Hidden Statue of the Earliest Pro Wrestler of Feudal Japan

This foreboding fellow is hidden away in Sumiyoshi Shrine, located south of Hakata station and Canal City. According to the inscription next to it, he was a sumo wrestler in the early 19th century. I guess sumo wrestlers used to be muscular, not fat? Either that, or the statue's artist was prone to flattery.

I'm not sure what the connection could be between a sumo wrestler and a religious shrine. Usually, you see statues of foxes, warriors or historical figures at places like this. As far as I know, this is the only place where a sumo wrestler is revered.

The statue's eyes seemed to be made of gold. They gave it an eerily life-like (yet demonic) look, as if it were one of those pantomimes who pretend to be a statue.

Fukuoka Overlooked, Part 1: Nokonoshima's Hilltop Tower

Fukuoka Overlooked is a series on less-well-known places to visit, things to see, and businesses to patronize. Everyone knows about Fukuoka Tower, Yahoo! Dome, Hakata-za, and the yatai of Nakasu, but here we'll be showing the hidden gems and little things of interest that most tour brochures omit.

First up: Nokonoshima's lookout tower.

Nokonoshima, or Noko Island, is one of Fukuoka's most-visited tourist hotspots, as well as being a favorite with locals. Different species of flowers populate its fields nearly year-round, and sandy beaches with a view of the city await Summer's beachcombers. But most people only visit for the fee-for-entry park, and overlook the rest of the island.

The toll-park only occupies a small portion of the island's northern area. The rest is free to explore! So instead of taking a bus from the ferry terminal straight to the park, consider setting off on foot and winding your way around the island.

At the center of the island is a small hill which makes for a good 30 minute hike. It leads up roads lined with old houses, new schools and seemingly unused fields. At the top, there's a 20-metre or so lookout tower with an excellent, panoramic view of Fukuoka city and the entire harbour area.