This Japan Today article features a venerable mountainside temple with a history that pre-dates Buddhism in Japan and exudes a sense of mystery and serenity. (Archived article in Japan Today)
Category: Fukuoka
Kashiigu Shrine: A gift from an empress
This Japan Today article introduces a shrine associated with an emperor who died suddenly and the empress who went on to fulfill his legacy. (Archived article)
Yame: An Historic Hidden Treasure Town
My latest Japan Today article explores an historic trading center in Kyushu that has preserved many of its Edo Period craft traditions, and gives visitors a chance to check them out! (Archived article, first published in Japan Today)
Miyajidake Shrine: A historic hillside full of surprises
This Japan Today article describes an ancient shrine associated with Empress Jingu. Features include a golden roof and a worship hall inside an ancient kofun burial mound. (Archived article published in Japan Today.)
Ancient ‘shugendo’ site nestled on the flanks of Mt Hiko in Fukuoka Prefecture
This Japan Today article describes an off-the-beaten-path site of ancient ascetic Buddhist worship nestled in the mountains of Fukuoka. (Archived article published in Japan Today.)
Nanzoin and Kyushu’s Great Reclining Buddha
This Japan Today article introduces Nanzoin, site of one of the few reclining Buddha statues in Japan, and one of the largest bronze statues in the world. (Archived article published in Japan Today)
Sea goddesses and ancient rituals thrive at Munakata Grand Shrine
This article in Japan Today describes Munakata Taisha, an ancient shrine with three locations to house three sea goddesses. The locations themselves contain fascinating history, which is celebrated in an annual festival taking place October 1-3 (Archived article published in Japan Today.)
Mojiko: Forgotten gateway or fascinating backwater
This article in Japan Today introduces the port of Mojiko at the top of Kyushu, a maritime "crossroads" with all kinds of interesting history to explore. (Archived article published in Japan Today.)
Island Hopping from Korea to Japan: A Journey Across Water and Time
This article in Go Nomad Travel magazine describes a ferry journey across the Tsushima Straits, island hopping from Korea to Kyushu. Lots of interesting things to see, do, and experience! (Archived article originally published in Go Nomad Travel.)
Chinkokuji: preserving part of Kukai’s legacy
It was a dark and stormy night. A young Buddhist monk named Kukai was aboard one of four ships crossing the East China Sea from Kyushu to Tang China, fearing, as did all aboard, for his life. He prayed for rescue to Munakata Omikami, a goddess of the sea, and also invoked the help of … Continue reading Chinkokuji: preserving part of Kukai’s legacy
Kyushu Online Media Center: Stories
Not long ago I was commissioned to work on a major project to promote the island of Kyushu as a destination. I was asked to write fairly long pieces on each of several themes, largely to provide background information to spark interest. Those pieces, listed below, are now an information resource called the Kyushu Online … Continue reading Kyushu Online Media Center: Stories
Dazaifu, ancient Japan’s Western capital
There has been exchange between Japan and Asia for more than 2,000 years. In the early part of what Westerners know as the first millennium, the objects and ideas introduced to Japan from China and Korea, in particular, enabled Japan to develop its own distinctive culture. The Asuka Period (538-710 CE) of Japanese history is … Continue reading Dazaifu, ancient Japan’s Western capital
Jigsaw Japan 