Minamimatsuura

Southern Matsuura encompasses the Gotō Islands off western Kyushu, where Fukue was a final Japanese stopping place for embassies sailing to Tang China. Ships waited for favourable winds, took on provisions and repaired their vessels before crossing the East China Sea. Temples on the island preserve memories of these journeys: the monk Kūkai is said to have stopped in Gotō on his way to China in 804. The islands remained a meeting place of sea routes and religious traditions.