10 May 2025

Serenity, Zen and the Art of Weaving in Fukuoka

Re-entering Japan we were alongside in Hakata Port and ready for our day in Fukuoka. First on the bus were the guests off to explore experimental therapy forest Sasaguri Kyushu University Forest. We have enjoyed a number of Japanese strolling gardens around lakes, but this one provided a re-connection with the untamed trees, ferns, undergrowth, caterpillars and skinks. The next stop, Nanzoin Temple, was man-made but in a natural environment. The focus was the largest reclining brass Buddha statue in the world, but there were plenty of other attractions including hillside temples, and smaller Buddha statues often wearing the red woven caps of the Jizo Bodhisattva, protector of the innocent children.

After lunch aboard, we explored Ohori Park, a city park set around a large lake with islands and bridges, where the locals were out walking dogs, dressed up in kimonos, riding pedal-powered swan boats, enjoying barbeques, ice creams and playing baseball. Our adventure ended with a visit to the Fukuoka City Museum, while guests on the second option had guests exploring the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum and learning about the ancient Yamakasa Festival.

A quick jaunt across the street brought us to the Kushida Shrine. A magnificent sacred Ginko tree with a giant girth and thought to be over 1,000 years old, stood towering over the site. Stalls lined the square in front of the shrine, selling fortunes and good luck charms. A few children dressed in traditional garb, most memorably a little girl dressed in an elaborate red kimono, were there to be blessed on their birthdays. Lunch took us to a local restaurant where had the chance to try many Japanese delicacies from a stacked bento box accompanied by local beer or sake.

Then it was off to Kokura Castle, described as ‘the most entertaining castle in Japan’. We were greeted by actors in Samurai garb and toured the castle before heading back down the hill for a short walk to the Kokura Garden. Here we had a chance to try our hands at traditional weaving methods instructed by very eager volunteers before rejoining our ship and adventure.

Images © S. Bradley & J. Mishina, Heritage Expeditions