How could you visit Fukuoka and miss out on tonkotsu ramen! This time I tried Hakata Ikkousha. As soon as it arrived, the rich aroma of tonkotsu whetted my appetite.
The broth was rich and flavorful without just tasting greasy. Paired with springy thin noodles, chashu, and wood ear mushrooms, every bite had the distinctive character of Fukuoka ramen. The piping-hot broth with the noodles was especially satisfying!
Shirakawa Suigen
The Shirakawa Water Source is one of the Minamiaso Village Spring Water Group where subterranean water from the Aso Caldera gushes out. It is the source of the Shirakawa River, a first-class river that flows through Kumamoto City, and is famous for being selected as one of the "100 best waters" by the Environment Agency (now the Ministry of the Environment).
As I walked into the water source area, I was immediately drawn to the spring water, which was so clear I could almost see the bottom. Surrounded by greenery, the air was especially fresh. Water constantly bubbled up from underground, making the surface sparkle. The whole scene felt so pure and soothing.
Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport Fukuoka
A large-scale commercial complex that opened on April 25, 2022 on the site of a former fruit and vegetable market in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City. It is the first "LaLaport" in Kyushu and boasts approximately 220 stores, many of which opened for the first time in Kyushu.
While in Fukuoka, besides enjoying the food and visiting the sights, I also made time to check out Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport Fukuoka!
The entire shopping center is very spacious, with a huge variety of stores offering everything from clothing and household goods to restaurants and food, making it very comfortable to browse. The most eye-catching attraction is the enormous RX-93ff ν Gundam inside. Seeing it in person for the first time was truly impressive, and you definitely shouldn't miss taking a photo!
Uji Bridge (Kyoto)
Stepping out of the ticket gates at Keihan Uji Station, the first thing that catches your eye is Uji's landmark, the Uji Bridge. According to the "Uji Bridge Monument" at Hashidera Hojo-in, it is said to have been built in the second year of the Taika era (646) during the Asuka period by a monk named Doto from the Nara temple of Gango-ji, making it one of Japan’s three ancient bridges alongside the Seta no Karahashi and Yamazaki Bridge.
Standing on the bridge and watching the Uji River flow slowly by, with the mountains and riverbank scenery on both sides, feels really pleasant. Compared with the bustling streets of central Kyoto, this area has a more leisurely and peaceful atmosphere. Strolling slowly across the bridge with the river breeze blowing, I felt completely relaxed.
Uji Bridge is also an important route to Byodoin Temple and Uji Shrine. After crossing the bridge, you can browse matcha shops and old streets along the way, which really gives you a taste of Uji.
