Fukuoka, Japan: Kawachi Wisteria Garden

It was in 2017 when I first visited this garden.  [Read more]  The same as last time, buying a ticket for this place is a bit of a challenge.  Tickets will only be available a few weeks before the opening date.  The garden is likely to open one week before the golden week, then close 1 week after the golden week.  But the good thing this year is that tickets are available online which truly catered the overseas visitors. So better plan your visit here.  Monitor the announcements on the website. 

Oita, Japan: 10 Things to do in Yufuin

I was in Yufuin last 2017 on a day-tour from Hakata, where I also shared things to do in Yufuin.  On my second visit this spring 2023, I stayed for two nights together with my sister.  This time, we decided to take an almost two-hour bus ride from Hakata bus terminal from the Willer Express website.

Japan: Fukuoka and Saga - 5 days Itinerary and Expenses

Travel Date: 03-08 December 2022

Japan: Fukuoka Art Museum

 

Heading to Fukuoka Art Museum, we saw some camelia blooming and ginkgo trees. 

Saga, Japan: Mifuneyama Rakuen

 

As we move further away from autumn weather, the leaves started to dry-up and fall.  Our visit at Mifuneyama Rakuen is during a gloomy day, good thing that we were still able to enjoy the remaining trees in autumn colors.

Fukuoka, Japan: Kamado Shrine

Thanks to Google for providing another option on going to Dazaifu apart from the usual train ride.  It's just on this trip that I learned about a bus availability from Hakata Bus Terminal going to Dazaifu Station.  From Hakata Terminal, near the clock wall, there is an escalator and walkway going to Bus Terminal.  Go to 1F, go to Gate #11, go to the pink lane going to Daizafu. 

Fukuoka, Japan: Gundam in Lalaport

If Tokyo travellers include visiting Odaiba for Gundam, in Fukuoka go to Lalaport to see Gundam.

Fukuoka, Japan: Momiji Hachimangu Shrine

Momiji Hachimangu Shrine

Saga, Japan: Daikōzen-ji

Daikōzen-ji 大興善寺

Admission time (autumn) 8:30-17:30
Entrance fee (Adults): 600 yen

Japan: Fukuoka: 5 days 5 nights Itinerary and Expenses

Travel Date:
May 11-16, 2017 (5 days, 5 nights) [click here for Fukuoka: Spring Itinerary (2016 May)]

Accommodation: Where to stay in Fukuoka?
Hakata Gofukumachi Hostel Takataniya
9-5 Nakagofukumachi, Hakata, Fukuoka, Japan 812-0035
博多 呉服町 ホステル 高谷家
博多区中呉服町 9-5, 博多, 福岡, 日本 812-0035
Hotel Review

Japan: Oita: 8 Things to do in Yufuin

Yufuin, Oita, Kyushu, Japan

Yufuin is two hours away travel by train from Hakata station in central Fukuoka.  If you're in doubt in visiting the place, don't!  Some might be torn between Yufuin or Beppu, but what made me choose this is that the attraction is very much accessible by foot from the train station
You might think that the street shops are tourist trap, but it's not.  It is a joyful experience of unending sweet treats along the way until you arrive at the end of the road with the view of the lake and a serene garden.

2017 May: Japan: Fukuoka: Kurume: Ishibashi Cultural Center

Ishibashi Cultural Center
〒839-0862 1015 Nonaka-machi, Kurume-shi, Fukuoka

2017 May: Japan: Fukuoka: Yanagawa

Yanagawa is the next stop after tourists visit Dazaifu.  I've seen this from Instagram as an emerging place to see.  However, I did not know that visiting the place might be better during festivities or later in the afternoon.

2017 May: Japan: Fukuoka: 5 Things to do in Mojiko Retro

Moji Port (門司港, Mojikō) has been prominent as an international trading port since the late 19th century. Today, although main port activities have been moved to a newer location at Shin-Moji Port, Moji Port retains its relevance as a tourist destination with a flavor from the past thanks to several well-preserved Western style buildings from the Meiji and Taisho Periods. [Reference]

2017 May: Japan: Saga: Karatsu

Karatsu Castle
8-1, Higashi Jonai, Karatsu City, Saga
Castle Admission: Under Construction (May 12, 2017)

Japan: Fukuoka: 5 days Spring Itinerary and Tips

Travel Date: May 15 – 19, 2016 [click here for Fukuoka: Spring Itinerary (2017 May)]

Accommodation: Where to stay in Fukuoka?
Hotel Ascent Fukuoka ホテルアセント福岡
3-3-14 Tenjin Chuo-ku, Chuo, Fukuoka, Japan 810-0001
中央区天神3－3－14, 中央区, 福岡, 日本 810-0001
Phone:+81 92-711-1300
http://www.hotel-ascent.com/fukuoka/
Hotel Review


Important Links:

• Food Review
• Tenjin Express Bus Terminal: Routes to Kumamoto, Saga, Nagasaki, Yufuin, OIta, Kagochima, Miyazaki, etc.
• 100-yen circular bus route between Hakata and Tenjin areas
• Fukuoka Subway Map

Itinerary: Places to go, Things to see, What to do in Fukuoka?

2016 May: Japan: Fukuoka: Nanzoin Temple

Nanzo-in Temple (南蔵院) is a Shingon sect Buddhist temple in Sasaguri, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. It notable for its bronze statue of a reclining Buddha. - [Reference]

2016 May: Japan: Fukuoka: Kyushu National Museum

Kyushu National Museum
4 Chome-7-2 Ishizaka, Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture 818-0118, Japan
Open: 9:30 - 17:00; Closed: Mondays
http://www.kyuhaku.com/

2016 May: Japan: Kyushu: Fukuoka: Dazaifu Shinto Shrine

Dazaifu station is just 2 subway lines away from Hakata, around 40 mins subway travel.  Upon exit, you'll find directions on the floor, maps, and street guides.

Enjoy the old Japanese street (this is closed to vehicles) with lots of restaurant to select from.  Don't miss to take a photo on the uniquely designed Starbucks cafe.  Buy out ceramics and other souvenir on this street. 

2016 May: Japan: Fukuoka: Uminonakamichi

If you are looking for an easier route to bed of flowers than Nokonoshima Island, choose Uminonakamichi which is accessible by subway.  But if you are  not a plant or flower lover, you can skip this since this has less seating and shaded area.  To hot to visit in the  middle of a summer day. 

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

Open: 9:30 to 17:30

Fee: 410 yen

How to get there: transfer to the JR Kashii Line to Uminonakamichi Station

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4810.html