Dazaifu Shrine

Dazaifu Shrine

It has been a busy couple of weekends for Mark and I. Last weekend we were fortunate enough to have our friend, Aimee, visit us. She is currently working in Kobe until the end of March. She was able to join us for a weekend in Fukuoka. She arrived on Friday, March 1^st. On Saturday, March 2^nd we all headed to the Nazoin Temple. This is where the reclining Buddha is located. Mark and I had been out there in October. It is such a beautiful place. This time we were able to see it preparing for the spring flowers and tree blossoms to arrive. It seems to look even prettier each time we visit. I am looking forward to taking my mom there when she comes to visit in October.

Sunday, March 3^rd was Girls’ Day. We all were looking forward to our first visit to Dazaifu Shrine. We had been given directions on how to get there via the subway. We were not 100% sure of what we were doing, but we made it. We had been told that on this day there would be a special celebration at the shrine. When we first arrived I was surprised to see how many people were there. We walked up the street with all of the other visitors. We noticed that there was a ton (and no I am not exaggerating) of people lining both sides of the main path. We found someone who spoke English and we were told there was going to be a procession. Of course, we had to get a spot to watch the procession. Mark is not one who likes to stand around waiting for things, so he walked around and got some great photos of the blossoms. When it was time for the procession, Mark made it back to share in the experience. We had a good view of the bridge where the procession started towards us. Luckily, I have a camera that has a great zoom. The procession did go right past us, but there were so many people gathered around us. I would have gotten more photos with my camera, but I didn’t have the battery charged all the way.  The ironic thing is that when I first got up in the morning I checked my battery, and it showed it was fully charged. I learned that I should always go with my gut. I did use our other camera to get the shots.

Once the procession was over we walked around for a short time. Dazaifu is a huge place. We knew there was no way that we could see everything. Amy had to be on the 2:30 train back to Kobe. We headed out knowing that we would return very soon to see the other areas.

Yesterday, Saturday, March 9 Mark and I returned to Dazaifu. It was much easier navigating ourselves to get there this time.  I do not know what I was expecting, but I was in for a surprise when it was just as busy this weekend as last weekend. Now, I must tell you that there are plum and cherry trees throughout the area. Many people, myself included, go there to see all of the trees blossoming and to walk around the shrine. I have included many, many photos so you can get an idea of what it looks like.

As Mark and I were walking around we decided we should go to the art museum that is there because there is an exhibition that is there only until next Sunday. I was not prepared for how large the museum would be. First, we had to go up the escalator (I usually take the stairs, but wow…there were just sooo many of them) and then we came to the people mover. The lights above it changed colors and it almost looked like we were in some kind of ride at an amusement park.

The museum is so large, but when I looked around at the bamboo and cedar forest that was all around it, it appeared to be an appropriate size. Mark and I walked around the outside for a short time to see the area. It was just such a beautiful day that I was enjoying being outside. We headed up to the museum entrance where we realized that we would need a larger chunk of time to se the museum properly. We made the decision that we would return on Sunday, March 17^th first thing in the morning so we could spend the day looking at everything.

We ran into Kamlesh and Vishwany when we were heading to the shops. They had just arrived. We told them about the museum. I will have to check in with them to see if they were able to go and look around.

Mark and I were looking forward to going to Starbucks, which is always packed, to get one of their new seasonal cherry blossom drinks. We were happily surprised to see that the line was not very long at all. The weekend before when we went the line was so long we knew we didn’t want to wait in it. One of the employees was handing everyone menus as they got into the line. At that moment Mark and I knew why the line was so short. All of their cherry blossom seasonal drinks were sold out. What a bummer!!!! Mark and I were both so disappointed.

Shopping was the only thing that would help me to feel better. Isn’t that always the case? Shopping makes everything better, even if it is only window shopping. I bought a beautiful scarf that has cherry blossoms on it. I also bought my Ella Bell an adorable cherry blossom Hello Kitty t-shirt. It has pink cherry blossoms on it along with Hello Kitty wearing a pink kimono. Very, very cute! I just hope it fits her.

I was exhausted and so was Mark. We decided to head back to the train station. Since I will be returning next weekend I know I can look at the shops a little more at that time. I am looking forward to going into the museum. I might even get lucky, and make it to Starbucks while they still have their beverages.

Enjoy the photos. There are a lot of them. I just can’t describe in words how beautiful Dazaifu looks right now. If you ever come to Fukuoka this is a must see. I will be taking my mother there when she is here next October.

One of the many beautiful blooming trees. The dark pink ones are plum trees.

Entrance into one of the shrine areas.

The Kyushu Museum

Isn't this a cool Starbucks?

A huge old tree.

I love these trees. So beautiful.

A bonsai tree with blossoms.

A celebration of some sort.

Gourds

These planters are full of irises. When they bloom it will look like floating plants.

A koi fish.

Koi

Procession on March 3rd.

Procession

Great photo taken with my zoom. I was lucky to get this because I couldn't see very well in my view finder.

They are dressed like the dolls that are all on display for Girls' Day.

They were walking right along side of us.

A sign that was in the subway. Interesting....

Spring has arrived (Dazaifu)

Kimono Day

   I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in a kimono day at my community center. Robyn, Gandhali and I went to the community center at 9:00 AM to be dressed in a traditional kimono. Getting dressed in a kimono is a very long process. I do not know how anyone could ever dress themselves  in a kimono.

   The women and children who were participating were in the same room being dressed, while the men were in another area.  As I was standing still while two woman "put me into" my kimono I realized that that must be how the royals must have felt when there were being dressed. It is such a foreign concept for me. I would not like to have someone dress me each day.

