fukuoka
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Hakata Dontaku: One of Japan’s Largest Festivals
Every year on 3 and 4 May, Fukuoka City hosts one of Japan’s largest festivals – Hakata Dontaku. The festival can trace its origins back over 800 years and has been held nearly continuously since. In recent years, over 2 million people come to Fukuoka just to watch the parade, which features over 35,000 dancers,…
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Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine: History and Learning in Fukuoka
Near Fukuoka city, Japan, stands the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. More than just a spiritual haven, it’s a tapestry woven with threads of history, art, and academic aspiration – a place where scholarly spirit meets serene landscapes. Legend and History of Dazaifu Tenmangu The story of Dazaifu Tenmangu begins in the Heian period (794-1185 CE) with…
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Tonkatsu Wakaba: Premiere Pork Loin Restaurant
Located in Fukuoka City, Tonkatsu Wakaba (とんかつわか葉, not to be confused with another small national chain with the same name that is run by Yoshimi!) is a premiere pork loin, pork cutlets and pork curry restaurant. With one of the highest ratings in Fukuoka, a city known for amazing foods, on Tabelog, a Japanese restaurant…
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Hakata-ori: Fabric of Samurai, Sumo and Kimono
Known across Japan for its quality, Hakata-ori has been produced for nearly 800 years in Fukuoka Prefecture. Known equally for its thickness and stiffness as well as its high quality, it has been designated a “traditional craft” by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Hakata-ori – From Then to Now In the beginning Silk…
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Miyajidake Shrine: Fukuoka’s Sunset Boulevard
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PlusOne Nishikoen: Simple Hotel in Western Fukuoka
About PlusOne Nishikoen PlusOne Nishikoen (also written as Plus One Nishikoen), although it has a similar name to other hotels across Japan, is a one-off hotel located near Fukuoka City’s Nishikoen (or “West Park”), which is in the western part of the central district (hence the name). PlusOne Nishikoen is located in an older apartment…
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Hotel Star Residence: Review of Unmanned Hotel in Fukuoka (Japan)
About Hotel Star Residence Hotel Star Residence is an independent, botique unmanned hotel located in Gofukumachi, Fukuoka. Featuring apartments (also known as an aparthotel), there are apartments of all shapes and sizes spread over 4 floors (approximately 4 per floor), so everyone from solo travellers to larger groups will find something here. Location Hotel Star…
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Residence Hotel Hakata 19: Apartment Hotel Style in Tenjin, Fukuoka (Japan)
About Residence Hotel Hakata 19 Location Gallery About the Apartment The good The bad Response to my review What I did while there Verdict About Residence Hotel Hakata 19 Residence Hotel Hakata 19 is an unmanned hotel run by Leading Property Management (LPM) near Tenjin in Fukuoka, Japan. It is part of an accommodation portfolio…
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Tagawa Yamakasa: Unveiling One of Kyushu’s Hidden Festivals
While the vibrant spectacle of the Gion Yamakasa Festival draws crowds to Fukuoka in July each year, nestled in the foothills of northern Kyushu lies another Yamakasa event brimming with its unique charm: the Tagawa Yamakasa. Often overshadowed by its larger cousin, Tagawa’s Yamakasa offers a more intimate experience, immersing you in the heart of…
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Graduation Speech: 18 months at GenkiJACS in Fukuoka
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Nokonoshima’s Charms: Sunflowers and Traditional Japanese Pottery
Near the Kyushu city of Fukuoka in Japan, Nokonoshima invites you to indulge in the natural beauty and rich cultural tapestry it weaves. This article unveils the island’s sunflower allure in August and the mesmerising craft of traditional Japanese tea cup pottery. The Allure of Nokonoshima Nokonoshima, a serene island near Fukuoka, embodies Japan’s unparalleled…
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Hakata: A Tapestry of Rich History and Vibrant Culture
Introduction Fukuoka, nestled on Kyushu Island’s northern shore, boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture. Within its bounds lies Hakata, a historic area that has played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s identity. This article embarks on a journey through time, retracing Fukuoka and Hakata’s historical pathways and highlighting significant historical sites that…
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Munakata Shrine: Discover the Mystical Charm of Hetsumiya
Immersed in the rich cultural tapestry of Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture, Munakata Taisha (or Munakata Shrine) beckons visitors with its spiritual allure and fascinating traditions. It is also known affectionately by the locals as Munataka Jinja. Known for its trio of shrines dispersed across three islands, our journey centres on the main shrine in Munataka Shrine,…
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Hakata Gion Matsuri: Fukuoka’s Spectacular Japanese Festival
Welcome to the Hakata Gion Matsuri, a captivating celebration of Japanese culture and tradition. It takes place annually in the historic city of Hakata, located in modern Fukuoka city. With its dazzling displays of ornate floats, mesmerizing performances, and delectable culinary delights, this festival has been captivating both locals and visitors for centuries. Steeped in…
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Kagura – How to see Japanese Intangible Folk Cultural Properties
This weekend I had the opportunity to see one of Japan’s Intangible Folk Cultural Properties: the Buzen Kagura. This weekend, there was a day of festivities and demonstrations north of Fukuoka at Munakata Shrine, featuring local cultural activities. What is Kagura? “Kagura” refers to a specific form of traditional Japanese dance-drama, performed as part of…
