Hirado and Ikitsuki Island

Hirado and Ikitsuki are a short hour drive away from our home. They are two little islands that have played a role in Kyushu history. Ikitsuki is one of the major historic whaling communities in Japan. They still survive mainly based on their fishing industry. Mostly bringing in squid and flying fish. One of the main landmarks of this little island is the beautiful blue bridge connecting it to Hirado. 

Ikitsuki is mainly natural areas and scenic cliffs with only a small populated area on the coast by the bridge. One amazing feature in the Basalt column cliffs called the Shiodawara Cliffs. I've always wanted to see Giant's Causeway so it was neat to get to view these. 

Ikitsuki also boasts Japan's largest bronze statute, the Daigyoran Kannon. Being an image of compassion, this Kannon represents world peace and prays for those who are out to sea, as well as morns for those lost at sea and the sea mammals. It has an alter underneath that you can visit and pray at when your spouse is out to sea, something us Navy wives have in common with the local fisherman's wives. It's the only Buddhist statue that I've seen holding a basket of fish. 

We got a little lost on our way out and ended up on some REALLY narrow neighborhood streets. Our car is tiny, it is the size of a little VW bug, but we were still scared we were going to scrape the walls on either side, and it was a two way street! At one point we have to back into someones driveway to let a large truck go by. We were really relieved to get out on the to main road and back over the bridge again. 

Afterwards we headed back over to Hirado Island. Our first stop was one of Hirado's catholic churches, St. Francis Xavier Church. These islands were known for harboring secret Christians and keeping them safe in the past. It is really weird to see this type of structure in Japan and it really sticks out. 

Our very next stop was a buddhist temple, Saikyo-Ji, I thought the contrast and similarities between these holy mother statues very interesting. 

Saikyo-Ji is famous for its fine Buhhist art, leading up to the temple is a path with 88 Jizo Statues. Eisley LOVES them!

The temple also hosts a "crybaby" sumo tournament every February which I think would be fun to attend. It is where two toddlers dressed in Kimonos are sat on cushions facing each other the referee taunts the babies and wears a scary mask. The baby who cries the longest and hardest is the winner. This is a tradition that goes back 400 years and is intended to scare away evil spirits and ensure a strong, healthy life for the babies. It is based on a Japanese proverb that translates to "crying babies grow fast". I've always noticed the Japanese are more amused by crying babies than they are annoyed, maybe this is why, they are just seeing a future Naki-Zumo champion in their minds.

Our final stop was the Hirado City Castle. It takes you back to the age of fierce warlords and old feudal Japan. The keep has an excellent view of the red Hirado bridge and the surrounding bay and city. The castle has been converted into a little history museum.

You can see the catholic church we visited in the upper left.

An outdoor sumo stadium on the castle park grounds.