Since antiquity (3rd century BC), various countries from around the world, including many Asian countries, crossed the seas arriving in Japan to trade. Kyushu was the location where many of these cultural exchanges occurred.
In Kyushu, many valuable items and other locations remain. From the early 3rd century BC to the late 3rd century BC, the culture of rice cultivation in Japan had begun, and the culture of permanent settlements had taken root. Many historic ruins, ancient tombs, and items remain from that time period.
At Yoshinogari Historical Park, ancient Japan, and what it looked like then, has been realistically reproduced. The origins of Japanese culture are well represented in this park, giving the feeling that one has gone back in time.
Dejima in Nagasaki Prefecture is a man-made fan-shaped island which was constructed in 1634. In the 17th century, the Japanese government broke off all relations with foreign countries in a period of time referred to as Sakoku, or national isolation, a period in which Japan restricted foreign diplomacy and trade. However, Dejima became the only location where diplomacy and trade was permitted during this period of isolation for more than 200 years. For that reason, cultures from European countries like England and Portugal blended with Japanese culture, making Dejima a location where visitors can experience a unique atmosphere.
Sugawara no Michizane, the Deity of Scholarship, is enshrined at Dazaifu Tenman-gu Shrine in Fukuoka. For those students who come to the shrine, take a minute and pray to him for success in your studies, as your prayers will come true. There are other sites in Kyushu as well. There is a museum specializing in information regarding the eruption of volcanoes and the subsequent reconstruction; a cultural museum where visitors can become acquainted in the history and characteristics of ceramics and porcelain; craft galleries where visitors can try their hand at making traditional crafts, all unique facilities which are the pride of Kyushu.
Experiencing the unique history and culture of Kyushu, both of which differ from one's own country, will deepen one's knowledge, as well as opening up a whole new world.
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- I dressed up as a Yayoi, a Stone Age person, and tried my hand at making Magatama. It was great to go home with a necklace that I made with polished Magatama that I cut by myself. I will always remember this experience.
Saitobaru Burial MoundsMiyazaki
- More than 300 kofun or ancient tombs, including the largest scalloped shaped kofun in Japan and first-rate keyhole-shaped kofun in Kyushu are scattered about. The Saitobaru Archaeological Museum, where one can encounter authentic earthenware, is a museum where visitors can have various experiences such as seeing what this area was like 10,000 years ago, and also experiencing what life was like so long ago.