Fukuoka Airport is one of the few airports in Japan located so close to the city center. By subway, you can reach Hakata Station in under 10 minutes, which is very convenient for travelers and significantly reduces travel time to and from the airport. The airport's overall layout is easy to navigate, and the renovated facilities are newer and more comfortable. What makes it special is that the design doesn't just aim for a modern look—it also incorporates Fukuoka's local traditional culture and motifs, so travelers can immediately get a strong sense of the area's character when they arrive.
Fukuoka Airport | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Hakone-Yumoto Onsen Hot Spring Village
Hakone-Yumoto Onsen Hot Spring Village is known as one of the seven hot springs in Hakone and the largest hot spring resort in Hakone.
I had long heard that Hakone is a well-known hot spring resort in Japan, but I never had the chance to visit in person. This time, during a trip to Mount Fuji, I specifically arranged to stop here for a few days on the way back, finally getting the chance to fully experience the charm of this mountain town.
As soon as I walked out of Hakone-Yumoto Station, I was greeted by a bustling shopping street lined with all kinds of souvenir shops and local snacks, making it quite fun to explore. As I continued walking, the streets gradually became quieter, with hot spring inns, small bridges, flowing streams, and lush green mountains along the way. Even the air seemed to have a more relaxed feel. Simply strolling around, I could sense a vacation atmosphere completely different from the city. I imagine that when the maple leaves turn red in the fall and the mountains are covered in vibrant colors, the streams and traditional Japanese buildings create another kind of captivating scenery.
Another thing that impressed me most on this trip was Hakone's international popularity! Travelers from many different countries could be seen everywhere, making it one of the places in Japan where I've encountered a particularly high proportion of international visitors. When I returned to the hostel to rest that evening, I happened to meet a couple who had traveled all the way from France to Japan. As we talked about what we had seen and experienced on our journeys, they also said they were deeply fascinated by Hakone's beautiful scenery. It turns out that the charm of this hot spring town truly crosses borders.
If you're planning a trip to Hakone, I highly recommend staying at a hotel near Hakone-Yumoto Station. It's an important starting point for the Hakone Tozan Railway and is very convenient for getting around. Whether you're visiting nearby attractions or transferring to other forms of transportation, it's easy and saves you the trouble of dragging large luggage around. Next time, I'd like to return during the fall foliage season and see just how beautiful Hakone is at a different time of year!
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Yasaka Koshindo
A temple built in a famous tourists spot in Kyoto called Higashiyama, where other famous sights such as the Kiyomizu Temple and Yasaka Shrine are located. The official name of the temple is "Daikokusan Kongoji Koshindo,” but is well-known as "Yasaka Koshin-san" in the local area. It is said that this was where the Koshin faith, which derived from Chinese Taoism, first started in Japan, and is also one of the three Koshin in Japan.
When visiting the Kiyomizu-dera area, you definitely shouldn’t miss Yasaka Koshindo, a temple filled with Kyoto charm! I first learned about it from a TV program and specifically added it to my itinerary. It certainly didn’t disappoint.
As I entered the temple grounds, the first thing I saw was row after row of colorful “kukurizaru” monkeys hanging in a mix of red, yellow, blue, and pink, like vibrant waterfalls of wishes. They look beautiful from every angle! Many Japanese women come to pray dressed in elegant kimono, which complement the adorable monkeys. Every casual snapshot captures the atmosphere of the ancient capital.
The way you make a wish here is also interesting. You can choose a cloth ball you like, write your wish on it, and hang it at the temple. The kukurizaru represents a monkey with its hands and feet bound, reminding people that to make a wish come true, they must not only pray for divine blessings but also learn to control their desires, try to let go of one obsession, and take action toward fulfilling their wish.
I visited in early spring, just as the plum blossoms on the branches were about to bloom. The delicate pink flowers created a charming contrast with the rustic temple and colorful kukurizaru, adding a gentle, poetic touch to the whole scene.
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Seamall Shimonoseki
Seamall Shimonoseki in Shimonoseki City is a large-scale complex shopping center, the largest in Yamaguchi Prefecture, composed of a department store, a specialty store street, and various facilities.
After wrapping up a full day of outdoor activities, we took a ride to Sea Mall in the evening to look around, and unexpectedly found some great deals! The mall isn’t very large, but it has quite a few familiar, easy-to-browse stores, such as UNIQLO and DAISO, making it a relaxed and comfortable place to shop. The biggest surprise was Nishimatsuya, where the prices on baby and children’s clothing were unbelievably affordable! Especially when there are discounts, it’s hard not to keep picking out more. This time, I bought several moisture-wicking shirts for the kids. The quality was good and the prices were great, making them an excellent value and a nice little shopping find.
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