Fukuoka

Fukuoka Prefecture is on Kyushu, the third-largest and most southerly of Japan’s four main islands. We roamed from Mojiko in the North to Kumamoto in the centre of Kyushu. Mojiko is a port city. It’s just a short boat trip across from Honshu, the middle and largest island in Japan.

View along a long railway station platform covered the a wooden canopy, with silver metal and red trains on both sides of the platform — Mojiko Railway Station

White spray of the boat's wash contrasts with an almost black sea with mountains and silver clouds in the far distance — Crossing the harbour by boat

In Fukuoka City there is a zoo and botanical gardens, and just beyond Mount Shioji to the south-east is Dazaifu (太宰府市). Dazaifu is home to Tenman-gū (天満宮), a Shinto Shrine that has existed in one form or another for more than 1,100 years. The Shrine was an interesting combination of peaceful blossom and bustling visitors, with various shops selling snacks on the periphery.

A stone torii (entrance gate) — Entering Dazaifu Tenman-gū

A torii entrance gate with about 30 visitors visible — There were many visitors

A large courtyard with many people milling around. Far centre is a building with trees and large plants growing on its roof — The temporary hall in front of the honden under restoration

A small tree in blossom with a pond in the background — Pond-side blossom

A tree flower close-up — Pretty in pink the blossom is

A child looks at rows of hanging wooden Ema (wishing/prayer/vow plaques) — Fox faces drawn on Ema (絵馬) plaques

Continuing south almost to the centre of Kyushu, Kumamoto is also a port city with a large restored castle that has origins dating back to 1467.