April 9, 2008

  • Momiji Hachimangu Shrine and other Places in the 'Hood.

    These were taken on last Sunday on a trek through the 'hood.

    DSC02402 800

    This is the entrance to Momiji Hachimangu Shrine.  Go up the stairs and turn right.

    DSC02407 800

    Then go up these stairs, too!

    DSC02408 800

    Here is the shrine building.  There were other small shrines on the grounds, too.

    DSC02413Spider800

    This spider was cute!

    DSC02421 800

    This is some kind of monkey shrine that sells monkey masks on auspicious days.

    DSC02424 800

    This monkey greets you at the gate.

    DSC02430 800

    Here is another welcoming face at a local temple, Senganji.

    DSC02429 800

    Let's go in the gate.

    DSC02426 800

    This building displays a Chinese influence, and it is said that Chinese Buddhist monks came here as teachers in ages past. 

    DSC02431 800

    Fukuoka was also the site of attempted Mongol invasions, as you can read above.  They built defensive stone walls along the beaches to keep the Mongols out.  These are now a mile or two from the actual beaches because land has been reclaimed from the sea, moving the coastline out from its original location.  You can see some remnants of the actual walls below.

    DSC02432 800

usalapinhazzer