Smiling Foxes at Kego Shrine Fukuoka🇯🇵Live from Japan

Smiling Foxes at Kego Shrine Fukuoka🇯🇵Live from Japan

And greetings everybody. Yes, it’s Wednesday, walkabout Wednesday. And we’re here in Tenin in Fukuoka and we’re heading into Keo Shrine. So, right in the middle of downtown Fugua. A little bit busy. Look at that gorgeous sign over there. Wow. It’s a rainbow. It’s almost a rainbow. Anyway, we are going to Where are we? Here. I’ll just turn around. So, we’re on the corner of the street here. This area is known as Daimo, and there’s lots of um small owner operated shops. Good day, Karen. Nice to see you. Fabulous. Always great to have you along for the walks. Thanks for joining. How are the books? Here we go. We’re going to walk and we’re going into the shrine. It’s absolutely gorgeous. And of course, the big um attraction here is the smiling foxes. And there’s a few other interesting Lisa. Lisa, hello. Hello. I was just saying how gorgeous that colorful sign is there. And it is a beautiful another hot day. So, I’m happy to be sort of like here. Um it’s shady. There’s a blue bottle coffee right here, so I’ll be able to get a coffee afterwards. We’ll have a look at these which are um some of the things that are used when they’re having a festival here. Matsuri. Oops. There’s a car going in. So, this will be the staff going in. There’s no obviously no public access by car. We’re going to walk through here. Mitsukoshi department store through there. Yeah, the smiling foxes. But we’re right in the middle of town. It is really really cool. Oh, that’s big camera there. So, you can see the smallest streets here and they’re all lined with eating places and nice shops and little we trucks. But let us head in. So, Keo Shrine, it’s been here since the 1600s. Um, really loved by the local people um because they can come here for a moment of solitude. they can pray and it’s really convenient and the shrine um provides good fortune, good fortune and good luck and especially the foxes. So the new building here that you can see is um the shrine headquarters. Get a beautiful gshuin in here which I uh received one the other day. So gshuin is a sacred uh mark that you put in a a book called a goshuanin troll. So the goshinan is the mark. It’s handwritten and or sometimes they offer preprinted ones that you stick in yourself. I’ve noticed this more and more happening as they get busy. Look at the lanterns. Beautiful pale blue and nice tiles and the cityscape beyond. Ka Hugo, nice to see you. We’re going to see the smiling foxes. Yeah. So, the new building, this is Blue Bottle Coffee. Similar scent. Blue Bottle Coffee just through here. Isn’t that gorgeous? made with the rice straw. Oh, it’s got a little ceramic. Looks like it’s ceramic hold or jade. Maybe ceramic. Yeah, holder. Beautiful. So, the chua I’ve remembered the name Chuya. So, walking through. Yeah. Little bell and we’re going to go through. Let’s have a look here. This is beautiful. So, this is a sacred water fountain. Oh, we need a breeze. The wind chimes are all here. Oh, they’re beautiful, too. We’ll get a little Oh, there we go. Get a little breeze coming through. We’re lucky, aren’t we? Things always seem to work out so peaceful in the middle of everything. Yeah. And doesn’t that look great for an iced coffee afterwards? Blue bottle. I can remember when they first opened in Tokyo. Oh, long time ago now. And Al in Tokyo and I went and did a Periscope from there and the manager um joined us because they were so new. It was so special. It was in Shimagawa. Yeah. Oh, it’s raining in Sydney. Woo. I think it’s raining in New Zealand, too. I’m so glad I’m here. Even though it’s hot, this is much more preferable to cold and wet. The wind chimes are great, aren’t they? Here we go. So, the Here we go. I got my nails done yesterday. Don’t they look gorgeous? That’s the left hand done. Now, I better do the right hand. This one looks just as good. Here we go. Hear the chimes. Lovely. Anyway, we’re going to walk over to the Imamasu Shrine, which is just through here. You can see the toy gates there. So, we’ll walk over there and have a look at our beautiful foxes. And I’ll tell you why they’re smiling. Two guardians here, lions. And of course with all these guardians, one represents male and one represents female. One always has the mouth closed and one always has the mouth open. And often they are holding the one with the mouth open might be holding something. This one is not. So there used to be a foot bath here which is just where the girls are walking now. and you could pay 100 yen and have a little foot onen. Um, it’s closed now and I think that is because of co most probably lions, beautiful and a lot pe a lot of people just taking a shortcut through here because it’s an open space. It’s really welcoming and Blue Bottle Coffee and the shrine offer, you know, old and new culture, old and new way of life. I think it’s really, really great. And this is how how we should be embracing the old and enveloping the new. Does that make sense? Sometimes I’m just talking. So, you can just walk in off the street here. We’ll have a little