As part of a project to vitalise and develop the town of Hakata in Fukuoka and promote its wonderful culture to the people of the world, the Blue Grotto FUKUOKA Executive Committee is set to hold a special illumination event titled Blue Grotto FUKUOKA at Nakasu Bridge from September 16 to October 6.   This illumination event first began in Nakameguro, Tokyo back in 2014 where it enjoyed great success. The location was then moved in 2016 to Shibuya where over 2.8 million people attended. It was then held outside the Tokyo area for the first time in Sapporo in February 2018 and then in Osaka in September of the same year. This enabled it to become widespread across the country and has consequentially made it become one of the main illumination events of Japan. Blue Grotto will now make its way to Kyushu for the first time with Blue Grotto FUKUOKA. Boats will be prepared for the romantic and magical cruise which will take passengers from Nakasu Bridge to Canal City Hakata and Hakata Bay.   As well as the breathtaking lights, passengers can look forward to a specially-prepared pasta meal made by Nisshin Foods using Blue Grotto brand products.

Situated on the northern shore of Kyushu is Fukuoka Prefecture, a hot spot for tourists and travellers both Japanese and foreign, particularly those visiting from parts of Asia such as China, Taiwan and South Korea.   When it comes to delicious Japanese food, Fukuoka is high on the list, home to a bounty of incredible restaurants. It's the same with shopping too―there are countless stores to rummage through with shelves lined with innumerable things you'll want to buy.   But your Fukuoka experience will not be complete without a trip to one of the prefecture's breathtaking tourist spots. Today, we are visiting Kasuga Shrine (not to be confused with Kasuga Grand Shrine in Nara), and we are joined by Japanese Instagram user Rie, who posts about her trips around Kyushu, and who has provided us with her experience visiting the shrine along with photos. You'll find out how to get there and the must-see aspects. Kasuga Shrine is located in the city of Kasuga, Fukuoka. It's about a 30-minute drive from Fukuoka city. But if you're looking to catch the public transport, you'll want to hop on the JR Line to Kasuga Station, or you can board the Nishitetsu Bus and get off at Kasuga (春日). The shrine is about a 7-minute walk from either of these stops.   The shrine has a long history. Its origins are said to lie in Emperor Tenji enshrining the male deity Ame-no-Koyane-no-mikoto there.   In the shrine grounds there is a camphor tree called "Kasuga no Mori" (The Grove of Kasuga) which is registered as a natural monument. The shrine is also home to a festival called "Kasuga no Muko Oshi" which has also been designated as an significant intangible folk cultural asset. But what's been catching people's attention recently is the flower-filled chōzuya. A chōzuya, also known as a temizuya, is a water basin placed at shrines and temples in Japan which visitors use to cleanse themselves before entering the shrine or temple.   It's more common in May and June to see hydrangeas placed in the basins, but at Kasuga Shrine they flutter in transvaal daisies♡ The flowers were placed in there on August 19 and will remain there until September 1. During the same period, there are lots of beautiful wind chimes being strung up around the shrine ground. Their tranquil sound as the breeze blows, together with the watery flowers, are enough to make you feel cool this summer. If you're looking to find more beautiful places to visit around Kyushu, Rie has plenty of recommendations on her Instagam page so be sure to give her a follow.   Photos by Rie

The Hatsune Miku Music Cafe is set to return for the third time this month. It will open in Akihabara, Tokyo on August 23 and in Hakata, Fukuoka on August 28.   The music cafe will be supported by VOCALOID music label KARENT. VOCALOID fans can look forward to dining while listening to music from their favourite characters―Miku, Luka, Rin, Len, MEIKO and KAITO―on high quality speakers and giant monitors. Customers are able to request songs be played by picking from the record shelf. The huge discography will include the cafe's official theme song and music video Jazz Chorus no Natsu Takenawa which is written and composed by buzzG.   Fans can look forward to character-inspired food and drinks and can get their hands on a range of exclusive merchandise with designs illustrated by Kisaragi Yuu. And if you gather enough stamps on your stamp card―one per visit―you'll be able to get priority access to a DJ event on October 6.  

Merch

Leek Bag - ¥1,500 (Tax Included)

Multi Pouch (6 Designs) - ¥2,800 (Tax Included)

 

Food Menu

Miku's Leek Record Curry - ¥1,200 (Tax Included)

"Jazz Chorus no Natsu Takenawa" Summer Sky Jelly From the Starry Heavens - ¥600 (Tax Included)

  When ordering something from the food menu you can receive one of 18 possible mini acrylic stands, chosen randomly.  

Drinks Menu

Rin & Len's Yellow Mango Milk - ¥750 (Tax Included)

Luka's Pink Peach Soda - ¥750 (Tax Included)

  There's lots more merchandise, food and drinks as well as this too. You can see the full line-up on the official website.   © Crypton Future Media, INC. www.piapro.net*The rate of consumption tax is set to increase from 8% to 10% in Japan from October 1, 2019 and so the prices listed here will increase*Photos are for illustrative purposes only