Just a 30-minute drive from Hakata, Mt. Abura (油山) in Fukuoka is a great destination for those who enjoy nature and love to get up close to farm animals. Not only is there a 47-hector-wide farm that has around 400,000 visitors each year, but you can also hike through the mountain for stunning scenery and […]
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The Washio Atago Shrine (鷲尾愛宕神社) in Fukuoka is known as one of Japan’s Three Great Atago Shrine. Located on the top of a 68-meter-tall hill, the shrine is famous for its incredible sunrises, cherry blossoms, and night views. Although there is a range of things that you can pray for at Atago Shrine, the most unique thing
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In the middle of the busy commercial Tenjin area in Fukuoka City, the Kego Shrine (警固神社) is a completely different space. The time seems to flow differently in the precinct, making it a nice spot to get some quiet time from the bustle surrounding the shrine.
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Fukuoka is a city that is relatively laid back compared to other big cities in Japan. If you are looking to add a natural spot for a break from the eating and shopping in the city center, consider Nokonoshima (能古島)! This island boasts a seemingly endless field of flowers throughout the year as well as
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If you plan to visit Nokonoshima Island in Fukuoka, ensure Nokonoshima Island Park (のこのしまアイランドパーク) at the northmost of the island is on your itinerary. It is the most beautiful part of Nokonoshima. Especially with its breathtaking view of the flower fields and magnificent ocean as the backdrop, the park of 150,000 square meters has been
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If you want to escape the bustling Hakata city center quickly, Rakusuien (楽水園) at the back of Sumiyoshi Shrine is the perfect place for a short break. The small garden is like an oasis in the city, allowing you to slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature. From mid-November to early December, the garden
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On the southwest of Lake Haruna, Haruna Shrine (榛名神社) has been looking after the region since the late 6th century. The 30-minute walk on the approach from the torii gate to the main worship hall is so mysterious that some sort of sacred power is gained just by taking a short journey! This is especially
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After soaking in Ikaho‘s golden hot spring and enjoying the food and games at the shops lining Ikaho Stone Steps, how about venturing out of the city to meet the farm animals and contemporary artworks in an art museum? Especially in early spring, Ikaho Green Bokujo and Hara Museum ARC are the must-visit spots in
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Although not as famous as Kusatsu Onsen, Ikaho Onsen (伊香保温泉) in Gunma Prefecture is a hot spring town well-known to the Japanese since ancient times. Appeared in the Man’yōshū (万葉集), the oldest extant collection of Japanese waka, the onsen town is a hidden gem filled with natural and cultural elements! So if you are after a
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Mizusawa-dera (水澤寺), southeast of Ikaho Onsen, has been a highly regarded temple for centuries. The temple is filled with amazingly built buildings and Buddha statues. The Tendai sect temple has Eleven-faced thousand-armed Kannon (十一面千手観音) as the main image, so it is also referred to as Mizusawa Kannon (水澤観音). Aside from wishes for safe child delivery
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