March 7, 2009

• March 7, 2009 - Dazaifu

  Today's "go somewhere" was Dazaifu.  Hubby wanted to go to the Kyushu National Museum to see some of the national treasures that were found in the Miyajidake Tumulus Shrine.  These are installed in this museum in Dazaifu, to what could we do but go?  Before entering the museum we noticed that there seemed to be a lot of activity at the Tenmangu Shrine, so we went in for a look.

  

  The Shinto priest is performing a ceremony for the folks below.

  

  Look to the right a bit, and you will see many others lined up for a blessing.

  

  It is examination season, and many are lined up to receive blessings for good luck and success in their educational pursuits.  This shrine is dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, a god of learning.

  

  The same line from another angle.

  

  Playing with the Scenery

  

  Before one enters the shrine, it is standard procedure to rinse one's hands and mouth.

  

  This is a kirin, a mythical beastie.

  

  Here is the entrance to the museum.  Go in the door and ride up a long escalator and two moving walkways up the mountain.

  

  This is the museum building, but I can't get it all in the picture! (T.T)

  

  Still can't get it all in the picture!

  

  Here is a model of the place that my lens can accommodate!  What is that in the background?

  

  It's a set of festival dolls - the imperial court!

  From here we went into the museum, but I couldn't take pictures in there.

  

  This is "Venus," a replica of an ancient lady.  We have some ancient figure sculptures in our genkan entrance hall in Tokyo, so she will have many friends.  Ah, the "konohazaru" from Kumomoto would fit into the scenery so well....  But I don't dare put it out.

  

  Now here is something that I had been wanting for a long time, a replica of a "kaen doki."  This is a modern rendition of an ancient ceremonial pot.  The real things are quite something!

   

  Here are some good ones!!

  • 06:00
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