Riding the Hello Kitty Bullet Train
That's right. Hello Kitty is such a popular character here that she gets her own bullet train, as I discovered when I accidentally rode it.
CultureShoppingTravel TipsKyushu
March 11, 2019
Area: Fukuoka
ALL 151Fukuoka 43Kagoshima 26Kumamoto 8Miyazaki 5Nagasaki 23Oita 21Saga 11
Hakata Ori – Experiencing the Traditional Weaving of Fukuoka
Hakata Ori is a special type of weaving with silk textile used to make kimonos and obis (sashes). High quality Chinese silk matched with the weaving style of Hakata Ori was unmatched in the whole of Japan. Hakata Ori became the choice textile for wealthy merchants, samurai and the ruling class in Japan. Let’s look how Hakata Ori began and became so famous.
March 5, 2019
5 Best Coffee Shops in Fukuoka
When I visited Fukuoka, I got my hands on a magazine that listed the best local coffee shops in the area, and I spent my time there going to as many of these cafes as I could. It was amazing. So amazing that I want to share with you five of my favorite coffee shops in Fukuoka with the hope that you too will visit them and be blown away. Please keep in mind that this top-five list is based upon my opinion, and that the order I have chosen to present these cafes is in no way meant to rank them. So, here we go: Five of Fukuoka’s Best Coffee Shops.
February 4, 2019
Eat Gold Ice Cream in Fukuoka
In Canal City shopping centre in Fukuoka, for just 980 yen you can eat gold, and ice cream at the same time. This is definitely the fanciest and most wonderfully wasteful ice cream around.
September 7, 2018
15 Things to Do in Fukuoka
Here we present 15 things you can see, do, and experience in Fukuoka.
Food & DrinkNatureShoppingTravel TipsKyushu
May 15, 2018
Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Kitakyushu
A lot of people flock to Tokyo or any of the other more well known touristy places when they plan a visit to Japan but there’s a city that a lot of tourists have yet to really explore but really should--and that is Kitakyushu City.
September 9, 2017
Hakozaki Hachimangu Shrine: The Shrine of Victory
Located in the east area of Fukuoka City, a 15-minute drive from Hakata station, Hakozaki Hachimangu shrine boasts its spacious grounds with beautiful greenery and a long history of bringing good luck that spans many centuries.
September 2, 2017
Dazaifu City: The Ancient Kyushu Government Stronghold
Dazaifu used to be Kyushu’s governmental office which served as a defense force and diplomatic spot for relations with China and Korea.
August 13, 2017
Sumiyoshi Shrine: A Guardian for Seafarers in Kyushu
In early history, the shrine was considered one of the highest ranking in all the land. It’s position facing the Hakata Bay has seen it long revered as a guardian for sea voyagers.
August 5, 2017
The Seeds of Family Bonds: My Rice Planting Experience in Iizuka, Fukuoka
On a pleasant Sunday in June, I participated in a unique one-day rice planting experience with my son. Even for Japanese, the average person rarely gets to plant rice themselves, so I’d like to share my experience.
July 8, 2017
Funky Tiger: A Unique Dining Experience in Mojiko, Fukuoka
I got to ask him why he named his restaurant Funky Tiger-he says it's because he was born in the year of the tiger and 'funky' because his life is always funky.
February 8, 2017
Nanzo-in Temple: The Reclining Buddha Temple
It’s said that a chief priest of this temple won big after laying his lottery ticket next to a statue of Daikoku (one of Japan’s seven Gods of fortune).
December 9, 2016
Hookah in Fukuoka
The concept of the hookah lounge has been ubiquitous in the Middle Eastern world, it has only spread recently to other areas of the globe. Wisps of smoke rise up through the air, enveloping the room in a cloudy fog. The dim, colored lights illuminate the smoke, giving it shades of blue or red. Welcome to a hookah bar!
July 14, 2016
Frisco Burger: Tasting The Best Burgers In Fukuoka City
One of the most difficult things about living in Japan is where to find a decent burger? The hambaagaa served in most restaurants in Japan is nowhere close to being the same thing as having a juicy beef patty on a toasted bun and loaded with condiments.
June 20, 2016
Getting a Tattoo in Japan
Are you looking for a very unique item to bring back from your trip to Japan? Maybe you want something less common than green tea and geta. Perhaps you want something to show off to your friends back home? Are you tired of ubiquitous goods from the 100 yen shop? Maybe you want a souvenir that you will never forget. Well then, perhaps you are ready for a Japanese…tattoo!
June 15, 2016
Overnight Get-away from Fukuoka City: Discover Old-world Japanese Charm and the Magic of Fireflies!
If you are in the Fukuoka City area during early to mid June and want to have a genuinely magical firefly viewing experience- an overnight stay in the countryside town of Nogatashi is an awesome experience!
June 4, 2016
Oohorikoen: Reflexology and Komorebi
A full day can be spent easily in the Oohori park. But if time is a concern, I recommend going in the afternoon. Walk around the path, stop on the reflexology station and sit to see the sunlight filtering through the trees.
March 30, 2016
Fukuoka: A Place for Great Food
When you speak about Japanese culture (at least in Europe) you can usually categorize two different kinds of people. On one hand, the one more into traditional culture (ikebana, calligraphy, taiko), on the other hand, the one more interested in Japanese pop culture (mangas, music, games).
March 28, 2016
