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Hakata Light Up Walk - Jotenji Temple(2014)
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An Endless Luminescent City Hakata Light Up Walk - Hakata Sennen Toya
The Hakata area of Fukuoka has many temples and shrines that convey the long and varied history of Hakata. The Hakata Light Up Walk is a magical light up event held at these temples and shrines in Tenjin. By walking to Kushida Shrine, Jotenji Temple, Tochoji Temple, Myorakuji Temple, and Jyunshinji Temple when they are lite up, visitors will understand the historical scenery of these temples. Kushida Shrine is the grand tutelary shrine of Hakata and is dedicated to the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival. Beautiful Jotenji Temple has a rock garden and was founded by Kobo Daishi, a Japanese monk, civil servant, scholar, poet, and artist. In 2011, the construction of a five-storied pagoda was completed at Tochoji Temple. Myorakuji Temple has the graves of many wealthy Hakata merchants. Finally, there is Jyunshinji Temple, a beautiful temple with a garden and a stunning array of plants and vegetation that bloom throughout the year. Areas of these temples not normally open will be opened to the general public for the duration of the Hakata Light Up Walk. In addition, a night market selling traditional Hakata handicrafts and concerts will also be held.
Hakata Tomyou Lantern Arts Festival(2007)
Dreamy Autumn Festival: Hakata Tomyou Lantern Arts Festival
Every October, Hakata Toumyou Lantern Arts Festival lights up the town against night skies. Inspired by votive lights offered at shrines and temples for prayers, the festival first started in 1994. During the festival, tens of thousands of lanterns are lit on streets that still retain their old charm, as well as shrines and temples in the Hakata area, creating a dreamy sight. From higher up, you can see large, powerful pictures “drawn” with lantern lights. This event, handcrafted by local residents and children, has become a major event, synonymous with autumn in Hakata. Hakata Toumyou Lantern Arts Festival reminds you of the Hakata of old days, a departure from Fukuoka’s urban landscape. The festival lasts only about three hours till the candles burn out. Don’t miss it.
Shirouo(2009)
The Fish Heralding Spring’s Arrival
Shirouo fish or ice goby announce the approach of spring in Fukuoka. Every year from February to the beginning of April, the fish swims from Hakata Bay to locations near the mouth of the Muromi River, which empties into Hakata Bay, where it spawns. Another sign of spring is the sight of fishermen using fencing, called yana, to surround and pen in the fish. The only spot of color on these five-centimeter-long transparent fish is their black eyes. This light-tasting fish is popularly eaten alive in an odorigui style: scooping the fish with a net out of a big white bowl with dozens of them swimming in, dipping it in vinegar-mixed soy sauce and swallowing it without chewing. It feels like the fish are dancing in your mouth, thus comes the name odorigui – “eating while it is dancing”. Though it may sound cruel, this particular eating style is also a symbol of spring’s arrival. The fish is also eaten in a clear soup or with scrambled eggs, and it can be deep-fried in a mixed tempura.