Fukuoka is a tourist hot spot of Japan, bustling with tourists and travellers both from the island nation and those from overseas, especially from China, Taiwan and South Korea.
Situated on the northern shore of Japan’s Kyushu Island, Fukuoka offers amazing shopping experiences and serves up some of the most delicious gourmet cuisine at its rows of restaurants. But nothing compares to its bountiful sightseeing splendours.
Rie is an Instagrammer who travels to all the different sightseeing spots Kyushu has to offer which she documents on her Instagram page. Today, she gives us a special look at one her most recommended places to visit in Fukuoka: Nyoirin-ji Temple.
Nyoirin-ji Temple is often nicknamed “Frog Temple” due to the many frogs you can see at the temple grounds, a rare sight at a Japanese temple. It’s located in Fukuoka Prefecture’s city of Ogori which can be reached by catching a Nishitetsu Tenjin Ōmuta Line train from Tenjin in the heart of Fukuoka and getting off at Mitsusawa Station. From there the temple is just a 15-minute walk.
Nyoirin-ji Temple is the home of thousands of frogs. A lot of the frog ornaments and items at the temple were collected by the temple’s chief priest.
There’s one ornament which you can take a photo through as seen above, so you should definitely try taking one yourself in your own way. You can even get a goshuin stamp with a frog illustration too if you take your goshuincho stamp book.
The frogs are a given at the Frog Temple, but a must-see is the Wind Chime Festival which is currently running until September. The temple entrance onward is decorated with lots of cute and colourful wind chimes.
Up the stairs you can walk through a wind chime tunnel which gives you a cool, refreshed feeling even in the hot summer.
It costs ¥500 for one wind chime which you can write your wish on before hanging up. You can’t take them home however so be cautious of that!
Nyoirin-ji Temple was built in 729. It is home to a Cintāmaṇicakra statue which is a rare sight in Japan. It is also a registered cultural property of Fukuoka Prefecture. It’s not just a location for kawaii adoration―it has been long been loved by locals since ancient times and has a long history.
The wind chimes will be strung up until the end of September. Their gentle ring is sure to make you feel at peace, so why not try dressing up in a yukata like Rie and experiencing the festival for yourself?
Rie has many other examples of popular tourist destinations from around Kyushu on her Instagram page. Be sure to give her a follow if you’re planning a trip to Kyushu yourself!
Photos by Rie
Information
Nyoirin-ji Temple
Address: 1728 Yokoguma, Ogori-shi, Fukuoka
TEL: 0942-75-5294
Access: 15-minutes on foot from Mitsusawa Station via the Nishitetsu Tenjin Ōmuta Line
Website: http://www.kyushyu24.com/frm10.aspx
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Sat on the northern shore of Kyushu is Fukuoka Prefecture, a hot spot for tourists both Japanese and foreign, particularly those visiting from parts of Asia such as China, Taiwan and South Korea. Fukuoka has its fair share of famous tourist destinations and a delicious collection of gourmet restaurants, but did you know it's also home to lots of different cute and stylish cafes? Today, Instagrammer moe takes us on her trip around Fukuoka's plethora of popular coffee shops and shows 5 must-visit locations.
