During my trip to Fukuoka, I made a special visit to the original Taiho Ramen location in Kurume to try its famous local tonkotsu ramen. The steaming broth had a rich aroma and a deep, smooth flavor without being overly greasy. The thin noodles soaked up plenty of broth, filling every bite with bold pork-bone flavor. The chashu, wood ear mushrooms, and green onions added plenty of texture and depth.
The restaurant retains a strong nostalgic Japanese atmosphere, and the friendly service gave me a real sense of Kurume ramen's history and character. This meal not only satisfied my taste buds but also deepened my appreciation of Japanese ramen culture. If I get another chance to visit Fukuoka, I will definitely return for another unforgettable bowl of Taiho Ramen.
Taiho Ramen Head Store | Review by BobbyJenny
Other Reviews by BobbyJenny
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Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen once stood as an estate of the Naito family, the hereditary vassals of the Tokugawa family in the Edo period before being established as an imperial garden in 1906.
One of the things I was most looking forward to on my Tokyo trip was seeing the cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. As soon as I entered the park, I was amazed by the blossoms in full bloom. The pink and white flowers, spacious lawns, ponds, and gardens came together like a beautiful spring painting.
Walking beneath the cherry trees was incredibly romantic. Whenever a gentle breeze passed through, petals slowly drifted to the ground, making me stop and admire the view. The park was very pleasant, with visitors leisurely enjoying the blossoms, taking photos, and making the most of spring. Compared with the bustling city, Shinjuku Gyoen felt peaceful and elegant, allowing me to fully appreciate the magic of cherry blossom season.
This visit not only gave me the chance to enjoy some of Tokyo’s most beautiful spring scenery, but also helped me appreciate how deeply people in Japan value and cherish nature. Although cherry blossom season is brief, it left me with wonderful, lasting memories. -
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Mount Takao
Mount Takao is a peak with an levation of 599 meters, located in Tokyo’s Hachioji City. With good transportation access, it’s a popular placee to go mountain climbing. While still in the city, it’s like taking a trip to the countryside! From families with small children to the elderly, about 3,000,000 people visit every year. It’s world famous as the mountain boasting the most climbers in the world.
Mount Takao, just outside central Tokyo, allowed me to experience the beauty and tranquility of nature. As I slowly followed the forest trail uphill, I was surrounded by lush greenery and fresh air. The sounds of birds and wind rustling through the leaves were incredibly relaxing. The beautiful mountain scenery along the way even made me forget how tiring the climb was.
The sweeping view from the summit was stunning. On clear days, you may even get a distant view of Mount Fuji. The magnificent scenery left a lasting impression on me. Mount Takao also has historic and cultural attractions such as Yakuoin Temple, making the trip even more rewarding.
This trip gave me the chance to enjoy hiking, reconnect with nature, and feel refreshed both physically and mentally. I hope to return during another season to see the cherry blossoms, fall foliage, and other seasonal scenery—and make even more wonderful memories. -
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Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine
A shrine famous on social media as a “Spiritual Place” and a “Gateway to another world”. This shrine worships Izanagi-no-Mikoto, Izanami-no-Mikoto, and Iwagimitai-Shogun as its deities. It is known by locals as “Gongen-San”. On the temple grounds, there is the “Nagi” for good luck in marriage and “Ugeto-Iwa” (Ugeto Stone) which is good for passing tests and winning things.
As I entered Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, I was greeted by rows of ancient stone lanterns and moss-covered stone steps. Surrounded by towering trees, the shrine felt mysterious and serene. As I climbed the steps, all I could hear was the wind and birdsong. It naturally made me slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature.
The shrine has a solemn atmosphere that brought me a sense of peace while worshipping. Farther up, I saw the famous Ugeto-Iwa, a massive rock with a natural opening in the center. It was a spectacular sight and made me marvel at the incredible power of nature. -
