Good day, my title is Hong – at present working on the Japan Tourism Promotion Company (JNTO). I spent greater than 4 years dwelling and finding out in Oita province, Japan. Right now, I wish to share the expertise of a day of discovery Fukuoka Prefecture. Should you don't know a lot about Fukuoka, hopefully this text will assist you will have an outline in addition to rekindle your intention to journey to this stunning land.
A quick introduction: Fukuoka is a province on the island of Kyushu, situated within the south of Japan. Getting right here from Vietnam is extraordinarily straightforward as a result of there are direct flights from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh to Fukuoka worldwide airport. Now let's begin exploring the locations on this place!
Marine World Aquarium – Fukuoka metropolis
The primary place on my journey was the Marine World aquarium in Fukuoka metropolis. With the theme “Kyushu Sea”, at Marine World you’ll be able to observe numerous species of marine life dwelling on this space, from crustaceans dwelling on the low backside to coral species dwelling in shallow water, together with many species of fish, jellyfish, turtles, seals,… bringing a various expertise to guests.
The primary spotlight of the indoor space is the massive 7m tall aquarium that recreates the Kyushu ocean scene with many marine species dwelling collectively equivalent to sharks, rays, turtles,… making me really feel actual. It's like being within the ocean. Not merely standing and observing, Marine World additionally has an space that permits guests to straight expertise touching a number of the creatures.
Left picture: Massive aquarium glass tank connecting the first and 2nd flooring. Proper picture: Me and the black starfish
Along with the indoor space, Marine World additionally has an outside exercise space for visitors to expertise equivalent to feeding fish, visiting penguin habitats, watching dolphin and seal performances,…Particularly, for the dolphin present, as an alternative of sitting on the stands like many different aquariums, there may be additionally an awesome restaurant situated proper beneath the stands, so we selected to go there. so you’ll be able to take pleasure in scrumptious meals whereas watching dolphins swimming from a unique perspective.
See dolphins from a really shut distance
Tackle: 18-28 Saitozaki, Higashi District, Fukuoka Metropolis, Fukuoka Prefecture
Steered methods to get round: From Hakata station, take the Kagoshima line to Kashii station, then change to the Kashii line to Uminonakamichi station, then stroll about 10 minutes to the aquarium.
Opening hours: 9:30 ~ 17:30 (final admission time 16:30)
Ticket value: 700 yen ~ 2,500 yen (about 114,000 VND ~ 408,000 VND) relying on age
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park – Fukuoka metropolis
Should you've made the trouble to go to Marine World Aquarium, don't miss it Uminonakamichi Seaside Park Proper close by, solely about 10 minutes stroll from the aquarium. Uminonakamichi Seaside Park isn’t merely a spot the place you’ll be able to leisurely stroll and benefit from the surroundings, however it’s also a big built-in complicated together with a zoo, flower backyard, water park, biking path, and so on. ..numerous actions provide you with that have.
Supply: Fb @CamnhanNhatBan
Particularly, when you come to this park in April ~ Could, you’ll have the chance to admire the nemophila flower subject – blue eyes flower – stretching earlier than your eyes like an infinite inexperienced carpet. Take photographs to examine in right here. all the time right. Should you intend to expertise this stunning park, bear in mind to examine the opening schedule on the park's web site upfront.
Tackle: 18-25 Saitozaki, Higashi District, Fukuoka Metropolis, Fukuoka Prefecture.
Steered methods to get round: About 10 minutes stroll from Marine World aquarium. Or if coming from Hakata station: take the Kagoshima line to Kashii station, then change to the Kashii line to go to Uminonakamichi station.
Opening hours: 9:30 ~ 17:30 (March ~ October), 9:30 ~ 17:00 (November ~ February).
Ticket value: 210 yen ~ 450 yen (about 34,000 VND ~ 73,000 VND) relying on age.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine – Dazaifu metropolis
After visiting and having lunch at Uminonakamichi park, my subsequent vacation spot was the temple Dazaifu Tenmangu Temple in Dazaifu metropolis. Though it takes about 1 and a half hours to journey by prepare, Dazaifu Shrine is a vacation spot to not be missed in Fukuoka Prefecture as a result of it’s a well-known shrine worshiping the god of studying Michizane Sugawara with a historical past of greater than 1,000 years previous.
Supply: Fb @CamnhanNhatBan
Once I got here to Dazaifu, it was the start of the brand new 12 months, so I met many households and kids who got here right here to wish for easy crusing in exams and research. On the temple, there are various fortunate charms on the market. You too can purchase an ema picket board, write your needs on it and hold it within the temple grounds for good luck.
Left picture: The primary bridge resulting in the temple, spanning the Koi fish pond. Proper picture: Kids wash their fingers earlier than praying on the temple
Amulets for good luck in finding out are hung in lots of temples. Supply: Fb @Hauvu
Along with the primary temple grounds, alongside the street resulting in the temple, there are various outlets promoting umegae mochi (a sort of rice cake full of crimson beans that may be very well-liked with the locals) in addition to numerous memento outlets. Don't overlook to cease by to purchase some small memento presents at this temple!
