Hey, you! How's it going?
November last year, we visited the beautiful country of Japan. Our first stop was Fukuoka. It was just a quick 5-day trip but we loved it, definitely. At one point in our lives, during our childhood, most of us dreamed of visiting Japan someday. It might just be a fantasy in my head, but never would I've imagined that I'd be visiting the country at this time and age. (I thought of and missed Mike during this trip since he always wanted to go, too).
Anyway... we booked our roundtrip tickets via Cebu Pacific — from Manila to Fukuoka, then Tokyo to Manila. We were not expecting much in Fukuoka except their famous Ichiran ramen, but surprisingly, the entire city caught our hearts!
We arrived at nighttime in Fukuoka and our first agenda? Ichiran, of course! There was no line when we arrived and only had to wait for a few minutes before we were accommodated. We ordered the basic one which costs ¥1,140 (around Php500). As someone who appreciates ramen, but not an expert on food, it was satisfying. Perfect temperature, noodles are cooked nicely, meat is tender, and seasoning is complementing. You can opt out the meat and adjust the spiciness according to your liking.
We roamed around the city after dinner and it's still not yet sinking in that we were already in Japan! The city lights, people you come across with, and their style, the nightlife — ahhh, it was so surreal!
Day 1: Kyushu & Oita
a. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
We booked our Kyushu and Oita day tour via Klook, as always. Our first stop was the Shrine in Dazaifu. Autumn already started so the wind was already breezy, and the temperature was perfect at 15 - 18°C —not too cold, but definitely required layering!
We arrived at the shrine with a lot of tourists, but we waited patiently so we can take our photos! We tried our luck with their fortune telling. The words were written in Japanese so Google Translate is your friend! It was definitely a must-have experience.
b. Beppu Ropeway
We rode a cable car that costs around ¥1,800 if I remember correctly. It's a 10-minute uphill ride to reach the Tsurumi Sanjo Station at 1,300m above sea level. The view from there was breathtaking! The sun was out but the weather was pleasantly windy!
c. Kinrin Lake
My favorite part of the trip! It was like a scene taken straight out of animé. It looks so majestic it couldn't be real! The water was so calm and the view is mesmerizing! We stayed for as long as we could just adoring the scenery.
My sister grabbed some matcha latte and warabi mochi (starch balls) on our way back. Ended the day with a quick Don Quijote shopping.
Day 2: Tenjin, Fukuoka Tower
On our second day, we started to DIY everything. We didn't have to get up super early and so we took our time. Started our day with a brunch at a hole-in-the wall pork cutlet restaurant. The rates are mid, not too expensive but not cheap either. Their katsudon was chef's kiss! The serving was huge that we weren't able to finish our meal even if we went in hungry. If only they could be taken away though.
Afterwards, we stopped by a cultural museum nearby which is free admission. The staff there are mostly elderly and they're really nice and friendly!
We rode a train and a bus to see the Fukuoka Tower. And took a stroll around the Momochi seaside park. We had to try their McDonald's on our way back and ended the day walking around Tenjin and Bookoff (thrift store) & GU shopping.
Day 3: Ohori Park, Fukuoka Castle
Had breakfast at Mister Donut, and just walked to our destination. Weather was sunnier than the other days, at 20°C, but still it was windy. The park was not too touristy, you can take your photos calmly. And what I liked about here (and Japan in general) is that, people give way and take turns when taking photos at a famous spot. There's an invisible line where they would line up and wait for their turn. ♥
Today, we explored temples! We visited Kushida Shrine which is 10-minute away from our hotel. Then, we walked to Tochoji Temple, as one of the oldest temples in Fukuoka, that housed a giant wooden Buddha.
Along the way, we wouldn't miss a cup of matcha latte and warabi mochi on the side. Had some BookOff shopping again and we ended the day in Canal City, bought Onitsukas, and watched the Fountain Show in the evening.
Day 5: Last day at Fukuoka. Flight to Tokyo.
Before leaving, we had breakfast at McDonald's and run to the nearest 7-Eleven, in a very cold and windy 9°C weather, to grab some goodies and face masks (they were so soft and non-irritating). We booked a car transfer from our hotel and headed to Fukuoka local airport.
Read: Tokyo Day 1 (in progress)
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