Edited and issued bimonthly by FUKUOKA CITY INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION Rainbow Plaza IMS 8F, 1-7-11 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City 810-0001

Tel: 092-733-2220 Fax: 092-733-2215 http://www.rainbowfia.or.jp

No. 340 Nov./Dec.

2015

National Holidays for November &

December

Rainbow Plaza will be closed on Nov. 10 (Tue.) & from

Dec. 29 (Tue.) to Jan. 3 (Sun.)

Nov. 3 (Tue.) Bunka-no-hi (文化の日) Culture Day Nov. 23 (Mon.) Kinrokansha-no-hi (勤労感謝の日) Labor Thanksgiving Day Dec. 23 (Wed.) Tennō tanjō-bi (天皇誕生日) Emperor’s Birthday

Located roughly 15km south of Fukuoka, and just a half-hour train ride from Tenjin, Dazaifu City has a rich and colourful history that makes it a popular destination for day trips from Fukuoka. Aside from the famous Dazaifu Tenmangū, the city has numerous sights for visiting tourists, including the Kyushu National Museum, Japan’s fourth national museum, as well as Kamado Jinja, known as a shrine for matchmaking, and Kanzeon-ji, which houses the oldest bell in Japan. Dazaifu also offers many great places for viewing the autumn leaves, the best season for which is from mid-November through to early Decem-ber.

Kōmyōzen-ji At the end of the approach to the Tenmangū, break away from the crowd and turn right, following the pretty wall until you arrive at Kōmyōzen-ji. This temple is famous for its autumn leaves and beautiful moss garden, for which it has earned the al-ternate name Koke-dera (“moss temple”). The garden towards the back is a must-see, with its moss representing land and white sand representing the ocean. Though it is famous for its autumn colours, the beautiful green maple leaves are also worth seeing before they turn red, as are the rhododendrons in spring. Opening Hours: 8:00-17:00 Admission: ¥200 Address: 2-16-1 Saifu, Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture

Kamado Jinja, Hōman-zan

Homan-zan, venerated as the home of numerous Shinto deities, is an 829.6m tall mountain popular among hikers. The moun-tain is particularly crowded with hikers waiting to see the first sunrise of the year on the morning of New Year’s Day. At its base is Kamado Jinja, a shrine popular with people looking for marriage partners. The shrine is also known for its sakura trees and offers beautiful views during autumn. Located in the northeast (supposedly an unlucky direction) of the ancient city of Dazaifu, Kamado Jinja is said to have been built as protection for the city’s Kimon, or “Demon Gate.” ～Continued on page 5

Photo: Kōmyōzen-ji provided by the City of Dazaifu

Autumn

in

Dazaifu

2 November/December 2015

FUKUOKA & the WORLD

The Latest Statistics of Fukuoka City 【Area: 343.38 km2 (as of Sep. 1st, ’15)】【Population (Sep.1 ’15) : 1,531,919 (Households: 766,413)】【Registered Foreigners (Aug. ’15) : 28,371 (Households: 19,415)】【Consumer Price Index (Aug. ’15) : 104.2 (100 as of ’10)】【Foreign Trade (million ¥, Aug. ’15) : Exports - (Hakata Port - 130,495 / Fukuoka International Airport - 85,675), Imports - (Hakata Port - 83,526 / International Airport - 36,372)】 News Here & There

Hatsumoude

*Kashii-gū This magnificent shrine was founded in 724. Visitors are welcome at any time of day from 1 to 3 January. Roughly 300,000 people visit the shrine over the first three days of the year to pray for safe childbirth, health and longevity, and other wishes. Within the grounds is a well with water said to prevent aging, and this water was selected among Japan’s hundred best water sources. It can be drunk between 10:00 and 15:00. Address: 4-16-1 Kashii, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka Access: 5 min. walk from JR Kashii-Jingu Station Inquiries: 092-681-1001

