For the past half-week I visited my host mother’s family in Saga, Kyushu. I had never spared a thought for Kyushu before, considering it to be of less interest that other, more famous Japanese islands. Once there, I fell in love with the beautiful scenery and country charm – I definitely recommend stopping by if you are heading to Japan.

My day started early on the departure day, leaving at 6:50 for Haneda airport. The flight took around one and a half hours, and we hopped on a train to our destination. At the station, we were greeted by 恵子おねちゃん、my host mother’s older sister, and she kindly drove us around the area for the whole afternoon. We visited the beach, a mountain lookout, an old Japanese village as well as a Sake manufacturer. My favourite local spot was in the Japanese village, at the back of a Sake shop. There, we were greeted by a plethora of nick-knacks from the ‘20s onwards, as well as an incredibly Miyazaki-esque backyard.

Afterwards, we visited 夏帆 great grandmother, who is 99 at the moment. She is so charming and adorable, and lives on her family’s property – complete with a smaller shrine, rice field, two other houses and gates carved in the shape of their family crest. We then set off for dinner with the whole family. I was able to see 弘子 again, as well as meet her incredibly smart sister 直子. In addition to this, I was introduced to the whole family, and met 夏帆grandfather, the head of Yutoku Inari Shrine, and ともえせおにちゃん、next in line for this position {and son of the head}.

At the gates to the shrine

The next day we set off for the Shrine, which is one of the top three largest Inari shrines in Japan. The whole area is so beautiful with many activities and places to connect with spirituality, nature or friends. I really recommend visiting if you get the chance. As my host family is related to the Shrine head {the Shrine belongs to them} I was really fortunate to be received inside the Shrine.

Normally, you pray outside and look in – so this was a huge honour for me. After some food, we were lead up to a huge chamber, almost every inch decorated with gold. I participated in a praying ceremony {sorry, I can’t recall the formal name} which included spiritual dancers, musicians as well as an offering to the Shrine God {in this case, kitsune, the fox}.

Honestly, going to the shrine has been my favourite thing about Japan. If you are heading to Kyushu, or even just Japan, stop by and visit – you won’t be disappointed!

-H