Backpacking in Kyushu (Fukuoka)

Japan Adventure - 2019 Summer Trip

#trip #backpacking

“You lose sight of things and when you travel, everything balances out.”

It was already dark when I arrived in Fukuoka. After more than an hour of searching and moving around, I decided to call it a day. At the hostel, I cleaned up, did my laundry, ate Hakata ramen, and checked my itinerary for the remaining days. I met someone from the Philippines at the hostel. Surprisingly, we are from the same hometown. I found out later that one of the hosts at the hostel I stayed studied English in my hometown. Wow! What are the odds?

Days 5 - 6

My first destination was Namzoin Temple where the world's biggest bronze statue; Reclining Buddha, is located. I started my day early. It wasn't so hot and there were just a few people at the temple so I took my time marveling at the place. My solo pictures were all taken by other tourists. 

Forty-five minutes by bus from Hakata station is Dazaifu. Someone in the area told me that students and teachers visit Dazaifu Tenman-gu during the examination season to pray for academic success. Also seen here is, Kyushu National Museum, the 4th national museum in Japan. It has a striking modern architecture that can make tourists mistake it to anything else. My last stop for the day is Momochi Seaside Park located along the Hakaya Bay. It showcases beaches, museums, and a list of shops to dine. Another attraction in the area is Fukuoka Tower which is the tallest seaside tower in Japan. 

My last day in Kyushu concluded with a whole day of walking. I started at a scenic park; Ohori Park, moving up to Maizuru Park where the Fukuoka Castle Ruins are located. Not far from the ruins is Canal City Hakata, a must-see large shopping complex where people eat, shop, and relax after a tiring day of enjoyment. Ending my trip is a walk to Naka River. A pleasant river where famous Yatai stalls are normally found. After eating an enormous amount of food, I bought 'omiyage' for my schools and headed to the airport.