*Hakozaki-gū Hakozaki-gū, also known as Hakozaki Hachimangū, is one of Japan’s three great Hachimangū shrines, along with Usa Hachimangū and Iwashimizu Hachimangū. The structure was originally erected in 921, but did not survive through several wars. The current imposing structure has stood since 1546. Visitors pray for good luck, family safety, and financial prosperity. The roughly 300m approach to the shrine will be full of visitors. Address: 1-22-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka Access: Adjacent to Hakozaki-Miyamae Subway Station Inquiries: 092-641-7431

*Atago Jinja This guardian shrine of Fukuoka was founded in 72CE and is the oldest shrine in the city. In recent years it has come to be known as a spiritual place, and from the top of the hill it is possible to see the Yafuoku Dome and Fukuoka Tower. Of course, it is also popular with people hoping to see the first sunrise of the year. Visitors pray for marital success, good luck, business success, family safety, academic success, safe childbirth, traffic safety, recovery from illness, good health, settlement of disputes, and fire prevention. Atago Jinja is also well known as a protective deity for people trying to give up alcohol or smoking. Address: 2-7-1 Atago, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka Access: 20 min. walk from Muromi subway station, exit 1. Inquiries: 092-881-0103

To advertise in Please contact 092-733-2220 rainbow03@rainbowfia.or.jp

Hakata Light Up Walk 2015  

The Hakata Light Up Walk is a popular event among Fukuo-ka locals. Eight shrines and temples in the old streets of the Hakata area will be lit up spectacularly, along with the au-tumn leaves and wooden architecture inside the grounds. Un-der the supervision of lighting designer Miki Matsushita, who has made a name for herself on the world stage, numer-ous lighting manufacturers are joining forces to put on the event, now into its tenth year. Some areas of the buildings and gardens that are normally off limits will be open for the Light Up Walk, and with a differ-ent fancy light display for each shrine and temple, this event is one that cannot be missed. If you’re into photography, be sure to bring your camera.

Time/Dates: 17:30-21:00, Thursday, 19 November – Mon-day, 23 November (public holiday) Fee: 1 day “free pass” ticket/advance ticket 1000 yen, on-the-day ticket 1300yen Inquiries: Hakata Light Up Walk Executive Committee Hakata Ward Office Planning Promotion Section, Ph: 092-419-1012 (10:00-17:00 weekdays) *For details on where to buy tickets, etc. visit: http://hakata-light.jp/ (Japanese) Note: You will need to remove your shoes each time you enter a building, so wear shoes that are easy to remove.

FUKUOKA RESIDENTS’ GUIDE “LIVING IN FUKUOKA” WEBSITE UPDATED! Have you checked out the “Living in Fukuoka” section of the Fukuoka City International Foundation’s website? Available in English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese, the guide offers information for people living in Fukuoka, includ-ing topics such as insurance, healthcare, utilities, pensions, taxes, public transport, consultation services, education, child-rearing and changing schools, etc. Both Japanese and foreign residents will find it useful.

http://www.rainbowfia.or.jp/en/living/

Year End/New Year: Giving thanks for the past year and having high hopes for the year to come

First Sunrise: The sun will rise at about 7:20

*Fukuoka Tower – Japan’s tallest seaside tower Open from 5:30 on New Year’s Day. Enjoy the first sunrise of the year from the 3rd or 5th floor observation rooms.

Address: 2-3-26 Momochihama, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka Admission: Adults 800 yen, E. S. and J. H. Students 500 yen, 4 years old ～ 200 yen

Access: 1. 25 min. by bus from JR Hakata Station Bus Terminal, plat-forms 5 & 6. Alight at Fukuoka Tower Minamiguchi. Note: Year End/New Year bus timetables will be determined at short notice. 2. 15 min. by car from Fukuoka IC (Kyushu Expressway), or 5 min. from Momochi Ramp (Fukuoka Urban Expressway). Free parking available. Inquiries: 092-823-0234

*Shikanoshima Shiomi Observation Deck – Scenic spot with 360 degree views

Bathe in the energy of the vast ocean as you admire the rising sun and absorb a year’s worth of energy from your natural sur-rounds. Address: 968-1 Shikanoshima, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka Inquiries: 092-645-1058 Note: No public transport will be running at sunrise.

