Record tourism is flowing into Japan, but as always, people are going to the same spots – Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. There must be more to Japan than these three prefectures, right? YES! When people first think of Japan, Fukuoka is not usually one of the places that crosses their minds, but it holds its […]
What to Do in Fukuoka – 20 Local Recs to Add to Your Itinerary Read More »
This past summer, I found a lovely place to take in the atmosphere of colorful tinkling windchimes – Mitsuidera or Byodoji in Tagawa City, Fukuoka. While there were no frog statues here like at my other favorite place, Nyoirinji Temple (Frog Temple), the small bubble show and row upon row of chimes were lovely. This
An Atmosphere of Whimsy: Windchimes and Bubbles a Mitsuidera (Byodoji) Read More »
Tsushima Island in Nagasaki Prefecture is widely known within the gaming community as the stage for the action-adventure game, “Ghost of Tsushima.” Not playing many games myself these days, I only recently learned about Tsushima but was immediately intrigued by the area’s fascinating history and geography. Relatively near Fukuoka, yet tucked away in the waters
Japan’s largest lake is located in Shiga, a prefecture situated east of Kyoto on Japan’s main Honshu Island. A well-maintained national cycling route called Biwaichi (meaning “a loop around Lake Biwa”) encircles the lake and surrounding areas. The full Biwaichi route includes the lake’s northern (Nanko) section and southern (Hokko) section for a total of
Biking around Lake Biwa – Japan’s Largest Lake! Biwaichi Cycle Route Read More »
Home to a castle designated as a National Treasure, Hikone is a city that has preserved much of Japan’s rich samurai and castle history from the Edo period. Located in Shiga prefecture which neighbors Kyoto, Hikone is a great place to visit for those looking to explore outside of crowded tourist spots and engage with
Hikone Travel Guide – Shiga’s Castle City! A Great Kyoto Day Trip or Overnight Outing Read More »
I recently visited Mt. Aso in Kumamoto to see and hike around one of the largest calderas in the world! Formed about 70,000 years ago, this massive caldera spans 17 kilometers east to west and 25 kilometers north to south. Even though it is quite large, most visitors convene near the center where the active
Mt. Karakuni (韓国岳) is part of the Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park land and is located on the border of Miyazaki and Kagoshima Prefectures. In the winter, the naked branches of trees along the route are covered with thick ice and resemble pieces of ocean coral (albeit white). From the Ebinokogen Daiichi Parking Lot, it took about
Hiking Mt. Karakuni: Winter Adventures in Southern Kyushu Read More »
Earlier this week, I visited Kunenan Garden (九年庵) and Niiyama Shrine (仁比山神社) in Kanzaki, Saga to check out the fall colors. While this year’s color change has been super delayed, I could still enjoy a nice time taking in the atmosphere of beautiful trees and Japanese architecture. Are you exploring Saga in the Fall? You
Hop aboard The Rail Kitchen Chikugo, Fukuoka’s specialty sightseeing and gourmet food train! Operated by the Nishitetsu Rail Company, this luxury experience was created to bring people together through the food, scenery, and crafts of the Chikugo Region. For a unique way to enjoy the charms of a Japanese train while filling your stomach with
THE RAIL KITCHEN CHIKUGO: Gourment Sightseeing Train in Fukuoka Read More »