一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人's Reviews Page 11/31

Traveling along the Ariake Sea aboard the Two Stars 4047 sightseeing train, the best part was being able to stop along the way at charming small towns. The train made a special stop at Hizen-Hama Station, known for sake brewing. As soon as I stepped off the train, I could feel the strong local atmosphere. This is not only the famous Sakagura-dori, but also home to excellent sake brands such as Nabeshima and Mitsutake.

I immediately picked out four small cups of sake with different flavors to take back on the train, ready to enjoy them with the Two Stars 4047's refined and delicious wagyu bento. The slightly sweet, smooth sake paired perfectly with the fragrant wagyu, and the combination was surprisingly delicious. This brief stop unexpectedly revealed the charm of this sake-brewing town. I've quietly added it to my wish list, and next time I'll definitely set aside enough time to explore it in depth.

While taking the Two Stars 4047 sightseeing train along the Ariake Sea, the train made a brief special stop at a nearby station. As soon as I got off, I saw a sign for Ouo Shrine and the romantic Bell of Happiness.

Gazing through the train window at the calm, endless beauty of the Ariake Sea was truly soothing. Because of the schedule, I didn't get the chance to walk out onto the beach by the torii gates in the sea and take photos up close this time. I could only take a commemorative photo with the sign at the station, but the view of the sea has already left a deep impression on me. The next time I visit Kyushu, I'll definitely add this place to my itinerary and walk around the torii gates in the sea myself, making up for this small regret.

Of all the airports I've traveled through in Japan so far, Fukuoka Airport is my favorite. Its biggest advantage is that it's extremely close to the city center. There's no need to rush out early in the morning for your return flight, since you can get there quickly by subway or bus, saving a lot of travel time and hassle.

The best hidden highlight here is the domestic terminal, which is great for shopping. On your way home, you can first check your luggage at the international terminal, then take the free shuttle bus to the domestic terminal and start an exciting food tour. The domestic terminal not only brings together all kinds of well-known local specialty restaurants, but also has a dazzling selection of souvenir shops, with everything looking hard to resist. You can buy all the souvenirs you want in one place and leisurely enjoy one last feast. It completely satisfies travelers who still want to do more shopping. It's an incredibly convenient, comfortable, and perfect airport.

Hakata is very lively at night, and there’s no better place to experience the local atmosphere than the Nakasu food stalls. A whole row of small stalls lights lanterns along the riverbank, and the air is filled with rich aromas. The bustling atmosphere somehow feels familiar and welcoming, like a Taiwanese night market. There’s often a wait, but it’s worth trying if you want to experience authentic Japanese food stall culture.

This time, I made a special trip to stroll through the Nakasu food stalls and enjoy the romantic nighttime view by the river, then went to Hamadaya, a famous mizutaki restaurant in Hakata, for dinner. The intensely rich chicken broth, simmered with simple seasonings, paired with tender, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken, was truly unforgettable. Whether you want to experience the lively food stalls or enjoy a heartwarming meal, I highly recommend both.

For Taiwanese travelers visiting Japan, Ichiran Ramen is an almost universally popular must-visit, and its main location is right in Hakata. The entire eye-catching building has an impressive presence, and its most talked-about feature is the lively pop-up performance held every night at 8, when employees put on special outfits and perform on the balcony.

Unfortunately, because of our schedule, we couldn't catch this fun, limited-time evening performance. But as soon as we stepped inside, the familiar, delicious aroma of tonkotsu immediately made us feel satisfied. Their thin noodles had just the right firmness and soaked up the rich, smooth tonkotsu broth without being too heavy. It was still the same delicious flavor I remembered and could never get tired of. Whether or not you get to see the evening performance, simply enjoying a bowl of classic ramen in this iconic main location is satisfying enough. I recommend that ramen lovers make a pilgrimage here when visiting Hakata.

Taking the ferry from Mojiko in Kyushu, you can easily cross over to Shimonoseki in Honshu in just over ten minutes. The most captivating part of this trip is passing through the historic Kanmon Straits.

Standing on the deck in the sea breeze and watching cargo ships and other vessels come and go, I couldn't help but picture the bustling trade of the past and imagine the lively scene when merchant ships gathered here. Although the trip is short, the unique experience of riding the wind and waves and connecting two major islands in an instant is both novel and fun, adding a rich sense of history and lasting memories to the journey.

When visiting the exotic atmosphere of Mojiko, you definitely shouldn't miss the magnificent landmark spanning the strait, Kanmon Bridge. This time, I specifically planned to take the ferry from Mojiko to Karato Market in Shimonoseki, and the route passes right by the bridge.

As the ferry approached, I quietly admired this spectacular bridge connecting Kyushu and Honshu. Its enormous structure against the strait was visually stunning. Viewing Kanmon Bridge from a different angle on the water was not only a very special transportation experience, but also left me with a breathtakingly beautiful image from this harbor stroll.

Stepping out of the quaint Mojiko Station, you’re greeted by the Mojiko Retro district, filled with the romantic atmosphere of the Taisho era. Once a bustling international trade port, its streets are lined with a captivating mix of Western-style historic buildings.

From the amusing and adorable Banana Man statues, which have deep ties to Taiwan, to the Former Moji Mitsui Club and the distinctively designed Former Osaka Shosen Building, each historic Western-style building seems to have its own unique story. It’s worth slowing down to appreciate them. I highly recommend setting aside half a day to stroll around and explore while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere created by the sea breeze and nostalgic architecture.

Visiting JR Mojiko Station is itself a romantic journey through time. After careful restoration, its classic Taisho-era elegance has been perfectly recreated. As a train enthusiast, the moment I stepped onto the platform, I couldn't help but be captivated by the straight, sprawling retro space, the nostalgic station name signs, and the strong sense of history.
Standing on the old platform, I could almost hear the whistles of steam trains from the past. This is not only the perfect starting point for exploring the Mojiko Retro area, but also a beautiful station filled with stories that makes you reluctant to leave.

Walking through Tenjin Chikagai, with its European retro atmosphere, is a romantic experience in itself. The entire underground shopping street is paved with elegant stone tiles, complemented by beautiful vaulted ceilings and soft lighting that make you feel as though you're on a European street from days gone by.

It not only connects major department stores and shopping centers underground, allowing you to shop regardless of the weather, but is also home to all kinds of clothing, drugstore, and stylish variety shops. When you're tired from shopping or feeling hungry, you can always catch an enticing aroma around the corner. Treat yourself to a freshly baked, crispy apple pie from the popular RINGO shop, where there's always a line, and your happiness will instantly go off the charts. Rain or shine, this is an underground destination you absolutely shouldn't miss when shopping in Tenjin—great for both shopping and photos.