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)
Category: Kyushu
Bucking the Trend: Oita Prefecture’s plan to boost population is succeeding where Japan’s government has failed
This article, published in the March 2024 edition of Number 1 Shimbun, examines various programs in Oita Prefecture designed to reverse the prefecture's demographic decline. (Archived article from Number 1 Shimbun)
Beppu: A Century as a Sightseeing Destination
This is Part II of an article about Beppu's centenary as a tourist destination. Part I examined the area's famous hot springs for bathing and health and this article looks at the sightseeing options. (Archived article published in Japan Today.)
Beppu celebrates a century as a modern hot springs resort town
This article in Japan Today is part 1 of 2 outlining the various aspects of Beppu, one of Japan's most prolific hot springs areas. (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.)
Yutoku Inari Shrine: Kyushu’s largest shrine dedicated to the god of basic human needs
Japan has been called "the land of the gods" because of its many gods, mostly associated with the Shinto religion. Perhaps one of the most popular, or best known, among these is Inari, a god believed to be dedicated to meeting such basic human needs as food, clothing, and shelter. As a god of food, … Continue reading Yutoku Inari Shrine: Kyushu’s largest shrine dedicated to the god of basic human needs
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
Japan’s border islands of Tsushima and Iki offer simpler, slower pace of life
This article in Japan Today describes things to see and do on the border islands of Tsushima and Iki, closer to Korea than to the Japanese mainland with history to match their location. (Archived article published in Japan Today.)
Kikuchi Castle: an ancient mountain fortress
Seventh century Japan wasn't yet a nation-state, but neither were any of its Asian neighbors. Nonetheless, the most powerful of the various groups on the Japanese archipelago, the Yamato, had regular trade and cultural exchanges with its counterparts on the Korean Peninsula, especially the kingdom of Baekche (southwestern quadrant of the peninsula). So when the … Continue reading Kikuchi Castle: an ancient mountain fortress
Ondako: a curious symbol for an historical island
The island of Iki sits in the Tsushima Strait, about halfway between the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula and the northwestern shore of Kyushu island. Given its position, it has seen a lot of historical events. Iki was once commonly known as Onigashima (Ogre Island) thanks to a legend that a band of ogres … Continue reading Ondako: a curious symbol for an historical island
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