10 Coffee Brewers
A popular coffee shop also based in in Ōita Prefecture, 10 Coffee Brewers has another branch in Fukuoka's Daimyo district. The mouthwatering beverage you see in the photo above is a vanilla smoothie with tapioca pearls and a shot of espresso. Topped with Oreo cookies, marshmallows and cream, this crave-inducing coffee delight offers a mix of tasty treats and textures that are sure to fill you up after a cup♡ ▼10 Coffee Brewers Address: 1-10-18 Daimyo, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka Opening Hours: 11:30-19:00 Closed: Mondays Official Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/10coffee.fuk/ green bean to bar CHOCOLATE
I ordered two different mousses together with my coffee, both exclusive to this Fukuoka branch of the cafe chain. On the left is the Vietnam x Hojicha and on the right is the Tanzania With Crumble. The cacao beans in both are sourced in separate locations. You can order several different flavours to combine with your mousse. As well as hojicha there is sesame seed, mikan and more. The mousse is crafted with a beautiful spiral shape that screams Instagram-worthy at whatever angle you point your camera at. You can even order them for takeout♡ ▼green bean to bar CHOCOLATE Address: Nishietsu Tenjin CLASS Floor 1F, 1-19-22 Imaizumi, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka Opening Hours: 11:00-21:00 Closed: Wednesdays Official Website: https://greenchocolate.jp/ COFFEE & CAKE STAND LULU
LULU's beverages are served in simple and stylish cups. The drink on the left is the Houjicha Latte and the one on the right is a LULU Latte. Though the Houjicha Latte is a pure white colour it still has that proper houjicha taste to it. Their puddings are a must-try too and can be ordered for takeout but they were all sold out on this day. Their bouncy puddings are really popular, so if you see them on sale there you should definitely pick one up! ▼COFFEE & CAKE STAND LULU Address: 2-3-26 Yakuin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka Business Hours: Weekdays 9:00-18:00 / Weekends & Holidays 11:00-19:00 Closed: Thursdays Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/COFFEE-CAKE-STAND-LULU-1045325205611217/ NO COFFEE
NO COFFEE promotes a coffee lifestyle with their contemporary decor and drinks. The drinks in the photos are the matcha latte with espresso and frozen banana mocha. The matcha latte mixes sweet matcha latte with a shot of full-bodied espresso to create a refreshing combination. The frozen banana mocha is my personal favourite and a perfect choice for when the weather's hot. The cafe is also a concept shop that sells a variety of miscellaneous items. ▼NO COFFEE Address: 3-17-12 Hirao, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka Business Hours: 10:00-19:00 Closed: Mondays (except on national holidays in which case the cafe will close on the following Tuesday) Official Website: https://nocoffee.net/ W/O STAND
Last on the list is W/O STAND, a coffee chain that's popular not only in Tokyo but in Fukuoka too. The hypnotic drink in the photo is a caramel macchiato. It's common to see the illustration on the cup on Instagram in Japan. The picture is different depending on which branch you visit. Their menu is huge too so you'll definitely want to go back more than once to get coffee. ▼W/O STAND Address: ARKCUBE103, 1-3-5 Daimyo, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture Business Hours: 11:00-19:00 No Fixed Holidays Official Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/without_stand_fukuoka/ Did you enjoy this list? Which cafe do you want to visit the most? moe has many more photos of drinks, desserts and food she has tried in Fukuoka on her Instagram page too. If you're planning a trip to Fukuoka when travelling to Japan, be sure to follow moe's Instagram. Photos & Text: momoTranslation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga -
Itoshima is a sizzling tourist hotspot in Fukuoka and this summer, Avex Inc. is turning up the heat with it's annual summer beach party avex beach paradise FUKUOKA to be held at Fukae beach!
Avex Inc. is going all out to add a splash of colour to your summer in true Avex fashion with an unforgettable beach party, plenty to experience and the all important beach house that first landed on the shore of Kyushu in the summer of 2016. The beach house is a large container house with white as the main colour scheme. As you enter, you will be filled with the warm summer vibes of a luxury foreign resort. There's a sky lounge on the second floor of the beach house. You can take a seat here, taking in the picturesque view of the Genkai Sea in one sweep. This is a popular spot amongst the trendy young crowd, who cannot stop taking pictures. The food and drink menu is also fully loaded with summer goodness. Thanks to the barbecue plans available on the official website, you can turn up empty handed, indulge in the barbecue, and enjoy the all-you-can-drink drinks! The BEACH BAR also has a large variety of other drinks including cocktails. The DJ booth is equipped with the latest sound system to make you feel just like you're at an outdoor concert. As the first summer of the Reiwa era, avex beach paradise FUKUOKAis definitely going to be the hottest spot in Japan! Information
avex beach paradie FUKUOKA
Open: Sat 6 ー Sun 7 July
Friday 12th July ー National hol. Monday 16 September.
Opening hours: 10:00 ー 20:00 ※ Sometimes varies
Location: Fukae Kaisuiyokujo, 2129-5 Nijofukae, Itoshima, Fukuoka
※ 30-min drive from Tenjin Kita ICexpressway exit.
※ Closest station: JR Chikuzen-Fukae Station (10-minute walk)
Visitor limits:
25 barbecue sites (up to 4 people per site)
6 sky lounge sites on 2nd floor (Up to 4 people per site)
Extra facilities: Showers, powder rooms, coin lockers, changing rooms, separate boys & girls toilets, speaker system.