3 November/December 2015

(1) Notification of Individual Num-bers to Begin in November! ◆ The “My Number” Individual Number system has just

begun in Japan. ◆ The Individual Numbers, each one unique to its holder,

are important because they are required for procedures at municipal offices, etc.

◆ From November 2015 on, your municipality will post an envelope to your residence (at the address registered therewith).

◆ The envelope will contain a “Notification Card” with your Individual Number on it.

(2) Handle your Individual Number with care! ◆ Keep your Notification Card at hand and be careful not

to throw it away or tear it. ◆ To avoid illegitimate use of your Individual Number, do

not tell it to others except as required. (3) You can also apply for an Number Card ◆ Your “Individual Number Card” also serves as an ID

card bearing your Individual Number. ◆ In some municipalities, options like having convenience

stores issue residence certificates are available. ◆ To apply for an “Individual Number Card”, fill in and

send back the application provided with the “Notification Card.”

(4) If you have any questions ◆ Go to the website below, or call the number below. You

can also contact the municipal office of the town where you live (your municipality).

・Website http://www.cas.go.jp/jp/seisaku/bangoseido/english.html

・Call center 0570-20-0291 (English / Chinese / Korean / Spanish / Portu-

guese) [From 1 October 2015 through 31 March 2016] Monday – Friday 9:30 – 20:00, Weekends/holidays 9:30 – 17:30 (Not available during the New Year’s holiday) *Call charges will apply because these are Navi-Dial ser-vices.

International Cooperation Festival – Global Citizens’ Dontaku 2015

-A gathering of globally active groups in Fukuoka- The “Global Citizens’ Dontaku” is a multicultural event held to enhance citizens’ awareness of international cooperation and international exchange. Participating groups, each of which has a base in Fukuoka, have formed an executive com-mittee to plan the event. Staff from NGOs, etc. will set up venue displays and manage advertising efforts, etc. This year marks the 17th year of the event. The catchphrase for the event is “The World and Fukuoka Interconnected.” The or-ganisations will gather together under one roof, and each will introduce their activities in the field of international coopera-tion in this fun and educational festival. Anybody interested in NGOs, or international cooperation and exchange, is wel-come! Time/Date: 11:00-17:00, Saturday, 14 November – Sunday, 15 November Venue: ACROS Fukuoka Lv 2, Exchange Gallery Seminar Room 2 1-1-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka Participating Organisations: ◇ Habitat Fukuoka Shimin-no-kai ◇ Introduction of Kyushu’s only UN organisation - UN

Habitat Fukuoka ◇ Japan-China Friendship Association Fukuoka Branch ◇ OISCA West Japan Research Centre and 15 others

World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day (1 December) was established by the WHO in 1988 to help prevent the worldwide spread of AIDS and to fight discrimination and prejudices against sufferers. Every year on 1 December, public awareness of AIDS is promoted around the world. Learn more about AIDS and help join the fight against it! Fukuoka City AIDS Hotline (092-712-8391) offers an anony-mous consultation service. Don’t hesitate to use the service. Operation hours: 9:00-17:00 weekdays (closed public holi-days and from 29 Dec. to 3 Jan.) Other AIDS Hotlines: Higashi Ward Health & Welfare Center (Higashi Hokensho) 092-651-8391 Hakata Ward Health & Welfare Center (Hakata Hokensho) 092-441-0023 Minami Ward Health & Welfare Center (Minami Hokensho) 092-541-8391 Jonan Ward Health & Welfare Center (Jonan Hokensho) 092-822-8391 Sawara Ward Health & Welfare Center (Sawara Hokensho) 092-846-8391 Nishi Ward Health & Welfare Center (Nishi Hokensho) 092-891-0391

