Fukutsu City Tour

We were led on a tour of Fukutsu and saw their local shrine, along with a traditional clay toy shop and other industries.

 

We were guided through the shrine by a monk, whom you can see in the 1st picture.  This traditional farmhouse was saved and moved to the monastery for historical preservation.

We were told the story of 6 local fisherman through a Japanese story telling technique.   They gave their lives earning the privilege of fishing rights for their village.  So, a shrine was built in their honor, which we got to see on the tour.

We went to a traditional clay toy making workshop.  This is a traditional art that has been going on for many generations.  The artist let us go into his workshop and see how it is done.

This is one of his favorites.  A large samurai used on a float during an annual celebration.

This bird is not an owl.  They are found all over the area, but I'm still not sure of the name even though I've asked several times.  It starts with an M and is a Japanese word.  They are for luck.

The locals told me you can see South Korea and China.

We saw a kindergarten/daycare center.  The kids were very curious to see us.  They had fun playground equipment.

Japanese kids like a pick up game of baseball too!  This was right outside the shrine.

Maybe he was contemplating a good game.

A little artwork to liven up the garage doors.

I watched them lift the whole truck off the ground.  That was a surprise.

I loved this cat sitting in the middle of Fukutsu.  He made me think of my cat Sammy, safe at home with Erin and Ron (my brother's family) taking care of him.

Groups of people would always come out to wave us goodbye.  They were so kind.