Reservations: 092-325-1188（Operation times: 10:00-20:00）
For more information on prices, please visit the avex beach paradiseofficial website: http://avexbeachparadise-fukuoka.com/
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A new category added to the Cool Japan Award―which is run by the Cool Japan Association―is "National Park," which was claimed by Mount Maya in Kobe in May this year for its nighttime scenery. Mount Maya is one of the major peaks of the Rokkō Mountains in Nada, Kobe and stands at a towering 702m high. Located close to the main city of Kobe, those who reach its apex will be able to see many different sights such as Kobe, Osaka, the Kii Peninsula, and Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge. Maya is popular not just with tourists and sightseers, but Kobe locals too who visit it with families to eat bento, or those who take their special somebodies to observe the nightscape. Located on Mount Maya is Tenjō-ji, a temple which the mountain's name has its origins in. This year marks the run of a special event which is held at the temple once every 33 years. Visitors can also go on a guide walk to an abandoned hotel which is normally off limits to the public. Let's take an in-depth look at all the exciting things one can do at Mount Maya. Tenjō-ji Temple, Mount Maya
The originator of Mount Maya's name Tenjō-ji can be found wrapped in nature at the peak of Mount Maya in its National Park. Visitors can enjoy all weathers atop the mountain as the seasons change, but if you go on a clear day, you'll be able to observe as far as Awaji Island, Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, and Shōdoshima. The history of this temple―the only one in Japan to have been built by Maya-bunin―dates back to the year 646 when the high priest of India accepted Emperor Kōtoku's request to build it. Maya-bunin, the mother of Buddha, is prayed to as a guardian of safe childbirth and child rearing. This is where Mount Maya gets its name. The door to three hidden Buddhist statues opened once every 33 years Once every 33 years, a door is opened at the palace to reveal three hidden Buddhist idols: the Eleven-Faced Avalokitesvara, Acala, and Vaiśravaṇa. For the duration of its opening this August, Buddhist sermons will be given three times a day (10:30/12:00/14:00), and visitors will be able to obtain an exclusive goshuin stamp. Running: August 1, 2019 - August 15, 2019Time: 10:00-16:00 (Until 17:00 for this event) Tour guide walk to Mount Maya's historic ruins ~Stroll around and trace the history of Mount Yama~ As well as the temple, Mount Yama formerly bustled with people looking to dine and as well as stay in the accommodation there. After the war and earthquake disasters, a campaign began to restore life to Mount Maya, one part of which is a tour guide walk to the historic ruins. This includes a trip to the former Tenjō-ji temple site as well as the abandoned hotel which is off limits to the general public. Mount Maya's Nightscape ~An internationally recognised landscape~ Mount Maya has been awarded the Cool Japan Award 2019 in the new National Park category for its gorgeous evening view from which one can see Kobe's streets, the port and more. If you're planning a trip to Kobe be sure to use this article as reference! Information
Tenjō-ji Temple – Mount Maya
Address: 2-12 Mayasanchō, Nada, Kobe, HyogoOpening Hours: 9:00-17:00
No Fixed Holidays.
TEL: 078-861-2684Official Website: http://www.mayasan-tenjoji.jp/
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The 2024 holiday campaign by CASETiFY, the global lifestyle brand that advocates for its customers to embrace their individuality with its customizable smartphone cases and tech accessories, has officially begun. Nagomi has been named an ambassador for this year’s CASETiFY Holiday Gift Guide. The key message of the campaign is “You will definitely find the perfect gift for that special someone.” The Holiday Gift Guide features a selection of gifts selected by Nagomi either for yourself or a loved one at CASETiFY's official online store and physical stores. On December 14, Nagomi will hold at event at CASETiFY STUDIO Shibuya PARCO.
