Yatsushiro – history, nature and traditions

Located almost in the center of Kyushu, Yatsushiro has become an economic and cultural centre since the period Manyo. The city has a charm of Dantan, especially thanks to the remains of the castle, as well as the hot springs of Hinagu that have a history of 600 years. One of Japan’s three fastest rivers, the Kuma River flows into the Yatsushiro Sea. Gokanosho, the legendary mountain village of Heike soldiers recalls the rich history of this city. Myokensai is a land of legends and exoticism, and Yatsushiro’s exceptional national fireworks competition, which attracts fireworks artisans from all over the country, bears witness to the city’s culture and the importance of its exchanges with the rest of the country.

Gokanosho

An isolated place hidden in the Kyushu mountains. According to legend, the grandson of Taira no Kiyomori, who had fallen at the Battle of Dannoura, had fled Kiyotsune’s forces to that area. Upon his arrival, he reportedly fired five arrows and installed Nitao, Momiki, Shiiba, Hagi and Kureko, five colonies grouped under the name “Gokanosho”. In particular, the foliage in autumn, which paints the mountains and valleys with dazzling colours.

Suspended bridge Umenoki Todoro

Located along National Highway 445, this suspension bridge was built in 1998 to provide access to Umenoki Todoro Park. With a length of 116 metres and a height of 55 metres, the bridge uses a suspension method without additional strings or columns. At the time of its construction, the bridge was the longest of its kind in the country.

Yatsushiro Shrine (Myoken-gu)

This sanctuary, composed of three buildings, was commissioned by Emperor Go-Toba in 1186 and consecrated Amenominakanushi, Kunitokotachi and the Great Bear.

This sanctuary is also considered one of the three most important Myoken shrines in the country with Soma Myoken (Fukushima) and Nose Myoken (Osaka).

Ruins of the castle

The site on which today the remains of Yatsushiro Castle are located was designated a “national historic site” in 2014. During his long history, he saw the castle of Furufumoto (Middle Age), the castle of Mugishima and then the castle of Yatsushiro (Edo Period).

Shohinken

A tea salon built by the fourth head of the Matsui family, Naoyuki for his mother Suho Inni, the first year of Genroku (1688). Each season offers a beautiful flowering, Japanese l The name “Shohinken” comes from the sound of the wind blowing through the pine trees that was heard on the beach of the Yatsushiro Sea behind the building when construction began.

Municipal Museum

Opened in October 1991, this museum presents the history and culture of Yatsushiro from its creation until today. It also presents an extensive collection of art objects belonging to the ancient Matsui clan in Yatsushiro’s power.

Fireworks competition

Every year in October, this fireworks festival features 30 of the country’s best artificators, from Akita to Kagoshima, as they compete in magnificent fireworks shows. In addition to these competitions, there will be seminars on fireworks, local product markets, music and other festive and cultural events.

Miyokengu Matsuri

The autumn festival of the Myokengu Shrine is one of the largest festivals in Kyushu.

The sumptuous Shinto procession with 400 years of tradition will traverse the passage of 6 kilometers through the city center of Yatsushiro to the final destination, the Myokengu sanctuary.

The highlight of the festival is the great demonstration of lion dance and play (the black turtle) on the slope near the sanctuary.

The festival was recorded in March 2011 as an important intangible asset of Japan’s popular culture.

To Yatsushiro

Yatsushiro is accessible from Tokaido/Sanyo shinkansen to Hakata JR station, then to Shin-Yatsushiro station.

Si cet article vous a apporté des informations utiles et peut aider d’autres voyageurs à préparer leur séjour, un avis Google en cliquant sur l’image suivante sera toujours apprécié.