look out the street first before we go down to the foxes. Hi Kathy, nice to see you. The Fukuoka information center is just behind me um here in the Smitzakoshi building through on the other side. I’m going to um pick up a few brochers and stuff, Kathy, and I will pop them in the post to you. How would that be? It’s always good to have something in your hand. Always good to have something in your hand. So yeah, the life goes on just outside. Lots of eating places, lots of shops. You can see over there. Eating is big thing in in Japan and Korea. It’s food everywhere, which is really really great sacred tree. These are camper trees. They’re beautiful. Hi. Let us head up to the foxes. Actually, this is quite nice. We’ve got a little bit of yellow writing and we’ve got a yellow bus. Look at that. Color coded. You’re up for it. I’ll tell you what is really big to hear in Fukuoka is awful. So if you’re Hey, and it’s absolutely delicious. Um we’re going for it tomorrow night for dinner. Matsunabi uh or mossiyaki I think we’re going for. It’s absolutely amazing. And um Yep. So it’s good. But everything’s good here. Yeah. Anyway, the smiling foxes. Let’s get at the foxes. So there are six of them. So, this one has something in its mouth. And I think I know what it is. I think it’s fried tofu. So, the foxes um started to smile. There was a in the old days awful. Awful. No, it’s delicious. It’s really delicious. And you know, I think if we’re going to eat meat, why should be we be particular? Why only eat the best part, the steaks? We should be eating absolutely everything. No waste. You’ll You’ll eat awful. You won’t even know that you’re eating it. It’s Yeah. Yes. You won’t even know you’re eating it. It is delicious. But I am a great believer. It’s like throwing away the skin on apple, you know, eat everything. It was designed that way. Yeah. So, how did they get their smiles? In the old days, there was a a man who made special fried tofu. And he used to offer it to the foxes. They didn’t always accept, but one day, one of the foxes accepted the um the deep fried awful, and he was so happy, he smiled. So that is why these foxes have got this beautiful smile on their face. After that a young girl also ate the fried tofu and she was really really happy as well. So it is said that if you make an offering, make an offering and woo, if you make an off ambulance, if you make an offering um and pray and then you stroke each of the foxes, it’ll bring you good fortune. Okay, two more coming up. They’re little bibs. Look, they’re just gorgeous. And they’ve been lovingly made by fox lovers. I think the Japanese word for fox is mitz. Look at their beautiful Yeah, beautifully woven outfits. I think it’s tofu. I think it’s the story of the tofu. Yeah. Oh, buns bibs. Yes. Yeah. Aren’t they cute? And look at their little feet. Yeah. They’re really, really gorgeous. Really beautiful. Quite fabulous indeed. Yeah. So, one female, one male. I think that’s the female. I’m pretty sure this is the male. But look at their smiles. Miles of smiles. Woo! Each bib’s a little bit different. This one has got no Oh, it’s holding the ball. Holding the ball. Whoa. Amazing. I’m glad I picked that up. I was going to say we’ve got no toes, but it’s got its foot on the ball. Wow. And often they’ll have the ball in the mouth. And we get to walk through these beautiful gates. This is always a lovely walk, isn’t it? We walk through here. Yeah, they’re really fabulous. And you can tell that this shrine is really well looked after. They actually have two Gshuan um offices. So, I have one and I may get another one. Although, my book is really filling up. Um and won’t be long before I’ll need a new book. It’s been amazing. I feel totally connected. It’s a really great way to feel the um heart and soul of somewhere where you’re visiting to connect spiritually. Deb, amazing. Whoa. Can’t sleep. I’m so lucky. I’m so lucky. This is just gorgeous here. Look. So, we’re looking at the smiling foxes. Ah, the ball. Wow. I didn’t notice these before. The ball. Oh, somebody’s left a few coins here as well. I’m so glad you can’t sleep. Oh, I got some underwear. Look at the fabric, though. It’s gorgeous. I think it’s um fabric from Obie. You know, the big sash that goes around the kimono. It’s usually quite stiff like this and embroidered. So, we’re looking at the smiling foxes. I’ve done so many shrines. Yeah, I know the best. Some are busy, some are really quiet. Um, this weekend we’re going to Sata on Auchiima Island, and I have found a shrine there that does lemon uh lemon gosh, so that’ll be interesting. This one’s got interesting eyes, too. Look, you know, Kathy, everywhere you go, there’s just thousands of shrines. It’s just part of daily life here. And that’s what’s so lovely. It’s not about going to church on Sunday. It’s about incorporating this into your daily life. And it’s people just stop for a moment. It’s really, really fabulous. Yeah. And each one’s different and each one tells a little story. And collecting the Goshuan are it’s a great way to um connect with where you are. Wow. Look at that gorgeous. Oh, there’s a little