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Mar 30, 2021 • 7 min read
Fukuoka Prefecture
Tasty: Yatai food carts for a city on the move
The city of Fukuoka – the largest on the island – is Japan’s emerging destination for tech start-ups and innovators, with a vibrant food scene to match. Explore the Tenjin and Nagahama neighborhoods, where you can enjoy meals at over 100 yatai food carts, offering unparalleled cooking and camaraderie.
Both locals and visitors eagerly anticipate indulging in Hakata ramen, the city’s distinctive rendition of noodles, known as tonkotsu rāmen, which is served in a rich broth made from pork bones simmered for hours.
Tasty: Itoshima seafood and seasoning
Itoshima, renowned for its stunning beaches, is increasingly recognized as a culinary hotspot throughout the year. Be sure to visit Tokuei Maru, a local oyster shack that serves the freshest seafood imaginable. Boats pull right up to deliver the daily catch, offering a self-service grilling experience during the winter months.
Another notable spot is Kobo Tottan’s Mataichi no Shio, known for its artisanal salt made from minerals sourced from the Itoshima Peninsula’s mountains and sea. One of its popular offerings includes caramel pudding topped with a sprinkle of salt – arrive early to savor this treat!
Lavish: Seaside views and dining at Sangaono-Isshuan
For a complete Itoshima experience, consider a stay at Sangaono-Isshuan, a traditional Japanese inn that provides stunning views of the Genkainada Sea. The elegant interior features wafu (Japanese) design elements such as tatami mats and futons, complemented by private open-air baths available for reservation.
The inn showcases seasonal cuisine highlighting local specialties, including Itoshima beef and fresh seafood, served on terraces with breathtaking ocean vistas.
Saga Prefecture
Quirky: A new way to browse books, at Takeo City Library
When visiting Takeo City, don’t miss its extraordinary library, garnering significant attention for its innovative design. Upon entering, visitors are immediately met with the enticing aroma of fresh coffee from a café integrated within the library, along with a bookstore that enhances the experience.
Established in 2000 and fully renovated in 2013, the Takeo City Library attracts over a million visitors annually, despite the city’s population of only 49,000. This lively venue mixes both commercial and public spaces, drawing crowds and redefining what a modern library can be.
Quirky: A surprising find at Takeo Onsen
If you have traveled through Tokyo Station, you may have noticed animals from the Chinese zodiac adorning its octagonal dome. When the station underwent renovations for its centenary, efforts were made to locate the other zodiac signs. The famed architect of Tokyo Station, Kingo Tatsuno, inadvertently led to the discovery of four missing animals at Takeo Hot Springs, creating a fascinating connection.
Visitors to Takeo Onsen can uncover this story along with its historic significance. The unique architecture and rich stories add depth to the experience.
Quirky: Takeo Hot Springs and Moto-yu
Takeo Hot Springs boasts a history of over 1,300 years and is known for revitalizing Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s armies. Its stunning, lacquered Chinese-style entrance gate, Sakura-mon, astonishingly features construction without the use of nails.
This area is also famous for Moto-yu, the oldest operational Japanese hot spring facility (opened in 1876). Its simple wooden structure, high ceilings, and spacious bathtubs create a serene atmosphere with a touch of nostalgia.
Lavish and Tasty: Taishoya Ryokan Hotel, Ureshino Onsen
Taishoya Ryokan Hotel, known for its hot spring with high sodium levels reputed for skin benefits, offers an unparalleled relaxation experience. Designed by a leading architect, the hotel features stunning water features scattered throughout its gardens. Visitors can enjoy on-site spa treatments and choose from several beautifully appointed rooms across three buildings, including four luxurious private suites.
Dining at Taishoya is an exquisite affair. This is kaiseki cuisine (traditional multi-course meal) at its finest. Diners will be pleasantly surprised by the continually arriving dishes, allowing them to savor premium beef, seafood, and locally produced tofu crafted from soybeans grown in the region, all artfully combined with seasonal ingredients.
Kumamoto Prefecture
Lavish: Kurokawa Onsen, Kumamoto Prefecture
Kurokawa Onsen stands out as one of Japan’s most picturesque hot spring towns, nestled along a steep gorge about 12 miles north of Mount Aso. This secluded haven is an ideal location for immersing oneself in the authentic experience of an onsen ryokan getaway.
Noteworthy bathing facilities include Yamamizuki, Kurokawa-sō, and Shimmei-kan, offering unique experiences like cave baths and riverside rotemburo. Kurokawa is renowned for its outdoor baths and a focus on konyoku (mixed bathing) alongside women-only options.
Guests staying at Kurokawa are encouraged to explore additional baths throughout town using a wooden nyūtō tegata (onsen passport) for accessing up to three other bathing experiences.
Lavish: Yuno Kura, Hirayama Onsen
Historic accommodations near Kumamoto offer exceptional experiences, such as Yuno Kura, which caters to day-trippers and overnight visitors alike. The venue showcases various room styles that blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary design elements and comes with gardens or private open-air baths for added relaxation.
The waters of Hirayama Onsen are famed for their high sulfur content, offering therapeutic benefits that have been revered throughout history.
Oita Prefecture
Tasty: Yufuin Onsen, Oita Prefecture
The Oita region, famous for the renowned onsen town of Beppu, is celebrated for its distinct culinary offerings, including tori-ten (chicken tempura), reimen (cold noodle soup), and the flavorful Ryūkyū marinated raw fish dish.
For an exceptional dining experience, consider Onjuku Yagura – a ryokan at Yufuin Onsen that takes pride in its culinary excellence. Guests can grill delectable pieces of local chicken and high-quality Bungo beef at their tables, creating a memorable gastronomic experience. Each room also features unique styles, complete with private open-air baths overlooking Yufuin Onsen and Mt. Yufu.
With its luxurious onsen, delectable cuisine, and intriguing local culture, Kyushu is a region that continually surprises, inviting you to discover unique experiences at every turn.
