30-minute drive partly through Fukuoka urban expressway will take participants first to Kyushu National Museum (http://www.kyuhaku.com/ ). This Japan’s fourth national museum was opened in 2006 featuring historical exhibits to prove close relations between Japan and other Asian nations since prehistoric age including several national treasures. Participants will appreciate only the permanent exhibition. The admission fee is included in the registration fee.

Next, participants will visit Dazaifu Shrine (Tenmangu), the biggest and most popular shrine in Fukuoka area. Dazaifu Tenmangu was built over the grave of Michizane Sugawara who died in 903 and has been venerated by the Japanese throughout the country as the God of literature and calligraphy. Many visitors are coming especially before entrance examinations to wish their success and happiness. For the history and others related, please see the website of http://www.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp/other/. At traditional Japanese-style cafeteria, participants will be served green tea with sweet rice cake called Ume-gae-mochi or some other sweets.

Ume-gae-mochi