Exploring Fukuoka: A Journey to the Mystical Hell Shrine and Serene Nanzoin Temple

At the break of dawn, we step into the Miyajidake Shrine in Fukuoka. The ancient trees create a dense forest, and the birds' chirping blends with the murmuring streams to form a haunting melody. The vermilion torii gate leads the way, and the stone steps are covered with moss. Along the path, the 'Hell Tour' inscriptions narrate eerie legends. The spring water in the pool is iron-blue like ink, and the air is filled with the scent of sulfur, making it feel like we are at the boundary between the divine and the underworld. In the afternoon, we head to the serene Nanzoin Temple in Kido. The ancient temple is as picturesque as a painting. The golden pavilion with its green tiles contrasts beautifully with the surrounding trees. The sound of the temple bell resonates, and the monks chant sutras softly amidst the swirling incense smoke, leading the heart into a state of tranquility. The dry landscape garden is full of Zen charm, with each sand and stone embodying Zen principles. In one day, we experience the solemnity of the mystical and the tranquility of the serene, making the trip to Fukuoka not just a sightseeing journey, but a pilgrimage for the soul.