[Envelope]

(Front)

(Back)

[Notification Card]

[Individual Number Card]

(Front)

(Back)

(Front) (Back)

[Application]

4 November/December 2015

Rainbow Plaza FREE COUNSELING

※ On rare occasions, the doctor may cancel a consultation session on short notice. No medical treatments or prescriptions provided. For more information, call 092-733-2220 Your Privacy is guaranteed.

✓ Fukuoka City Application Period: Nov. 4 (Wed.) - Nov. 13 (Fri.) Dec. 2 (Wed.) - Dec. 11 (Fri.) Inquiry: 092-271-2561 www.nicety.or.jp/(in Japanese)

✓ Fukuoka Prefecture Application Period: Jan. 12 (Tue.) - Jan. 20 (Wed.) Inquiry: 092-781-8029 www.lsf.jp/ (in Japanese)

Municipal Housing Information Forms are available at ward offices etc.

Japan Life Q&A

Q: My friend gave me her bicycle before leaving Ja-pan permanently. Is there anything I have to do be-fore I start using it?

A: In Japan, you are required to register bicycles for theft prevention (penalties do not apply). Chances are that if you received a bike from your friend, it will still be regis-tered in her name, so you will need to change the name on the registration. Such changes can be made at bike shops (inquire in advance) and police stations. You will need the registration slip obtained when the previous owner regis-tered the bicycle. If you no longer have this piece of pa-per, you can use a Certificate of Transfer, made by the previous owner, as an alternative. There is no predeter-mined format for a Certificate of Transfer. As long as it states that ownership of the bicycle is being transferred, and includes the bicycle identification number and the previous owner’s signature or personal seal, then it should suffice. The new owner must also bring identification and pay a 500 yen registration fee. And don’t forget to bring the bicycle itself. If you do not change the registered name, you won’t be able to find the bicycle if it happens to be stolen. You will also be unable to prove that it is your bike, so make sure to carry out the name change procedure before you start using it.

Legal Counseling (1st & 3rd Saturday of

every month)

Personal (Psychological) Counseling

(Mon. Thur. & Sat.)

Counseling on Immigration, Residency and Nationality

(2nd Sunday of every month) Health Consultation

(Every Wednesday) ※

Date Nov. 7 & 21 Dec. 5 & 19

Nov. 8 Dec. 13

Nov. 4, 11, 18, & 25 Dec. 2, 9, 16 & 23

Time 10:30am - 1:30pm 45 minutes/person

1:00pm - 4:00pm (Reception until 3:30pm) 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Appointment Required Required NOT Required NOT Required

Language Japanese

An interpreter is available upon request.

Japanese, English Japanese, English, Chinese Japanese, English

Mon. 10:00am - 6:00pm Thur. 10:00am - 1:00pm Sat. 2:00pm - 7:00pm

Time Tuesday 10:00-12:00

Day November 24 December 1, 8

Fee 5,000 yen/6 months

Venue IMS 8F, Rainbow Plaza

Address 1-7-11 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City

Contact

Tel & Fax: 092-662-7690, 090-8621-8503 Email: chiisanainfo@gmail.com http://www.facebook.com/123.chiisana Ms. Teruyo Noguchi Chiisana Kokusai Koryu No Kai

Japanese Language Class

November Grand Sumo Tournament (Kyushu Tournament)