Information
Nagomi Holiday Gift Event
Date: December 14, 2024, 12:00~
Venue: CASETiFY STUDiO Shibuya PARCO (Tokyo)
*Times are subject to change.[Content]
・Autographs by Nagomi on product displays in the store
・Holiday Gift Selection advice from Nagomi
・Polaroid photo shoot with select fans
・Special gift giving from Nagomi[How to Participate]
Make any purchase at participating stores between November 25 and December 13
*Participating Stores: Shibuya PARCO, Ikebukuro PARCO, Shinjuku Marui[Participation Details]
From November 25 to December 13, keep any receipts from purchases made at Shibuya PARCO, Ikebukuro PARCO, or Shinjuku Marui and bring them to CASETiFY STUDIO. On December 14, CASETiFY STUDiO will distribute 30 numbered tickets at the store on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 11:00 AM when the store opens. Numbered tickets will be distributed until they are gone.Holiday Gift Guide Official Site
https://www.casetify.com/collection/holiday-gift-guide -
[Channel47] Inbound Travel Product Allowing Visitors to Experience the “Real Japanese Countryside” in Iida, Nagano Prefecture Now on Sale
As part of the ongoing Channel47 project, which uses the power of local resources and entertainment to share Japan and its local culture with the world, a new travel experience titled ‘DEEP EXPERIENCE THE INAKA -TENRYUKYO・IIDA CITY-’ is now on sale, taking visitors to Iida, Nagano Prefecture. Iida City in Nagano Prefecture will be the location for the tour, with the city selected by the Japan Tourism Agency in 2024 for its ‘Project to Promote Expansion and Quality of Inbound Tourism by Providing Special Experiences for Visitors.’ The Minami Shinshu Tourism Bureau helped to create the tour for inbound travelers to experience the “real” Japanese countryside found in the Tenryu Gorge area of Iida City by funding farmhouse homestays in the area. By creating a travel experience that takes advantage of the local resources of Tenryu Gorge in Iida City, we aim to promote sustainable tourism activities by communicating the charm of the region to people in both Japan and abroad, revitalizing local production, passing on traditional culture, and strengthening cooperation between local communities.Information
■Tour Name
DEEP EXPERIENCE THE INAKA -TENRYUKYO・IIDA CITY-■Tour Summary
This is a special tour that allows inbound visitors to experience the traditional culture and beautiful landscapes of Minami-Shinshu. By participating, guests can leave the hustle and bustle of the big city behind, appreciating the true essence of Japan by spending time in the quiet region of Tenryukyo, Iida City, Nagano Prefecture.◼︎Main Points
・A Three-day, two-night all-inclusive tour departing from JR Toyohashi Station with time spent in the Tenryukyo area in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture
・An exclusive train car on the JR Iida Line
・Special snacks and drinks supervised by Yukimoto, a famous restaurant in Iida that was awarded Gold on Tabelog.
・Various experiences in nature in each of the four seasons (such as rafting on the Tenryu River, scenic sky walk, agriculture and livestock farming experiences, etc.)
・Experience traditional Japanese culture (mochi pounding, Fire Festival, Wayuraku, Ningyo Joururi, etc.)
・Stay in a farmhouse homestay to experience real life in the Japanese countryside◼︎Dates
① January 10-12, 2025
② January 12-14, 2025
③ January 17-19, 2025
④ January 19-21, 2025
⑤ January 24-26, 2025◼︎Optional Menu
Dinner at ‘Yukimoto’
*Courses and drinks are not included in the tour price.◼︎Details/Contact
Minami Shinshu Tourism Bureau Sales Page: https://www.mstb.jp/gentei/deepexperience_the_inaka/
Official Tour Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inaka_tenryukyo/ -
Starting March 4, the permanent museum teamLab Forest Fukuoka will transform its artwork into a stunning spring theme. Guests will be able to enjoy gorgeous cherry blossoms for a limited time, and starting March 24, the Catching and Collecting Forest will also be transformed in the same way.
TeamLab’s works are created in real time by procedural generation, meaning that they are always changing and evolving. Each work changes depending on the season.
▼Starting March 4
Both Shifting Valley, Living Creatures of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives – A Whole Year per Year and Animals of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives II – A Whole Year per Year are only available to see during spring. Come and see animals made entirely of cherry blossoms as they roam through the museum!
The work titled Soft Terrain in Granular Topography shows multicolored grains of light pouring from the sky, while Flutter of Butterflies, Ephemeral Life surrounds visitors with brightly colored butterflies
▼Starting March 24
In the Catching and Collecting Forest, visitors can explore with their smartphones and catch various animals made entirely of cherry blossoms.
Information
teamLab Forest Fukuoka – SBI SECURITIES Co., Ltd.
Venue: BOSS E･ZO FUKUOKA 5F, Next to Fukuoka PayPal Dome
Address: 2-2-6 Jigyohama, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Official Site: http://forest.teamlab.art -
The popular female rock band BAND-MAID will perform for the first time at KNOTFEST JAPAN 2023, scheduled for April 1 and April 2 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba.
KNOTFEST was begun by the American heavy metal band Slipknot, and the festival has been held yearly since 2012. BAND-MAID will perform on Day 1 along with headliners Slipknot, Trivium, and MAN WITH A MISSION.
