Fukuoka Airport | Review by 楊雅雯

This historic shrine is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well worth visiting when in Fukuoka.

I made a special trip to Munakata Taisha this time. As soon as I entered the shrine grounds, the entire setting felt very peaceful and pleasant. The spacious grounds, beautiful gardens, and historic shrine buildings made me naturally slow down and take in the atmosphere.

This is more than just a World Heritage Site; it is also a historic and cultural attraction worth exploring at a leisurely pace. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Japanese shrines and garden scenery!

As for transportation, parking is very convenient if you drive. I took the bus this time, and Suica and ICOCA transit cards can be used.

One thing to keep in mind is that the buses do not run very frequently. I recommend checking the round-trip schedule in advance, especially the return times, so it doesn't affect the rest of your itinerary!

This time, while visiting Fukuoka Gokoku Shrine, I unexpectedly came across this coffee shop nearby. It was a complete and pleasant surprise!

Before I even sat down, I was drawn in by the rich aroma of coffee inside. As soon as I walked through the door, the full-bodied coffee fragrance filled the air, and it was truly intoxicating.

The atmosphere inside is very different from an ordinary coffee shop, with a quiet, calm, and vintage feel. Everyone spoke softly, there was no loud music, and nothing felt rushed. It made me naturally slow down and fully enjoy the moment.

As I drank the coffee, savoring its initial bitterness and the aroma that followed, I found it truly captivating! At that moment, it felt as though I had temporarily let go of all the worries of everyday life. I just wanted to sit quietly and savor that cup of coffee.

I had only discovered it by chance while passing by, but it unexpectedly became one of the most memorable stops on my trip to Fukuoka.

Sometimes the best surprises while traveling are places you never planned to visit but unexpectedly end up loving.

When I arrived in Kitakyushu, this bright red bridge immediately caught my eye! Against the deep blue sky and sea, the red bridge really stands out, and it looks impressive from every angle.

Wakato Bridge spans Dokai Bay, connecting Kitakyushu’s Tobata and Wakamatsu districts. It officially opened to traffic in 1962 and has a total length of 627 meters. When it was completed, it was the longest suspension bridge in East Asia and played an important role in the history of Kitakyushu’s industrial development.

This bridge is more than just transportation infrastructure. It also carries memories of Japan’s rapid economic growth at the time, and in 2022, it was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Viewed from beside the bay, the rugged steel structure and vivid red color give the harbor scenery so much character, with ferries coming and going in the distance.

I especially loved the scenery here—the red bridge, blue sea, and white ferries make such a beautiful color combination! I originally thought I would just stop by for a quick look, but this unexpectedly became one of the most memorable stops on my trip.