    Once the kimono was on I headed toward the hair station. We all had our hair put up with flowers or other ornate pieces. The women from the community center were so patient and willing to help us. We wore traditional shoes and had purses to borrow for the day.

   After everyone was dressed, hair done and photos taken we headed to the shrine. The shrine was not too far away from the community center. The weather was perfect for our trip to the shrine. Once at the shrine we all washed our hands and then entered the shrine area for our blessing. This was the first time I was ever inside of the shrine. I have seen many from the outside, but I had never ventured inside.

   I am not sure what the Shinto person is called (for example a priest), but  he had us come inside and then we all sat down. He went over to the drums and played a tune while he either chanted or said a prayer or blessing. Since I do not speak Japanese I do not know what exactly was said. We stood up a few times, bowed, lowered our heads while the blessing took place. He came around and blessed us. He also blessed some of the roasted soy beans for us to take with us and eat. It was a very pleasant experience. It actually made me think about all of the traditions we have in the Catholic church (the standing, sitting and kneeling).

   Once the blessing was over we walked back to the community center where we changed into our own clothes. After being dressed so formally it felt awkward being in jeans.

   Robyn, Gandhali and I then headed to Il Forno to have lunch. It was such a beautiful day. The sun is shining and it feels like spring is in the air.

Enjoy the photos....

This is such a beautiful kimono.

Outside of the shrine.

Our group in front of the shrine.

Gandhali getting her hair put up.

The hair station.

Gandhali looking beautiful.

The hair station.

Out in front of the temple.

Me in my kimono.

Kimono

Kimono

The front view

The back view

Robyn in front of the shrine.

Robyn being dressed.

Kimono

Robyn being dressed.

Inside of the shrine.

Robyn being dressed.

Robyn, me and Gandhali...the three kimono gals.

Imari - Porcelain Village

Imari

February 10, 2013

Today Aki (the wonderful music teacher at my school) took Mark and myself as well as Brooke and Santi to Imari. Imari Okawachiyama is the “Village of the secret kilns”. Okawachiyama is enclosed on three sides by mountains. So many people called I the Village of the Secret Kilns. The view of the picturesque mountains and streams was simply breathtaking. The bamboo and cedar forest that we could see made you feel like you were so far away from a bustling city. Imari is about one and a half hours away from Fukuoka.

The weather was perfect. It was sunny with a slight breeze. In the shade it was chilly, but what a difference from Friday were it was snowing on and off all day. Imari is a porcelain village. There are shops upon shops upon shops of porcelain. The porcelain pieces ranges from chopstick holders, sake cups, decorative plates, vase and so much more. The prices were…hmmmmm…how do I say this? Some of the items were SO expensive. I found one vase that had irises painted on it; the price was over 100,000 yen. Then I found a butterfly plate (picture below) that was on sale for 525,000 yen. For those of you in the states, 10,000 yen is about $120 depending on the exchange rate. Now think how much it is for 525,000 yen. I only wish I had money to throw around for a plate. Everything is hand painted and many items are hand made, too.

Once we finished shopping we had a little picnic lunch. We all brought some delicious food to share. I do have to say that Aki brought such a good assortment of food for us. She was so kind to take us on our adventure. She has a mind like mine, she loves Trader Joe’s!

I have several photos from the trip.

Enjoy!

Area along the river below the cemetery

side street

butterfly plate - so beautful

Cemetery and river area

Yes, 525,000 yen!

Cemetery

Close up of flower

Porcelain dragon tile bridge art

Dragon plate

Imari's main street

Imari

Imari

Traditional Japanese house

Beautiful village

Porcelain tile map of Imari

A quiet Sunday morning in Imari

Our delicious picnic lunch

Colorful plants

Mosaic tile on the bridge

Bridge

plants

planters

Plants

Water wheel

Toilet free- which is supposed to mean "free toilet"

Anniversary photos

Silk scroll

Such delicious anniversary treat!

Close up of the picture

12th Anniversary

Mark and I had a very nice anniversary yesterday. In the morning I had a hair appointment (one must keep the grey away).  Once I was home Mark and I headed out to a shopping area that is very near Canal City. We had previously been to that area, and we remembered seeing an art shop. We were shopping for silk. A silk painting to hang on our wall. We found a beautiful silk scroll that has an area for a picture. The best part is that we can switch the picture. The colors are soft and it helps the picture become the focal point.

We looked around at the shops and then decided we were ready to eat. We both were looking forward to eating at Mr. Kebab, but one never knows if it will be open or not. We decided to take the gamble. As luck would have it, the restaurant was open. The owner knows us and always remembers that I am a vegetarian. He let us know that in two weeks he will be having a new dinner menu with even more vegetarian selections. Now we will have to go back in two weeks.

After our late lunch we headed back to Meinohama. Mark and I treated ourselves to a few small, but yet decadent desserts. They always look so beautiful, but we never really need to have them just for the fun of it. I have to say that they were so much better than I had expected. Normally, the sweets in Japan are not nearly as sweet as the ones in the states. To many people this is a good thing. I unfortunately love the "sweet" sweets. These were rich and creamy and sooooo satisfying. Delicious to say the least!

Once home we did a few things around the apartments and then watched To Rome with Love. It is a Woody Allen movie. Very different, but with great scenery since it is shot in Rome. It was nice seeing places that Mark and I have been.


It was a great day celebrating the couple that we are. Bring on anniversary 13.

Ciao for now.

I will post the photos in a moment. My blog is having some difficulties this evening.