Dazaifu 太宰府

From Kumamoto, I came back to Fukuoka, where my trip had started. It had been almost a week and many amazing places: Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Beppu, Aso, Kumamoto... So many photos and good memories. It was time to come back home to Tokyo, to my wife and to start my work. But before, another surprise, the former government place of Dazaifu, just south of Fukuoka.



Dazaifu used to be the most important place in Kyushu, the place of the government office in the island from around 670. Consequently, the town is full of interesting temples and some less interesting ruins...



The main tourist drag is Tenman-gu, a famouse shrine. At that time, plums were blooming and the shrine fields were very beautiful. I have repeated this word many times today, but what else could I say!! ;)






Then I went to see a nice piece of modern architecture, the Kyushu National Museum. On the way there, many blooming trees... a nice walk...




Most tourists go to Dazaifu to see Tenmangu and come to Fukuoka. But I had some time and wanted to enjoy Dazaifu. It was a very small town, which really felt in the countryside, with nice temples and shrines, and mostly empty of crowds. People were even surprised a foreigner was walking around the deserted "streets". I quoted streets because in some cases they just became dirt tracks!!

In this random wandering, I found a gem: Kōmyōzen-ji, a zen temple which turns out to be also pretty famous! It is famous for its two rock gardens, one at the front and one at the back. Both were very interesting. And the best point of my visit was I was COMPLETELY alone. I spend around 30 minutes there and met nobody! That was just great to soak the atmosphere!!









As I said before, my walk led me to real countryside Japan. I do not think it can get much more countryside inside a city!!



Some more famous temples...



... and one of the only few places where Buddhist apprentices could become monks in all Japan in ancient times. It was a quite important place and again, I was completely alone!!




More countryside photos... Who would not like to live in such a cool house? I was expecting some samurai to come out to greet me at the entrance gate!



And finally, I visited the site of the governmental offices of Kyushu. Nothing remains apart from some columns foundations and three stones with Japanese inscriptions. It is a bit out of the way, but can be nice if you have some time and fancy for a stroll in a quiet and peaceful area!





Back in Fukuoka, lunch at a nice place and flight back to Tokyo. It was time to start life over!!

Last report on Sakura...

As all beautiful things in life, sakura are coming to an end in Tokyo. ;) So this will probably be my last report this year.

Now, sakura petals fall down slowly at a lazy pace, like snowflakes, covering the ground with a pinkish white carpet of flowers. On the tree branches, green color is taking their place and giving pass to real spring. Nature cannot be stopped!!

Hanami 花見

It is cherry blossom time in Tokyo and that means a lot of fun!

Japan is famous for its cherry blossoms. There are cherry trees everywhere and when April comes, cherries are in full bloom and make the cityscape a very nice view. Besides, hanami celebrations occur in many places. People take a vinyl cloth and put it on the ground, buy food and drinks and party there, just below beautiful trees. This year has been my first hanami celebration, and I must say I really enjoyed it!! Much fun in a trully beautiful setting.

On Saturday, we met some friends in Shinjuku and spent the day in Shinjuku Gyouen, one of the most famous spots for cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo. It was pretty crowded, but was sooo nice!










Yesterday, Sunday, we went to Ueno, where we met some more friends. The day was kind of chilly and even rainy at times, but still highly enjoyable! I think these photos do not need much explanation... so just enjoy!







Cherry blossoms will be open for less than one week from now... so they are a highly enjoyable brief spark of beauty!! ;)

Cherry Blossoms at NAOJ

Finally the time has come. I am finally in Japan when cherry trees are blooming and Japanese parks and streets become white with the color of cherry blossoms. It is one of the most famous views of Japan and had not seen it yet.

Last week, some cherries started blooming, but this week, all blossoms are open!

At work, at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, NAOJ, there are many cherry trees and they look pretty cool right now! My desk is next to a window and the views are amazing these days. Enjoy the photos I took today!