1.
A Reclining Buddha is a relatively rare site in Japan as most are sitting or standing. Sitting indicates that the Buddha is meditating whilst the reclining pose represents the fact that the Buddha is just about to die and enter the state of Nirvana. This state is much more common in South East Asian countries such as Thailand and Laos, so we have discovered a rare find here in the rural confines of Fukuoka.
Not only is the Temple well known for its Reclining Buddha but in fact the rest of the Temple is pretty spectacular in itself. Every twist and turn (there are many) unfolds another attraction, another place or worship and another set of Statues, although obviously not as big as the reclining Buddha.
20 minutes
2.
Without a doubt the best and most popular Shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture is the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine located approx. 30 minutes from central Fukuoka City.
The Shrine is dedicated to the God of Learning and as such is busy all through the year with many student visitors coming here to pray for upcoming success in their educational endeavors, especially during examination time at various periods during the year.
15 minutes
3.
Everyone loves Ramen! It is the lifeblood of the populace of Fukuoka and most of Japan to tell you the truth. Ichiran Ramen is originally from Fukuoka and has been exported all over the world so when I found out that they have a Factory and Restaurant just outside Fukuoka City in the coastal area of Itoshima, I made it my mission to go and check out this establishment at my earliest possible convenience.
The drive out to Itoshima is always a pleasant one. Lots of open spaces, fields of various fruits and vegetables and a countryside feel about it when compared to the busy Fukuoka City streets. To reinforce this non urban scene, the entrance towards the main building is also rather amazing as it is a full on Bamboo Grove that even though not fully grown is quite impressive never the less.
20 minutes
4. Suginoya Brewery
Suginoya Brewery is one of the most popular stops on our Itoshima Peninsular Day Tours out of Fukuoka. Why is this? Well, it all about the tradition of the Sake Brewing process, exploring the old but esthetically pleasing building as well as the tasting experience that gets everyone fully involved in the process.
The Brewery is over 140 years old and it shows but in a traditional and authentic way. No one wants to go to a brand new building that lacks character and history, it is for this reason that a huge majority of our customers have rated this attraction as their favorite one on the day.
10 minutes
5. Yusentei Park
Yusentei Park located in the middle of Fukuoka City is in a nutshell a rare find of a location that will tick all your Japanese Cultural boxes. So many things, quintessentially Japanese that you will be constantly held in amazement and culturally in a head spin. I have lived in Japan for nearly 15 years now and I am still bewildered that it took me this long to find a place like this!
Yusentei Park was first built in 1754 as a place of relaxation for a local Lord. After many years and a complete restoration it was opened to the public as the first Japanese Gardens within the Fukuoka City area. In modern times it has become a designated tourist spot with thousands of Japanese and international visitors alike, receiving calmness and peacefulness within its various activities and views to be enjoyed. by all.
10 minutes
6. Hakata Port Tower
The Hakata Port Tower is a place that I had been intending to visit for a very long time. However, the first time I tried to making a booking (not necessary now) at the premises I was told that it was closing because of Corona anti measures in mid 2020. Fast forward to present day where most if not all sightseeing attractions have reopened back up to the public, the Hakata Port Tower stands out as a beacon of hope that the worst has come and gone and that life and travel are basically back to normal pre-pandemic levels.
Conveniently located in the Bayside district of the Hakata Port complex it is walking distance from Hakata Station and Tenjin the 2 most popular downtown areas of Fukuoka. The Hakata Port Tower is also only 2kms from the Fukuoka International Cruise Terminal and this stop has become a regular last attraction site on our Full Day Shore Excursions. It's a wonderful last photo and memory of the day before returning to your cruise to sail off to the next location.
5 minutes
7. Megane Bridge
The Spectacle Bridge in Isahaya is a double arch stone bridge spanning a pond at Isahaya Park, which is one of the main sightseeing places of the area. The bridge is twice the size of the famous Spectacles Bridge in Nagasaki City and has many temples and shrines as well as walking trails that you could easily spend 1 or 2 hours here soaking up the ambiance.
The bridge was originally built over the Honmyo River in 1839. However, after the flood of 1957, it was relocated to the park. Every year on the anniversary of the flood, the city of Isahaya has a festival at the original location of the bridge. It was designated as an Important Cultural Asset in 1958.
5 minutes
8. Shimabara Castle
Shimabara Castle is located between the Ariake Bay and Mount Unzen on the Shimabara Peninsular. The outer moat is 15 meters deep and between 30–50 meters wide, extends 360 meters east-west and 1260 meters north-south. The main building has five stories, a height of 33 meters and is connected to two secondary buildings, each with three stories.
