We had a huge day exploring Fukuoka today. We started the day traveling on the local trains a bit further out to the country side to go to a little temple. So we were up and getting some snacks before wandering our way to the station. We also got to see our first cherry blossom trees! They were super beautiful even though they are just a little past the prime bloom.
I saw this temple on a video and changed our plans around so iI could go there. Nyoirinji Temple (Frog Temple) was founded in 729, making it the oldest temple in the Ogori area. The temple came to be known as “Frog Temple” when the chief priest brought a frog figurine back with him from a trip to China, and then continued to add more decorations gradually over time. There are currently over 10000 frog statues now! The temple itself is beautiful but seeing all the cute little frogs was amazing too.
I also got a new Goushuin book and the temples goshuin which is the cutest one ever. If you are not sure what I am talking about goshuin are red ink stamps and handwritten calligraphy inscriptions obtained from Japanese Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples as a record of a visit or a form of prayer. They are typically placed in a special notebook called a goshuincho. The priest also gave us some cookies!
Whilst I was researching the frog temple I also came across a strawberry farm not far away. Japan is known for their strawberries and it is strawberry season so it was decided we would do it. The place is called Strawberry happiness of Shiraki and we got 50 minutes to cut and eat all the strawberries we wanted. It is just family run farm so it was really cool to see how they have set it up and they were so nice. There were 4 different types they descriptions are translated from Japanese:
“Amaou” …The name comes from the fact that it is red, round, big, and delicious. Its size and sweetness make it the king of strawberries.
“Toyonoka” …Written in kanji, it means “rich fragrance.” As its name suggests, it has a rich fragrance and a good balance of sweetness and sourness.
“Oi C Berry” …A new variety that is full of vitamin C.
“Sachinoka” …Developed by crossbreeding “Toyonoka” and “Ai Berry.” The name is meant to convey the message of “good fortune” to both producers and consumers.
When we were leaving we saw an old english town it was weird but we took some photos and then headed back on the train to Hakata. We made a quick stop for lunch at Anthony’s favourite curry place before heading to see some of the old town of Fukuoka.
First stop was to Tōchō-ji. Tōchō-ji is a Shingon temple it was founded in 806, making it the oldest Shingon temple on the island of Kyushu. It is a beautiful temple and has a huge wooden buddha.
Secondly we went to Kushida-jinja shrine. This is a Shinto shrine located in and it is said to have been founded in 757. The Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival is centred on the shrine and you can see some of the festival floats here. This temple was beautiful and had so many cherry blossoms around!
Lastly we headed into town to check out the vibes around the river and get some food. We got some amazing Hakata Ramen and gyozas and it was delicious.