Tickets for the May shows to be held in the United States as part of the BAND-MAID 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR are none on sale. The group managed to bring in over 20,000 fans during their solo U.S. tour in 2022. In addition to performing at Pointfest 2023, Welcome to Rockville 2023, and the Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival, BAND-MAID will also perform six solo shows. With some venues selling out instantly last year, you’ll want to snag tickets while you can!
Information
KNOTFEST JAPAN 2023
*BAND-MAID to perform on Day 1, April 1
DAY 1 – ROADSHOWApril 1, 2023
DAY 2 – FESTIVALApril 2, 2023
Venue: Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Halls 9-11
https://knotfestjapan.com
Official Site: https://bandmaid.tokyo -
Yoshitaka Amano, known by international fans as the artist behind the legendary Final Fantasy video game series, is celebrating his 70th birthday with a unique art project from November 23 until December 8 at Myoshin-ji in Kyoto.
On the first day of the event, the venue, decorated with autumn leaves, was crowded with visitors including foreign tourists, who marveled at the fantastic space filled harmoniously with gold and blue. The exhibition will be held at Myoshin-ji, the head temple of the associated branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. This collection of works was designed to question visitors’ sensibilities and provide a new kind of art exhibition for fans to enjoy. After the exhibition, the main art piece by Yoshitaka himself will be converted to 3DCG, and a Virtual Golden World will be developed in collaboration with the Yoshitaka Amano VR Museum. By integrating traditional and modern art methods, guests will be able to engage more deeply in the art by enjoying digital works, the metaverse, and NFTs. Don't miss this curious exhibition! Information
Golden World: Infinite Light by Yoshitaka Amano
～GOLDEN VIEW OF THE WORLD～
Running: November 23 – December 8, 2022
Venue: Myoshin-ji
Hours: 9:00-12:00 / 13:00-16:00
Tickets on sale until 15:30 each day.
Official Site: https://www.myoshinji.or.jp/
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The cities of Hirosaki and Hakodate in Hokkaido have announced that they will team up with Hatsune Miku’s popular iteration Snow Miku to promote tourism in the area this winter. A number of activities will begin in December 2022. [Snow Miku x Hirohako] Collaboration Project■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Poster Featuring Snow Miku・Period: Mid-November~February 28, 2023・Locations: Facilities in both cities, tourist facilities, hotels, shopping areas ■Snow Miku Illustration Contest Exhibition EventOver 50 illustrations have been submitted under the theme of Snow Miku and Hakodate / Snow Miku and Hirosaki. These will be on display through the winter! ・Running: December 1, 2022 - February 28, 2022 ・Venues: Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center (Hirosaki) Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse (Hakodate) ■Snow Miku Photo SpotSnow Miku panels featuring shamisen and apples from Hirosaki will be on display, while the Hakodate version will include references to squid fishing and footbaths. ・On Display: December 1, 2022 - February 28, 2022・Locations: JR Hirosaki Station, Chuohirosaki Station (Hirosaki) JR Hakodate Station, Hakodate Airport (Hakodate)
■Digital Stamp Rally Using the Mikunavi AppA number of panels will be installed at five checkpoints in Hirosaki and Hakodate. A total of 1,000 people–500 in each city–will win original merch including a Snow Miku mask case and decorated masking tape. All you need to do is check in!・Available: December 1, 2022 - February 28, 2022・Locations: (Hirosaki) Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center, Hirosaki City Machinaka Information Center, Hirosaki Tourist Information Center, Hirosaki Castle Information Center, Tsugaru-han Neputa Village (Hakodate) Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Yunokawa Hot Spring Footbath, Goryōkaku Tower, Hakodate Green Plaza C Block (Hakodate Lumi-Pop), Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward ■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Theme Song and Music Video The tourism theme song will get a new music video that will be broadcast on YouTube, at local tourist facilities, and on TV and radio!・On Air: December 1, 2022~・Theme Song: Mahou no Keshiki (Lyrics/Composition: ryuryu) ■Snow Miku Welcome Announcements to be Broadcast at Tourism Facilities, etc. A one-minute welcome announcement by Snow Miku will air at tourist facilities!・Running: December 1, 2022 - February 28, 2022・Locations: Tourist areas in both cities ■Snow Miku Filters Using ARWhen each barcode is scanned with a smartphone, Snow Miku will appear on the screen! Visitors can take pictures with Snow Miku to commemorate their winter trip to Hirosaki and Hakodate.・Available: December 1, 2022 - February 28, 2022 Information
Hirosaki x Hakodate x Snow Miku Tourism Campaign
Beginning December 2022
Details: https://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/edit.html?id=hirohako