September 5, 2009

• Shikanoshima - Sept. 5

  Today's "GO SOMEWHERE" is Shikanoshima Island in Fukuoka Bay, seen on the left on the map below.  The reason this place is famous is that it is where a seal that has been designated as a National Treasure was found.  Behold the seal below.

  

  

  

  Here we are at the harbor.

  

  Here is the boat that we will be taking.

  

  

  In the boat.  There were not many riding in this aquatic taxi, and we were wondering how it manages to keep afloat financially.

  

  We have arrived at the fishing village.

  

  We disembark, and what do we see but FISHING!! 

  

  

  We just happen upon a group pulling in a net of fish!

  

  The amateurs are getting instructions from the experienced fishermen.

  

  

  Looks like they got a lot of seaweed, too!

  

  OK, pick up those flippity fish and put them in the box.

  

  

  This is a baby datsu.  These have been known to attack divers when they get bigger.

  

  Today's catch - That little octopus is determined to get back into the water.

  Now on to the main attraction, the site where the famous seal was found.

  

  Above and below are souvenir sweets modeled after the seal, bean jam confections and sweet crackers.

  

  

  This fruit had fallen from a tree near a bus stop.  I tried one and at first it was delicious, but then the stubborn aftertaste hit...   BLECCCCCCCHHHHH!

  

  Did I say the aftertaste was stubborn??

  

  Here is a topographical map of the area, with Shikanoshima Island in the center.

  

  There were some surfers on the beach.  They were all kicking sand on the undersides of their boards.  There must be some logical reason for this, but I am not sure what it is.

  

  They would all take short rides parallel to the shore.

   

  Hubby wanted to go and check out the little shrine on the left until we got close enough to discover that we should have brought our bathing suits.

  

  

  This is supposedly near the site where the golden seal was discovered.

  

  This sign explains how the seal was used on important packages and papers.

   

  

  Here is the local police box.  It seems that the family also lives here.

  

  Our next stop

  

  The shrine entrance is just down the street from the police box.  Walk straight for about 10 minutes.

  

  We finally reach the shrine entrance.  Let's go up the stairs.

  

  Look left to see a smaller shine on the way.

  

  Up some more stairs and then a few more...

  

  

  I guess that this little bridge over the empty pond must only be decorative.

  

  Here is the main building, and a close-up of the altar shows a mirror, a symbol of the sun goddess.

  

  

  Here are some more smaller shrines behind the main shrine.  Notice that the building to the left is damaged.  There was a large earthquake here a few years ago, and not all of the repairs have been made yet.  This shrine is a bit strapped for funds and was requesting contributions.

  

  Here is a building containing deer horns, supposedly 10,000.  I didn't count them.

  

  

  Our boat approaches for the return trip to Fukuoka.

  • 06:03
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