Butsuden (仏殿) @ Shofukuji (聖福寺) – (Fukuoka 福岡)

In a country that rains as much as Japan, a wooden foundation for a structure isn’t going to stand up to the elements well. On the other hand, a concrete foundation like this one may take a little something away from the 400+ year old building it supports. Originally built in 1589, this temple appears to have been freshened up fairly recently.

Inside this structure are three golden Buddha statues. Every month on the 15th a ceremony is held here.

Posted on May 23rd, 2014 under Japan. Tags: buddhist, fukuoka, Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VR G lens, Nikon D600, Shofukuji 聖福寺, temples. Comments Off on Ancient architecture on a modern foundation

Fukuoka, Japan

I took a bus from near Hakata to the Fukuoka Dome area. Today’s photo is out the left window of the bus as we sped along the highway (福岡高速環状線). Out my window to the right was Hakata Bay. The sky was preparing for the incoming typhoon.

Posted on April 14th, 2014 under Japan. Tags: clouds, fukuoka, Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 AF-S NIKKOR G ED N, Nikon D600, skywatch. Comments Off on Fukuoka from the highway

Plaza between Fukuoka Dome and Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk Hotel

Sculptures like this serve as a meeting place when tens of thousands of people are trying to find each other on game day. Things seemed eerily quiet on this day as the team wasn’t playing. Around this location there were lots of bronzed player hands that kids could “shake” or at least compare to their own hands.

Posted on March 10th, 2014 under Japan. Tags: fukuoka, Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk, Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 AF-S NIKKOR G ED N, Nikon D600. Comments Off on Dante no hiroba @ Fukuoka Dome (暖手の広場@福岡ドーム)

Stone Torii @ Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (太宰府天満宮)

Posted on March 7th, 2014 under Japan. Tags: Dazaifu Tenman-gu 太宰府天満宮, fukuoka, Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 AF-S NIKKOR G ED N, Nikon D600, people, torii. Comments Off on Transitioning from the profane to the sacred

Cafe Honky II in the Fukuoka Dome

Not just any white boy can eat in the Cafe Honky II. In order to eat here you have to be a professional baseball player or member of the press in Japan. This is where the players and media eat in the Fukuoka Dome. Oh, and beginning in 2013 you can’t smoke in the Cafe Honky II.

Posted on February 20th, 2014 under Japan. Tags: fukuoka, Nikon D600. Comments Off on Cafe Honky II?