journey to explore Kyushu (introductory article) Hankyu Ferry Cruise), then in this part II, I will introduce to you the first province of the Kyushu region, which is Fukuoka. Fukuoka is the 5th largest province in Japan, with the West and North bordering the sea, the East and South are mountainous areas bordering Kumamoto. Therefore, Fukuoka possesses extremely rich natural scenery, from the sea, mountains, or bustling cities. Today, let's explore Fukuoka in one day to see which places you can go to.
- Hakata City
Hakata is the busiest city in Fukuoka, with many shopping centers, dining places with modern city views. This city is considered a transit point for other provinces to Fukuoka, when both international and domestic airports, shinkansen train stations are located in Hakata. So, it would be very reasonable if you start your day exploring Fukuoka here.
The place I chose to take photos today is CANAL CITY HAKATA, a complex of entertainment services, including shopping, dining, movies, and quite attractive water music performances.
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bqeZxJgd1EPKV4S2A
The buildings here are very unique and eye-catching. The shopping center area is designed in a large sphere, with very attractive blue and red tones.
This building reminds me of Namba Park, a park, shopping and entertainment center in Osaka, with buildings designed in a beautiful arc shape.
The next place I explored, only about 20km from Hakata, but in complete contrast to the modern look of Hakata, is an extremely sacred and peaceful temple - Nanzoin Temple.
2. Nanzoin Temple.
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/u6vuXAVUFnEJQz9G8
Just a 30-minute drive from Hakata Station, Nanzoin is a Buddhist temple famous for one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in the world.
This temple is over 1000 years old, originally located on Mount Koyasan, Wakayama, for political reasons, it was moved to its current location in the late 19th century. (You can also read the article “Koyasan - Buddhist holy land of Japan” on my Blog to learn more about spiritual temples here).
This statue is made of bronze, about 41 meters long, 11 meters high, and is also one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in the world.
Below the reclining Buddha statue are hundreds of statues of different Buddhas.
The Buddha statue is also carved with many meticulous details.
The two lenses I used today are the GF110 and GF45 (85mm and 35mm on full frame). If possible, you should bring lenses with wider focal lengths to capture the entire Buddha statue.
And the last place of my day exploring Fukuoka is an extremely beautiful beach in the west of Fukuoka, about 60km ~ 1 hour drive from Nanzoin Temple.
3. Sakurai Futamigaura's Couple Stones
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hgzD9Muue194ezve6
The Sakurai Futamigaura Rocks, also known as Sakurai's Meoto Iwa, are two large rocks standing close together in the sea and connected by a sacred Shinto rope called shimenawa.
The two rocks are considered a symbol of harmony between man and woman, representing a harmonious relationship between husband and wife. In Shinto, they are believed to have spiritual significance and the shimenawa rope represents the boundary between the sacred and the profane.
The sea water here is also very clear and cool, there is a beach about 300 meters away.
The time I arrived here was around 3pm, the harsh sunlight created sparkling streaks of light on the sea surface, looking very shimmering and magical 😀
Even though it's the hottest time of the year, there are still many couples coming here to take photos and pray for blessings for their relationships.
A scene of a girl trying to take a photo of her boyfriend with two rocks behind her. So cute 😀
This is also my favorite scene, as it covers all the most beautiful things of this area: clear blue sea, golden sand, two rocks and the sacred Torii gate.
And finally, let's see the pictures I took at this beach.
After exploring and taking photos here, I moved to the homestay in Kumamoto to continue my journey to explore Kyushu on the second day. On the way, I passed by a very lovely milk tea shop, only about 5km from this beach, but unfortunately I didn't have much time to stop and take photos. If you have more time, you can stop by and try it.
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/P2dFhpzGeUfTraZE6
And above is my entire itinerary to explore Fukuoka in 1 day, I will continue to Kumamoto and spend my second day exploring Kyushu in this beautiful city. Stay tuned for my next posts about the provinces of Kyushu. Thank you for reading to the end of the article.
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