Use these guides to help plan your travels!
When I first researched Fukuoka before moving, the top things that came up about the region were its food (Hakata ramen, mentaiko, mizutaki), nature, and beautiful women. I’m not kidding! Apparently, Fukuoka is known for its “bijin” which means “beautiful woman”. Getting back on track, what was not nearly as well known, and in my …
Hands-on Indigo Dyeing at Aizome Kasuri Kobo – Yame, Fukuoka Read More »
Overview Does relaxing in a hot outdoor bath and gazing at a snowy mountain in the distance sound like the kind of weekend for you? If so, head to the onsen town of Yufuin in Oita, Kyushu! (Note, winter is needed for the snowy mountain part). This post contains affiliate links, which means I may …
Top Things to Do in Yufuin, Oita – A Kyushu Hot Spring Town Read More »
Yame: a City of Crafts and Tradition A lot of people come to Japan for the glitzy lights and bustling craze typically found in the streets of Osaka and Tokyo. But far away on the island of Kyushu, a small city called Yame offers visitors a very different scene. In Yame’s Fukushima District, traditional white-washed …
Craft Inn 手 [té]: An Immersive Art Experience in Yame, Fukuoka Read More »
Kurokawa Onsen Village Kurokawa Onsen village is a quiet place nestled in the mountains of Kumamoto, Kyushu. The hot spring village is in Minamioguni, far from the highway making it a special place to retreat into nature. Year-round, you can soak in the outdoor baths, some of which are situated next to a beautiful flowing …
Kurokawa Onsen Village: Onsen Hopping and Overnight Stay Read More »
When spring comes to Japan, it’s time for cherry blossom viewing! If you are looking for some of the best places to enjoy hanami (literally flower watching), search no further as this guide has you covered for top spots to visit in Fukuoka! Since Fukuoka is not nearly as crowded with tourists as hotspots like …
Cherry Blossoms in Fukuoka – Best Places to Visit & Viewing Guide Read More »
Just a ferry ride away from Hiroshima mainland is a small island known as Miyajima or Itsukushima. This peaceful piece of land is famous for its beautiful floating torii gate, nature spots (Mt. Misen and Momijidani Park), seafood, and deer. Visitors flock to Miyajima to get away from the city bustle and experience luxurious ryokan …
What to do on Miyajima – Overnight Stay and Day Trip Guide! Read More »
What is Koyasan? Nestled high in the mountains of Wakayama is a sacred monastery complex called Koyasan. This area is the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism and was founded in 816 AD by a monk named Kukai (posthumously known as Kobo Daishi). Koyasan is one of Japan’s most holy sites and is visited by pilgrims and …
Buddhist Temple Retreat at Koyasan: Guide to an Overnight Stay Read More »
Every year on January 7th, a blazing fire cuts through the evening darkness at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. A group of men dressed in colored robes lift massive fans to stoke a fire and send smoke into the air. Another group bashes into the walls of a wooden building to break it down. What is going …
Fukuoka is a city bursting with a vibrant food and drink scene. Walk down the streets and small cafes and shops greet you with tempting sweets and the tantalizing smell of grilled food and baked goods. When it comes to cafes, the city has something for everyone. There are tiny, cozy spaces that serve handcrafted …