The temple bell at Kanzeon-ji is said to be the oldest in Japan. The temple was built east of the old Dazaifu Government Headquarters, and became the center of Buddhism in western Japan.

Dazaifu Temman Shrine was built in memory of Sugawara Michizane, the patron saint of learning. Here you are likely to see crowds of students and their parents asking his spirit for success in school and university entrance exams.

At the site of the ancient Dazaifu Government Headquarters, all that remain of the original buildings are a few foundation stones (the tall stones were erected later as monuments).

An umegae-mochi rice cake with adzuki bean jam inside. Rice flour is mixed with water and kneaded. The dough is then wrapped around jam and grilled.

The roof of the Kyushu National Museum rises as high as 36 meters above the ground. The museum has five floors above ground, two below, and a total floor area of about 30,000 m². It is the fourth national museum in Japan and the newest. (Photo courtesy of the Kyushu National Museum)

The museum's Main Exhibition Hall on the fourth floor has pottery, porcelain, lacquer ware, swords, bronze mirrors, other metal artifacts, Buddhist sculpture, paintings and other items illustrating the Asian heritage. The exhibition has about 800 items of unique cultural value.

Museum PR staff member Kubota Motoko, at work with a volunteer.

Everyday items, clothing and toys from Asian countries, displayed in Ajippa Square. This place offers a hands-on experience of the heritage of Asia. (Photo courtesy of the Kyushu National Museum)