bit of one yen coins here. Still a lot of money used in Japan. A lot of cash. And you’ll end up with a lot of one yen coins. So, you need to keep on spending them or just throw them in the um in the cash machine at the convenience stores. But you know what I love about being here? I do the touristy things and do all of that, but now I’m here. I’m just living daily life like any other Japanese lady. I’m on the bus with them in the morning and they’re just it’s fabulous. It’s great to be part of become part of the place you visit. Yeah. Look at that. Isn’t that gorgeous? So, this is an Inari shrine. So, Inari is the god of agriculture. So you can see there on the yellow nor the rice and of course this is the offering box here the bell which you can give a little ring. I’ve already done that, but we’ll give it a little ring just for you because you can all just go. Put your hands together. Uh, no. I think the one Oh, Larry, how are you? I think the one you’re meaning is Fushimi Inari in Kyoto. That is the famous one with all the red Tory gates. But Inari shrines, all of them have these beautiful gates, the gorgeous vermillion color. Yeah, I was just thinking this morning. Here I am on the bus. Just It was It’s quite fun. Nice lanterns. So, the 1600s this was built. Fabulous architecture. Look at that. That’s amazing. Look at the look at the roof. I’ll just zoom in a little bit. Look at that. And look, there you go. The mixture of old and new. Just right there like that. This is This is what’s stunning. I think Prism Live has done a little upgrade on their Oh, somebody else coming in with a GoPro. So, we’ll go back and have a look at the foxes. Hey, the smiling foxes. Yes. Yes, Larry. That is yeah that’ll be um Inari Fushimi Inari in um Kyoto and it will if you follow all the red Tory gates there they’ll take you up to the top of the mountain if you’re keen for a for a hike. But yes, we’re checking out the smiling foxes. I’m just going to head into Blue Bottle Coffee in a minute. Get an iced coffee. Yeah, they’re always gorgeous though and especially with the blue sky. Oh, and then we’ve got we’ll have a look at the end. We’ve got the um I was going to say chariots, the items that are used for. Aren’t they gorgeous? So, we picked up the skirt and found exciting things underneath and I think Oh, no panties on this one. And again, two yen. I think this is the one with the panties. Oops. Almost. Almost. That’s so cute. All those smiles. Yes. So the foxes, Mitsuni, I think it is in Japanese, Mitsuni, are messengers to God. So they take your prayers and your wishes. Um send them to to the heavens. Yeah, we got smiles. All right, I’m lifting up all the skirts now, but I think this is the fried tofu here. So, this is how they got their smiles. I did see I think that was in Maji Jingu in Tokyo, wasn’t it? Beautiful big um shrine there, I’m pretty sure. Honestly, some people, it doesn’t matter whether they’re tourists or not, but some people have just got no idea, no respect. Look at the They’re just gorgeous. Look at the So, what are they carved from? Sort of. It’s like a marble or some sort of gorgeous stone. He’s got his foot on the ball. Oh, foot on the ball. Nice. Ah, two bibs. Oh. Oh, look. Whoa. Amazing what you do when you pick something up. Thank you, Mr. Fox. Little surprises. I’m not saying Larry. I can’t say that. It could have been anyone from any country because we know every country has that type of person. Every country has that type of person. So, I’m going to head off now into Blue Bottle and get a coffee. Oh, we’re going to have a look at these. Going to get the shade and catch messages. I know. Wonderful. Wonderful foxes. I knew you’d love them, Lisa. So, we’ve got some nice stepping stones here that take us across to um these I’m not sure what you call them. Oh, there I am. But they’re carried during festivals. Beautiful. Look. Really gorgeous. You’re welcome, Lisa. Oh, we got more stepping stones here. I think we’ll probably This a good place to finish right here. Should we go just go back to the windchimes? I’d like to finish with a little bit of music. But that was fun to be able to share that with you. and blue bottle coffee right here which is great. Beautiful building, isn’t it? Look. Yeah, this was um the old part of it was built in 16 the original part in the 1600s and this was Oh, that’s a nice view down there. Um this new part was just been open for two or three years. Yeah. some of the the temple I was at the other day with the uh path of light that was built 1,700 years ago that which is amazing. Some of them have been rebuilt of course because they don’t survive for that long naturally. They need a little bit of help from us. Love the building. Yeah. I wonder who designed this. This is Blue Bottle in here. So, we’ll head in for a coffee. Hugo, do you remember when I had coffee there with Al in Tokyo and Blue Bottle had just opened in Shinagawa? And yeah, we had quite the quite the periscope. Yeah, Kathy. A little bit of water dripping out here. Come on. There we go. You think I switched the switch? You remember that? Yeah. That was amazing. Al, of