Dazaifu

For my natural world of Japan class, we took a trip to Dazaifu. There are many souvenir shops along the road to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. A popular item is the umegae-mochi which is a hot, sweet, red bean paste filled mochi which we got at the shop in the picture on the left.


The Tenmangu Shrine is scared to the memory of the god of learning. A lot of students wrote their wishes for good grades on these wooden boards and hung them up.






For lunch a cheap 150 yen taiyaki. Taiyaki is a fish shaped snack made with batter and usually filled with bean paste. The taiyaki I ate was filled with egg, cabbage, and ham and of course the Japanese favorite, mayo. Although I dislike mayo, I won't let it stop me from eating delicious new foods.






Next is the national historic site of the site of Dazaifu government building. What remains now are a bunch of foundation stones of the original building (some of which are probably replica's according to my professor). Now that the weather has warmed,
the Sakura trees have finally begun blooming and the area is now a beautiful park. Since the cherry blossoms are blooming, it's almost time for some hanami! (flower viewing which is greatly enjoyed custom in Japan)