The sumo season has arrived! Once you start seeing the sumos walking around town, you know that winter is on its way. Have you ever seen the Grand Sumo Tournament? The bodies of the rikishi clashing against each other is an overwhelming sight. NHK’s coverage starts between 3:00pm and 4:00pm, but matches begin from roughly 8:30am. First, new apprentice sumos wrestle each other. This is called Mae-zumo. From thereon, sumos of increasingly higher rank wrestle. After about 4:00pm, the most powerful and popular rikishi battle it out before the highest rank-ing yokozuna wrestlers fight. After this, the bow-twirling rikishi performs the bow twirling ceremony, and most of the day’s events are over by around 6:00pm. In recent years, wrestlers from Mongolia have been particularly dominant, but European- and North American-born rikishi have also gained much attention. One of the ozeki sumos, Ko-toshōgiku, is from Fukuoka, so locals will be hoping that he can move up to the yokozuna rank. At the venue, spectators can purchase makunouchi bento, various sumo goods, and souvenirs full of information on Japan, while enjoying the traditional atmosphere. If you have time, arrive ear-ly and cheer on the young rikishi. You’ll enjoy the opportunity and the rikishi will be grateful for your support. Choose your favourite and let them know!

Dates: Sunday, 8 November – Sunday, 22 November Venue: Fukuoka Kokusai Center Price: 2,100 yen – 14,800 yen Access: 1. From Hakata Station: Board Nishitetsu Bus route 99 bound for Hakata Wharf from “Hakata-ekimae E”. Alight at “Kokusai Center Sun Palace-mae.” 2. From Tenjin: Board Nishitetsu Bus route 80 bound for Chuo Wharf from “Tenjin Solaria Stage-mae 2A.” Alight at “Kokusai Center Sun Palace-mae.”

Details: http://www.sumo.or.jp/en/index Inquiries: Nihon Sumo Kyokai, Fukuoka Advance Office Phone: 092-291-9311, 10:00-17:00

～Con nued from page 1 It is a little far from the Tenmangū, but well worth the visit, if not for the beautiful leaves alone. Kamado Jinja is a 30 minute walk from the Tenmangū, but it can also be easily reached for 100 yen on the Mahoroba-Gō community bus that runs from Tofurōmae Station via Dazaifu Station.

Kamado Jinja : 883 Uchiyama, Dazaifu City Mahoroba-Gō website: http://www.city.dazaifu.lg.jp/community_i/mahorobagou/ mahotrobagoutop.html (Japanese)

Dazaifu Tenmangū Known as the main Tenmangū in Japan, Dazaifu Tenmangū enshrines Sugawara-no-Michizane, the learning deity. Many worshippers come to pray for success in exams, and the shrine is abuzz with tourists year-round. Though famous for its plum trees, it is still very beautiful in autumn. All around the grounds are places to enjoy the colourful leaves, such as the mountain of maples that extends from the front of Dazaifu Amusement Park, the stone tunnel at the rear of the main shrine, and the east side of the main shrine’s cloisters. Every year from 1 November to late November, within the grounds of the shrine there is a display of chrysanthemums that have been painstakingly grown by lovers of this flower. Held as a tribute to Sugawara-no-Michizane, who admired chrysanthemums, worshippers will enjoy the many different varieties vying to be the most beautiful. It is also the season for Shichi-Go-San Mairi, or the Seven-Five-Three Festival. Visitors are likely to see many families with their children dressed up for the celebration.

Shichi-Go-San (Seven-Five-Three) In general, girls and boys aged three, boys aged five, as well as girls aged seven, will visit a shrine on 15 November with their families to pray for a healthy upbringing. In recent times, families haven’t worried too much about visiting on the 15th, but rather pay a visit on any one of the weekends or public holidays in November.

Tenkai Inari-sha If you’re headed to Kamado Jinja from Dazaifu Tenmangu, you might as well stop at Tenkai Inari-sha along the way. From the rear of the main shrine, pass the tea houses and head towards the mountain to the right, making your way through the flags and vermillion torii gates. This path also has many pretty autumn leaves. After about 10 minutes you will reach Tenkai Inari-sha. The defining characteristic of this shrine is that it has a bell for each of the 12 signs of the zodiac, in addition to a large bell at the rear. Pay your respects by ringing the bell for your zodiac sign, before ringing the larger one. Behind the shrine is a tomb-like structure called the Oku-no-In. You’ll feel lost in a different world as you step down into the cave-like stone arrangement.