Supply: Fb @Hauvu
Tackle: 4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu Metropolis, Fukuoka Prefecture
Steered methods to get round: From Uminonakamichi station, take the prepare to Futsukaichi station, then take bus quantity 1-2 to Kyushu Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan-mae bus cease, then stroll about 10 minutes to the temple.
Opening hours: 6:30 ~ 19:00. Opening occasions could change relying on the time of 12 months, to make certain, please examine the schedule on the temple's web site upfront.
Ticket value: Dazaifu Shrine is open free of charge. However if you wish to go to the encompassing space equivalent to Dazaifu Amusement Park or Kyushu Nationwide Museum, you’ll have to purchase an admission ticket.
Fukuoka Tower – Fukuoka metropolis
After visiting Dazaifu Tenmangu Temple, it was virtually late afternoon, so we rapidly moved to our subsequent vacation spot. Fukuoka Tower – which was voted as one of the crucial stunning evening view areas in Japan.
Supply: Fb @CamnhanNhatBan
This tower is the tallest in Fukuoka Prefecture, together with 3 remark decks, of which the very best is 123m, giving guests spectacular views of Fukuoka metropolis in addition to the whole province.
Particularly, Fukuoka Tower is designed with mirror slices protecting the skin of the tower, creating spectacular gentle reveals on particular events equivalent to cherry blossom season, Valentine's Day, Christmas,… You may Verify the schedule of those performances upfront on the tower's official web site so that you don't miss the chance to see it with your individual eyes.
Supply: Fb @CamnhanNhatBan
After shopping for a sightseeing ticket on the primary flooring after which taking the elevator to the observatory, you can be overwhelmed with the panoramic view of the dreamy metropolis of Fukuoka at evening showing proper earlier than your eyes. Particularly, the ground on the highest observatory can also be lined with a layer of luminescent gentle that glows within the evening, so this can be a favourite check-in picture angle for vacationers.
Tackle: 2-3-26 Momochihama, Sawara District, Fukuoka Metropolis
Steered methods to get round: From Dazaifu station, take the prepare to Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) station, then take bus quantity 302 at Tenjin Expressway bus station, journey about 20 minutes to Fukuoka Tower Minamiguchi bus station.
Opening hours: 9:00 ~ 22:00 (final admission time is 21:30)
Ticket value: 200 yen ~ 800 yen (about 32,000 VND ~ 130,000 VND) relying on age
Nakasu Meals Avenue – Fukuoka Metropolis
My final cease on this journey was Nakasu meals avenue to recharge my vitality after an extended day of touring and exploring.
Nakasu Meals Avenue These are primarily out of doors meals stalls (referred to as yatai in Japanese), opening alongside the Naka River. That is thought of a typical cultural function of Fukuoka metropolis that guests can not miss when coming to this place.
Nakasu Meals Avenue is situated very near the town heart, open every single day from 6pm to 2am. The yatai stalls are positioned subsequent to one another, every counter can seat about 7 ~ 8 clients. It could be a bit cramped if the stall is just too crowded, however quite the opposite, it creates an especially vibrant and bustling house. made me clearly really feel the every day tradition of the indigenous folks.
The dishes offered are very numerous equivalent to yakitori (rooster skewers), oden, yakisoba (fried noodles), ramen,… however the costs are usually not too costly. Should you've made the trouble to go to Fukuoka, positively don't miss this very Japanese culinary avenue, you gained't remorse it!
Tackle: Hakata district, Fukuoka metropolis, Fukuoka prefecture
Steered methods to get round: From Fukuoka Tower, take bus quantity 6 at Fukuoka Tower Minamiguchi bus station, journey about 40 minutes to Nakasu-Minami Shinchi bus station, then stroll about 3 minutes to Nakasu meals avenue.
Opening hours: 18:00 ~ 2:00 the subsequent morning
Well-known dish in Fukuoka Prefecture
Along with Nakasu meals avenue, Fukuoka Prefecture additionally has many scrumptious dishes for vacationers to take pleasure in. Two of them that I wish to introduce are Hakata ramen and Motsunabe sizzling pot.
Supply: Fb @CamnhanNhatBan
Hakata ramen is a well-known dish of Fukuoka Prefecture, well-known for its fatty, collagen-rich bone broth, served with tender items of pork, seaweed and onions.
One other well-known dish is Motsunabe – pork or beef gut hotpot. Listening to the title could make many guests afraid, however you’ll be able to relaxation assured that every one substances have been fastidiously cleaned earlier than processing. The new pot broth is wealthy in miso sauce, accompanied by garlic, chives, and chili, creating an unforgettable taste for diners. Particularly, don't overlook to take pleasure in Mostunabe with some Kyushu shochu wine to extend the deliciousness of the dish!
A day of exploration in Fukuoka Prefecture made me extraordinarily happy as a result of I used to be in a position to expertise all of the nuances of this place, from the bustling fashionable metropolis to the gorgeous and peaceable nature. Should you don't like overcrowded cities like Osaka or Tokyo, Fukuoka is an especially excellent vacation spot so that you can leisurely expertise life in Japan!
*The Japanese yen trade fee within the article is calculated in accordance with the up to date trade fee as of Could 22, 2024 (1 yen = ~163 VND).