Summer Course in Fukuoka

While most students wrap up their university milestones with graduation trips, I participated in a summer course organized by the Seinan Gakuin University in Fukuoka. Study, culture and travel. An irreplaceable summer. Memory keeps echoing in mind.

Inside our Campus…

Students were initially divided into 4 groups, based on the capability. Regular Japanese classes were on weekdays. We were even assigned horizontal activity, randomly and equally, and asked to create a mini drama to introduce interesting Japanese culture.

In our class, we have 5 “missions”. Chatted with local students. Learned Hakata dialect. Interviewed residents in the Nishijin Shopping Arcade. Searched for mysterious local culture. Understood the meaning of Hakata Gion Yamakasa. Such an immersive study method.

Meanwhile, the school has arranged cultural sessions. Wore hakama. Savored ikebana and tea ceremony. Experienced martial arts, such as kyudo and aikido. Wrote calligraphy that I even presented in my graduation speech. A glimpse between traditional and modern one.

Outside our Campus…

As the largest city in Kyushu, nothing is better than traveling around Fukuoka. You may come up with shopping in Tenjin Underground Mall, Canal City Hakata, or PARCO Fukuoka Store. Aside from taking Purikura in Taito Station, there is much more to be expected.

During the school trip, we visited some iconic places. Standing near Momochi Seaside Park, the Fukuoka Tower is the tallest seaside tower in Japan commemorating the 100th anniversary of the city. Why not buy a love lock and light up the heart with your beloved one?

Tochoji Temple is another highlight. Built in 806, it is one of the oldest still intact buddhist temples in Japan. The temple owns a 10m tall wooden statue of Buddha. Next to it were the paintings depicting people suffering in hell and an experience of hell awaiting for you.

Due to the geographic proximity to the Asian mainland, Fukuoka used to be an important harbor city for many centuries. To understand Japanese history from the prehistoric era to the Edo Period, Kyushu National Museum was divided into 5 chronological sections.

As a result, Dazaifu became the government office to deal with diplomatic relations. Today, it is a tourism attraction. Visitors go to the Tenmangu Shrines to wish for good luck. It is built to commemorate Sugawara Michizane, an exiled politician in the Heian Period.

Beyond our Friendship…

Why is July the best season to visit Fukuoka? Locals used to begin the first semester in April and end in July, so we can catch up with their schedules. Moreover, there are various events in summer. Hanabi Daikai, the firework festival, lights up the sky upon Ohori Park.

The Hakata Gion Yamakasa is held every July, full of energy and spirit. It originated from a priest defeating the plague by spreading water in the village. Seven traditional families compete to push the floats along a 5km long course. A time trial race before sunrise.

As a ritual celebration, it is centered in Kushida Shrine. I was amazed by their creativity, how they preserve tradition in an innovative way. On one side, the floats are full of legendary characters. On the other side, they are unexpectedly full of anime characters.

Having a takoyaki party in iHouse. Eating tonkotsu ramen in Yatai. Visiting the famous Miyajidake Shrine in a homestay. My friend even brought me to the Marine World. Over 350 types of marine life, such as the penguins and sea otters. The dolphin show was superb.

A small trip to Nanzoin was impressive. Same as most temples of Shingon Buddhism, it is located in a forested town of Sasaguri. The city owns Nehanzo, the Buddha portraying the scene when he was reaching nirvana. Amazed by the largest bronze pieces in the world.

The massive change in our life makes us feel lost after graduation. However, no transition is better than this eye opening experience in Fukuoka, which was accompanied by friends from all walks of life. Everything will be alright, if we just keep dancing like we were 22.