Who is Sugawara-no-Michizane? Sugawara-no-Michizane was a nobleman born in 845 who would become one of Japan’s most prominent scholars. He was also a capable politician that held key positions. He is also famous for proposing in 894 an end to the envoys being sent to Tang Dynasty China on account of political

instability at the time. He moved up the political ranks, being appointed to important posts by the emperor of the time, but in a 901 political ploy by his rivals he was relegated to Dazaifu, where he passed away two years later. ～Con nued on page 6

5 November/December 2015

Nasal Bleeding

Nosebleeds are common in infants. Just inside the nostrils, there is a convergence of fine blood vessels in the nasal septum called Kieselbach’s plexus. This area is delicate and is easily injured to the point of bleeding through unintended picking, forceful blowing of the nose, or even by the drying of the mucous membrane in low humidity. In most cases, bleeding is seen in one of the nostrils. This means the bleeding site is located in the anterior part of the nasal septum, which separates the nasal cavity into right and left. For a simple way of treating nosebleeds at home, just pinch the nose gently but firmly for several minutes. A seated position is preferable to a lying posture because of the lowering of venous blood pressure, and to prevent the obstruction of the airway. Do not swallow the blood. This can lead to sickness and vomiting which could aggravate the bleeding. Packing a cotton ball into the nostril is an effective way to stop the bleeding, but in turn may sometimes promote bleeding by inflicting an injury during removal. If the bleeding cannot be controlled within 20 minutes, professional procedures at hospital will be necessary. Such cases may involve inserting a tampon with a hemostatic agent such as phenylephrine, chemical or electrical cautery, or laser therapy. Nosebleeds are, for some reason, common on holidays and at night. For this reason, those who frequently suffer from bleeding are recommended to undergo permanent procedures at hospital during opening hours.

About 5% of cases involve bleeding from both nostrils. This is rather common in elderly patients. The site of the bleeding is deep in the nasal cavity, and is often difficult to locate. In these cases, we have to suspect underlying causes such as hypertension, bleeding due to leukemia or other blood diseases, or bleeding due to the use of anti-coagulation medicines, etc. Deep within the nasal cavity, the artery is much larger with higher pressure than those in the periphery. Such cases cannot be managed at home, and should be given attention promptly at a well-staffed medical center. They sometimes require either the insertion of huge balloon tampons into the whole nasal cavity, endovascular embolization techniques, or even major head and neck surgery with anesthesia and mechanical ventilation.

Dr. Nishiyama’s Health Column Vol. 22

David’s Katakana English

A lot of Japanese words come from English, but sound odd to native speakers because Japanese has fewer vowels and con-sonants than English. But some words sound weird not just because the pronunciation of each letter is different, but be-cause the intonation on the syllables differs. Here are a few examples. The stressed syllable in each language is in bold.

Accessory アクセサリ; Australia オーストラリア; Calendar カレンダー; Career キャリア; Chocolate チョコレート; Dam-age ダメージ; Elevator エレベーター; Guitar ギター; Inter-val インターバル; Lavender ラベンダー; Orange オレンジ;

Percentage パーセンテージ; Vanilla バニラ; Volunteer ボラ

ンティア

6 November/December 2015 ～continued from page 5

Tobiume (“Flying Plums”) “Kochi fukaba nioi okoseyo umenohana aruji nashitote haru na wasureso” (When the east wind blows, let it bring your scent to Dazaifu, plum flowers. Just because I, your master, am not there, does not mean you can forget spring.) This is a poem that Sugawara-no-Michizane chanted to the plum blossoms as he left his house in Kyoto. Legend has it that this plum yearned for its master Michizane, and flew from Kyoto to Dazaifu in a single night. This is the origin of the sacred “tobiume” tree, found to the right of the main shrine.