course, is in Hawaii now. I did see him somewhere the other day. Wasn’t talking to him, but did see him. Popped up somewhere. Anyway, everybody, I think it’s definitely coffee time. That’s been a fabulous walk with you all. Thank you so much for joining me. Love it when I’ve got some companions. Yes. Yeah, absolutely. Well, this is the rest of it. Look, it’s quite large. Hold on. It’s quite large. Look. So, it’s probably Oh, there’s a garden on each between the railings is a garden. Yeah, it’s pretty pretty fabulous. I’ll have to find out who the architect was. Um, what was I saying? I can’t remember what I was saying. Yeah, I love the mixture of architecture and art and food. It’s perfect. It’s perfect for me. It’s huge, isn’t it? Yeah. So, the shrine offices, other offices, I think probably not sure anybody lives in here. Maybe a few apartments, maybe the shrine um staff. Who knows? Anyway, guys, I’m going to Guys, why did I say guys? People. Anyway, people, I’m going to turn the camera just for a moment. And there we go. It’s me. with the hat again. Hey, and I’m rocking Michelle’s in Japan. Look at this. I’m rocking these. People are loving them. So, yeah, I’m so glad I bought them with me. And um I walk out the door sometimes and I just go, “Oh, I forgot to put my shells on.” But thanks everybody. Thanks so much for joining. Fabulous to walk with you. I’m in very good spirits today with this walk and the fact that I’m gonna get a coffee in a moment. Maybe let’s walk down just down here. Um cuz we’re in the shade. So just walk. So bye everybody. Thanks for joining me. Walk about Wednesday. And I just thought we’re in the shade and we’ll walk just walk to the end past the rest of the building. Ah yeah. So that goes through to the street. Ah, this is in the old days. Wow. This is where we walk to. Wow. That’s it. And a lot of shells. Yes, Larry. It is, isn’t it? And they’re fabulous. Wow. The last Emma painter in Hakarta. Thanks, Deb. So fabulous to have you along. So that walks out to the street. So it’s very, very accessible. There’s people getting their coffees. Blue bottle coffee. Ah, so this is what’s in the building. Mangoku Fruits Parlor Bar Vesper. Blue bottle coffee introduction. The kego club events hall events hall events hall staff only bares. That’s second floor. We’re on the first floor. Yeah. Wouldn’t you love a painting like that? Me too. That is so gorgeous. And look at the frame. Look at that frame. It’s got some engravings on it as well. Some carvings. Special. Sorry about It’s got glass. It is not on glass itself. Wow. It’s incredible. It’s got a little tatami mat in front of it, but it’s in a glass window that’s quite deep as you can see. Gorgeous. Perfect. Yeah. So nice. Look at the um the texture of the So, as I was saying on one of my other walks. Oh, these feel like quartz or something. The tiles, but these are not actual tiles, but pieces of some sort of gorgeous stone. Look. Yeah. This is what I love. Hugo, back to work. I’m glad we caught you in Smokco. Okay, we will see you very soon, Hugo. Always fabulous have a Kiwi on board even though you live in in another country across the ditch. Oh, see my sent coin slot. So if you wanted to get an written oracle, an omorei, hello Caroline. Fabulous to see you. We’re just nearing the end. We just we’re gonna find out who the architect is, but I thought we’d just come down here and have a look at the um these carriers that are used in festivals. Yeah, they have a proper name, I’m sure. There we go. Awesome. Okay, thanks everybody. This has been a fabulous walk with you all. I’ve loved it. Uh, you know, some walks are better than others. I don’t know what makes it special. It’s just maybe it’s where we are. Maybe it’s who we are. Maybe it’s what we are. Whoops. Naughty tourists. What are they doing? Dancing in the stones. Somebody will come out. They’re all filming them. Somebody will come out and tell them off. That’s for sure. because I there are paths that you’re meant to walk on, not walk on the stones. Anyway, we’ve captured them. Okay, everybody, have a great day and we’ll see you a Yep, they’re still at it. I will see you all again soon. Thanks, Caroline. Just quick quick bye-bye. See you. I might share my coffee on Instagram, so follow me over there. Oh, dear Michael. Sorry, I’m just leaving. Oh, but you can watch the replay cuz it’s gorgeous. I can guarantee we’ve had a good walk. We’ve seen smiling foxes. It’s been great. Thanks, Lori. Yeah. Fabulous. Everybody, take care. We’ll see you all from Yeah. another another part of Fukuoka very soon. Take care and we’ll be back to Flower Island before we uh before we leave too. Take care everybody and we’ll see you all later. Thank you so much everybody. Thank you. Thanks Lisa for all the fabulous photos too. Okay, bye for now. Thank you. Remember, tread lightly, leave no trace. Ditch the guide book. Ditch the guide book. Get out and explore. Wednesday, walkabout. Bye.

The smiling foxes are unique and sacred bringing good fortune to those who stroke them. We are on tour! Just you and me. Let’s get going 🇯🇵This stream is created with #PRISMLiveStudio