Fukuoka, Japan

2016 Fall

Japan has been a very popular destination in recent years, especially with the lower exchange rate with the Japanese Yen. A few years ago, I visited Fukuoka on the southern island of Kyushu. I had started my trip to Japan in Tokyo but after staying for a couple days, I headed south. I took the Shinkansen, the Japanese high speed rail line, from Tokyo to Fukuoka. Train travel in Japan is very convenient and comfortable. It's frequent, fast and it usually take you straight to the city centre unlike flying. On the way down to Fukuoka, I stopped at the famous Himeji Castle for a few hours. The castle is located in Hyogo Prefecture and was originally built in the 1300s. It's designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After touring the castle, I caught the train down to Hakata Station in Fukuoka, the terminus of the Sanyo Shinkansen Line.

I stayed at a budget hostel near the city centre. As I arrived in the evening, after checking in and dropping my bag at the hostel, I went to get something to eat. Of course when in Fukuoka, ramen is a must eat. I found this place called Ramen Stadiuminside the Canal City shopping centre that features many ramen shops inside the mall. Checking out the choices, it was a tough decision. I finally picked one spot and it didn't disappoint. The next day, I visited the Kushida Shrine, Ohori Park and remnants of the Fukuoka Castle. Tune in for later updates as I travel around the rest of Kyushu...