The Arita Clan (Christian ruler) ruled over the domain from Hinoe Castle and Hara Castle. After the start of the national isolation policy the Tokugawa Regime banned Christianity from 1614 and replaced Arima with the Matsukura Clan. Matsukura, who strictly enforced the prohibition against Christianity with mass executions, also severely raised taxes to pay for the construction of his new Shimabara Castle from 1618-1624. This oppression of the peasants was a major factor leading to the Shimabara Rebellion. Shimabara Castle Nagasaki came under siege during the Shimabara Rebellion but was not damaged.
15 minutes
9. Samurai Houses
There aren't too many places left in Japan where one can step back in time and literally feel what it was like to live in these exciting yet dangerous times in Japan where the Samurai yielded ultimate power and demanded total respect. The houses are basic and it is evident that living was quite antiquated and very traditional. The kitchen too was very rudimentary and of course a lot on ingenuity was needed to cook and prepare the food for the huge number of immediate family as well as extended family, guest and of course acquaintances that visited the house every now and then.
10 minutes
10.
The Damaged Houses were a direct result of the Unzen volcano explosion and there has been several major eruptions in its history. The volcano erupted most recently from 1990 to 1995, sending pyroclastic flows (superheated clouds of volcanic gas and ash) down toward the towns below. While most people were safely evacuated, 43 journalists, scientists and their taxi drivers were killed. The eruptions also destroyed buildings on the outskirts of Shimabara City.
5 minutes
11. Unzen Jigoku (Unzen Hell)
Unzen Jigoku Hells in Nagasaki is located within the Unzen Town district and is designated as a National Park. It is where you will find many wild birds and alpine plants as well as other attractive features such as frost in winter (January to February) crimson foliage in autumn (October and November) cherry blossoms in Spring (March and April) and Azaleas in summer (May and June).
One can walk around the area within a reasonable amount of time (approx 30 to 40 mins), take a multitude of photos of plant and bird life around the hells area and also enjoy sulfur infused boiled eggs cooked within minutes right in front of your eyes. These eggs taste amazing and combined with just the right amount of salt for added tasting pleasure they are out of this world and will be absolutely the best boiled eggs you will ever taste in your life!
10 minutes
12. Hot Foot 105
Just imagine, the location right on the waters edge. The picturesque seaside views combined with the healthy steamed vegetables, various snacks, alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages as well as the chance to soak these weary feet in the 40 degree celcius foot baths equals a magical and mind boggling experience that stimulates all the senses.
The other day I had 4 cobs of corn that i could have steamed or boiled at home but i decide to have a stroll down to the Foot baths and steam them the natural and healthy way that mother nature intended us. What can I say, the finished product is not only fresh and juicy but the salty hot spring steam infuses itself into the corn and seasons the vegetables naturally.
15 minutes
13. Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
The Atomic Bomb Museum in Nagasaki is located in the park above the epicenter. It's exhibits show the overwhelming destruction caused by the bombing while also telling us the importance of world peace and the removal of weapons to protect the Earth from something like this ever happening again!
It is a very sobering place and definitely not for the faint hearted as the stories, exhibits and pictures are extremely graphic. There hasn't been a time when I haven't seen someone crying out loud and or emotionally uncontrollable. This museum definitely isn't every one's cup of tea. However, it is important to remember history and not to forget about the past as this is the way we don't make the same mistakes of the past. So, in that sense the museum can be a great place to come together and never let this happen again for the benefit of mankind.
15 minutes
14. Nagasaki Peace Park
Nagasaki Peace Park was born from the infamous day forever etched into history and the minds of those associated with this disaster. The death toll was 74,000 people, with another 75,000 suffering injuries. Within a 1 kilometer radius of the hypocenter almost 90% of the people died. Burns caused by the heat rays of the atomic bomb were severe, with the surface skin being completely burned and falling off thus leaving tissue and bone exposed. People were thrown by the force of the blast and countless pieces of glass and other debris pierced their skin. The radiation penetrated deep into people's bodies causing them to suffer injuries and diseases such as cancer and leukemia to this very day.
10 minutes
15.
An amazing place where the water is blood red and worships the famous Japanese Oni, otherwise known as a devil.
10 minutes
16. Jumonjibaru Observation Deck
On one of the tallest peaks in Beppu you will have a panoromic view of the amazing countryside and city sights far below.
5 minutes
17. Yufuin Onsen
there are hundreds and hundreds of shops to explore on the main shopping street but the real gem here is Kirin Lake, with its picturesque vistas whilst strolling around the outside walking path. At certain times of the day and the year the refections and mist that radiates off the lake are absolutely spellbounding and shouldn't be missed.
20 minutes
18. Sapporo Beer Kyushu Hita Brewery
If you are a beer lover this is the place for you to learn and to enjoy a glass or 2 or 3.
15 minutes
19. Mamedamachi Shopping Street
Wander around the delightful shopping street in Hita City to find that one special product to take home.
20 minutes
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