Last Day in Fukuoka

April 6, 2024November 11, 2024 by elainevitikainen ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

It was our last day in Fukuoka and I was feeling sad about it. The morning was spent at Yusentai Park which was built in 1754. However, it was just in March 1998 that it became a designated tourist spot in Fukuoka. It was an absolute serenity. At the Ohiroma Hall, we enjoyed Macha green tea with Japanese dried confectionery. They also gifted us with origamis. The garden was well maintained and beautiful. You can check out the reel here.

Then it was time for the finale of this trip and it was to return to Maizuru Park where it all started. We didn’t experience the full bloom when we arrived in Fukuoka a week ago. We also wanted to see the Cherry Blossom illuminated. This was a first for me and I’m glad I didn’t miss it. It was an amazing experience. Here is a reel of our final day in Fukuoka. I also have to mention that our last dinner was at an Izakaya. We were treated by a Japanese friend and we had lots of fun and laughter.

I must say I love Kyushu! We could have left to South Korea earlier but changed our plan to stay longer. I tell you that the Sakura in Japan is in the next level. If someone would tell me that they are all the same, sorry I won’t believe you. Many thanks, Japan. You are always amazing! Now off to Seoul for a few days…

And finally, one last tip – stamp collecting! Check this out if you want to know what I mean.

All photos from my Kyushu posts are by Ari Vitikainen at https://www.arivitikainen.com

Loving Yufuin

April 1, 2024April 15, 2024 by elainevitikainen ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

I know that many people were disappointed because it is not easy to get tickets to the popular Yufuin No Mori train. It happened to me too. Although I know that the tickets will be available a month in advance, I was a bit confused because it is a leap year! And since this train ride was the highlight of this Yufuin trip, we decided to stay only one night in Yufuin instead of the initial plan of two nights because tickets were already sold out on the day that we were supposed to go. So yet, another change of plan. I have to mention now that it is always a good idea to book accommodation that has free cancellation.

So what makes this Yufuin No Mori train special? Well, the Yufuin No Mori train has been in operation for 35 years. It’s a beautiful emerald train and its interior is really pretty. It was like going back in time… The train also has its own merchandise and a special 35th anniversary stamp. Don’t miss out on those!

Our ryokan was a few minutes walk from the station and surprisingly, the Cherry Blossom road was just across from it. It was absolutely gorgeous. The day was so sunny with clear blue skies. It was amazing! You can check the reel here as I was sat under the Cherry Blossom.

The ryokan was pretty too and I’m still wondering what made the beddings of the futon so soft… We were also able to enjoy the private Onsen.

Check out the reel of the day here where we explored the Yufuin Floral Village, the cute owls and Kinrin Lake. We also visited the Yufuin Station Showa Museum which was a lot of fun!

Tomorrow will be exciting as we travel to Kurokawa Onsen…

So happy in Fukuoka, Japan

March 30, 2024April 15, 2024 by elainevitikainen ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

We arrived early at Hakata International Port in Fukuoka and we were the first ones to get out of the ferry because we had the Deluxe room. We rented a pocket wifi at the arrival area then took the bus to Hakata Station to leave our luggage at the hotel very close to the station. Then we took the subway to Tenjin to enjoy lunch under the Cherry Blossom while visiting the parks. One difficulty I had was to choose a bento. We were just in one small supermarket but the choices were endless…

It was my first Sakura this year and I can’t believe that one of my dreams just came true – to see the Cherry Blossom in Japan! I was also happy to see Yayoi Kusama’s Pumpkin while walking in Ohori Park! The Spring weather was so lovely but most of the trees were not in full bloom yet. So I decided to cancel our return to Busan in 6 days to stay longer in Fukuoka after our trips from Yufuin and Kurokawa Onsen. I really wanted to experience the full Sakura in Japan.

The next day, we enjoyed breakfast at an old fashioned cafe. Then we went to Hakata Bus station to take the bus to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. I like taking the bus as I enjoy looking out of the window. But when we were queuing at the Bus Station, we were informed that there was a road incident that will take the bus longer to travel. So we took the subway and train instead. There were lots of people in Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. But we found a quiet spot a bit outside of the shrine and enjoyed the Cherry Blossom in full bloom. It was so beautiful and my heart was full! You can watch the reel here. Please don’t forget to click the links too to see how it was.

The next day was yet another change of plan…