5 oct 07 - Fukuoka (part III)

Outside Tochoji

Tochoji

This is one of the famous temple, Tochoji. This temple holds the wooden statue of Kannon, God of Mercy with 1000 hands as well as the largest wooden statue of Buddha. Unfortunately, I did not get to see the Buddha. I like the picture that I took outside Tochoji though. The one with colourful lanterns!

Kushida Shrine

Kushida Shrine was built during the Heian Period. This was the first shrine I visited. It was a sunny weekday with little visitors. I like the feel of walking into the shrine. So peaceful. I was so excited to do the traditional visiting procedures! First, wash your hands at the side where water is provided. But I have not figured out which hand to use first. Then when I wanted to make a little prayer, I observed how people do it. However, I realised that not everyone does it the same way? They seemed to do it differently. So that's how I decided to do it. Don't know whether this is correct though.

1. Throw a coin into the box
2. Pull the rope and shake the bell (if any)
3. Clap your hands twice
4. Close your eyes and say your wish
5. Bow sincerely

After visiting three places, I went back to check in and rest. My da yi ma had been giving me such a hard time that I lost my mood to continue my tour. :s Passed by Family Mart (I absolutely love Japan's convenience stores!) and gotten myself some sushi and a drink. I even took an afternoon nap. Having regained more energy to walk, I decided to go Fukuoka Tower. Well, it's strongly recommended by Peiwen! I took a bus from Hakata Kotsu Centre and the ride took about 20 minutes.

Fukuoka Tower

Fukuoka tower is BEAUTIFUL. It's one of my favourite building in Japan. =) When I alight from the bus stop, I got lost again. I was inside one of the TV station building so I approached the receptionist and found out that Fukuoka Tower is right next to it. It was a windy day. Much more windy than Singapore. So windy that I felt like I can't walk properly. I was quite worried because I saw the trees shaking violently. At last, I entered the tower. By the way, it's good to alert and pick up tourist brochures. I did that in Fukuoka Airport and got myself a discount coupon for this Fukuoka Tower entrance fee. Small discounts make big difference~! I was served very politely by this lift lady. Inside the lift was a Japanese man with his wife and daughter. We went up the tower together. The lift lady was giving an introduction of Fukuoka Tower. Yes, it is in Japanese. :s

Views from Fukuoka Tower

At the top of the Fukuoka Tower, you can walk one round to get a 360 degree full view of Fukuoka and its bay. I love the sea view! From the pictures, you can see the man-made breakwater constructed to prevent the waves from eroding the beaches. As you can see, Fukuoka has many buildings constructed tall and clustered together. City-like compared to the places I went in Miyazaki.