Kyushu

During November 7-14, 2015 I visited Kyushu, Japan's third largest island, located on the southwest end of Japan. It is made up of seven prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nakasaki, Oita, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. Some pictures contained in this blog were taken by my friends. Thank yoy for that!

Dazaifu Tenmango Shrine

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is the most famous Tenmangu shrines in Fukuoka. It is believed that the God of Knowledge lives here and therefore everyday, especially during exams, a lot of students came here to  make merits.

 Ox God statue in front of the Shrine. It is believed that patting and stroking gently at the Ox's head brings good health and wisdom.

Starbucks Dazaifu

Starbucks Dazaifu is located on the approach of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. Designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, it is made of 2,000 pieces of  thin cedar woods weaving diagonally, making it look like a cave-like space.

Shimin no Mori

Shimin ni Mori is a very beautiful park on Mount Aburayama, which is the highest mountain in Fukuoka.

Fukuoka Castle Ruins and Maizura Park

Fukuoka Castle Ruins was located in the middle of the city, within Maizuru Park.

Nagasaki Peace Park

The Nagasaki Peace Park commemorates the atomic bombing of Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. It killed more than 70,000 people, injured more and left 120,000 homeless. 

Squid Lunch

We had lunch at a famous Japanese restaurant in Nagasaki. They served squid, squid, and squid. It is the best squid meal I've had in my life.

Nagoya Castle Museum

Ruins of Nagoya Castle

Okawachiyama Village

Okawachiyama, a beautiful village in Saga Prefecture, is the birthplace of Imari porcelain. 

Okawachiyama is surrounded my mountains and stone cliffs