Academic inheritance(1)
The legend of Xu Fu’s landing location (Part 1)
It is said that 2,200 years ago, on the orders of Qin Shi Huang, the first Qin Emperor, Xu Fu set sail on the eastern seas in search of a medicine of perpetual youth and longevity. The Kuroshio Current carried him to the Ariake Sea, and he reportedly discovered that medicine on Mt. Kinryu in current Saga City. There are some historic spots in the prefecture that back this folklore.
The medicine of perpetual youth and longevity is said to be Asarum nipponicum, a kind of wild ginger. It alleviates coughing and fever and is used even today as an herbal medicine.
Two thousand two hundred years ago, many people died from even the common cold, so people speculate that it may have been a groundbreaking medicine at the time.
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“Juniper Tree”, the Sacred tree of Nikita Shrine
This tree was reportedly planted as proof Xu Fu had landed there. It is estimated to be 2,200 years old, which accords with history.
Location: 1073 Tameshige, Morodomi-cho, Saga-shi, Saga
PH: 0952-47-4848 (Nikita Shrine)
Website: Nikita Shrine (Japanese Only)
http://nikitajinjya.com/
Admission: Free
Transportation: Approx. 15 min walk from “Hayatsue-sen Yamaryo” bus stop
Approx. 15 min walk from “Yanagawa Line Nomachi” bus stop
Approx. 40 min from Kyushu Jukan Expressway Yame Interchange
Parking: Available (5 buses, 20 standard sized vehicles)
“Asarum nipponicum”
This is believed to be the medicinal plant of perpetual youth and longevity that Xu Fu found.