Umegae-mochi (“plum branch mo-chi”) There are several explanations for the origins of this sweet treat. One of these posits that upon being relegated to Dazaifu, Sugawara-no-Michizane was unhappy with his life. A sympathetic old lady offered him a mochi treat to cheer him up, and when Michizane passed away, she supposedly offered a mochi attached to a plum branch as an offering. Within the grounds of Dazaifu Ten-mangū there are dozens of stores selling umegae-mochi, and many visitors to the shrine make sure they buy one of these treats before they leave. On the 25th of every month, it is possi-ble to buy umegae-mochi made with yomogi (mugwort).

Kyushu National Museum Now a well-known attraction of Dazaifu, the Kyushu National Museum is hosting the “Japan – Country of Beauty” special exhibition until 29 November, in com-memoration of the 10th anniversary of the museum’s opening. Various national treasures and important cultural assets will be on display. Enjoy the crown jew-els of Japan, as well as the autumn col-ours!

Closed: 4 Nov. (Wed.), 9 Nov. (Mon.), 16 Nov. (Mon.) Admission: General 1,600 yen (1,400 yen), Univ. & High School Students 1,000 yen (800 yen), Elementary/Junior High Students 600 yen (400 yen) *Prices in parenthe-ses are for advance tickets/group entry.

Opening Hours: 9:30-17:00 (entry until 16:30) Address: 4-7-2 Ishi-zaka, Dazaifu City

http://www.kyuhaku.com/ (English)

In the New Year, the museum will also host the “Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul” ex-hibition 1 January until 14 February. Items on display will include cultural relics that have been preserved in Japan after being removed from war-torn Af-ghanistan. The relics will be returned to Afghanistan after this exhibition, so this is the last chance to see them in Japan.

Kanzeon-ji/Kaidan-in Situated a little far away from Dazaifu Station and free of large crowds, these temples invite you to the past with their peace-fulness, autumn colours, and age-old buildings. Kanzeon-ji is famous for its temple bell, a national treasure and the oldest in Japan, made around 698, but the treasure

room (Admission: General 500 yen, Open: 9:00-16:30) is also a must-see. The row of Buddha statues (important cultural assets) from the Heian and Kam-akura periods are also a sight worth see-ing. Kaidan-in, located just next to Kanzeon-ji, was built as a facility for religious figures to receive the necessary com-mandments to formally become monks or nuns. The temple was established in 761 by Jiangzhen, who came to Japan from Tang dynasty China and only built three such temples in Japan, the other two being Tōdai-ji in Nara and Yakushi-ji in Tochigi Prefecture. Next time you’re in Dazaifu, don’t just visit the area around the station – try to make your way to some of the other sights nearby. Kanzeon-ji: 5-6-1 Kanzeonji, Dazaifu Kaidan-in: 5-7-10 Kanzeonji, Dazaifu Access: Mahoroba-Gō “Kanzeon-ji mae” bus stop Approx. 10 min. walk from Nishitestu Gojo Station The temples are a 20 minute walk from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station, but they can also be reached by bicycle. Bikes can be rented for 500 yen per day (motorized bicycles 800 yen) at Dazaifu Station, and can be returned at Dazaifu, Futsukaichi or Tofurōmae Stations. If you’re headed to one of the sights listed above, a bicy-cle will be the most convenient means of getting around. For more details on Dazaifu, visit: http://www.dazaifu.org/ (Dazaifu Tourist Association)

Photo: Kaidan-in provided by the City of Dazaifu

Photo: Kanzeon-ji Temple Bell Provided by the City of Dazaifu

National treasure Juichimen Kannon Eleven-Headed Kannon (S. Ekadasamukha) Heian period 12th century Nara National Museum (10 Nov.-29 Nov.)

Photo: Kaidan-in provided by the City of Dazaifu