Dazaifu, Kyushu

This weekend we stopped at Dazaifu on our way up to Costco in Fukuoka. Yes, even in Japan there is Costco. Somewhat strangely, there are only five locations in the entire country and the first one was built in Fukuoka. There is also one in Hyogo, and the other three are in Greater Tokyo. Being addicted to bagels with cream cheese, every four months or so I get the itch to drive up to Fukuoka to get some. We're also able to pick up other favourites like cinnamon rolls, cheddar cheese, frozen strawberries and Prego or Classico pasta sauces.

So, on the way up we stopped at Dazaifu, which was the administrative capital of Kyushu a long time ago. The main reason to visit the city is to stop at Tenmangu temple, which is dedicated to the god of learning. As the school entrance exams are approaching, it is an important place for junior and senior high school students to visit and pray before the tests which will decide their future. Almost everyone of my grade nine students has a good-luck charm (omamori) on their school bag from this temple. The above picture is from a sandal shop on the way to the main temple.