We came to Kyushu Natural Animal Park African Safari and were really looking forward to riding the jungle bus, but we couldn’t get tickets. That was a bit disappointing!
Still, driving through the park ourselves let us see lots of animals up close, and the kids couldn’t take their eyes off them the whole way.
The funniest part was that we happened to see a tiger pooping, and our whole family burst out laughing. It was such an unexpected moment, and it ended up being the most unforgettable little highlight of the trip.
Quick tip: If you can’t get tickets when you first enter, don’t give up. You can check with the counter anytime—you might still be able to hop on the jungle bus!
Kyushu Natural Animal Park African Safari | Review by Gina C
Other Reviews by Gina C
-
Kyoto Porta
Opened about 40 years ago as Kyoto's first underground shopping center, "Kyoto Ekimae Underground Shopping Center Porta" and "Kyoto Station Building Specialty Store Street The Cube" merged in 2023. It has been reborn as a large-scale shopping mall suitable for the gateway to the international tourist city of Kyoto.
Kyoto Station’s Porta underground mall is such a fun place to explore! It has popular clothing stores, lifestyle goods, souvenir shops, and plenty of restaurants, so you can shop and dine all in one place.
We shopped for clothes first, then enjoyed some pasta before continuing to browse. It’s perfect for escaping the heat or rain. The layout is easy to navigate, and there’s a great selection of brands, from affordable options to trendy fashion. It’s easy to lose track of time here.
If you’re visiting Kyoto and want a relaxed, convenient shopping and dining experience, Kyoto Porta is definitely worth a stop. -
-
Taiho Ramen Head Store
This famous pork bone ramen restaurant was established in Kurume in 1953 (Showa 28). For over half a century since its founding, the restaurant takes pride in its "call back soup," constantly replenished and never left empty, thanks to its unique technique called "call back." The mellow soup, with its rich umami and deep richness, is so beloved that it is said among ramen enthusiasts, "Do not talk about pork bone ramen without eating Taiho Ramen."
Taiho Ramen Head Store is one of Kurume’s most iconic tonkotsu ramen shops and the birthplace of the yobimodoshi soup method, so there are often long lines on both weekdays and weekends.
I stopped by on a road trip through Kyushu and finally got to try this classic tonkotsu ramen, perfected over generations. The broth was rich without being overly salty and packed with pork-bone flavor. It paired perfectly with the springy thin noodles.
The biggest surprise was the sencha served in the restaurant. It was light and refreshing with a subtly sweet finish, perfectly balancing the richness of the broth and refreshing my palate. It was definitely worth the wait. If you’re visiting Fukuoka or Kurume, I highly recommend trying it at least once! -
-
Hakata Ikkousha Main Store
Of all the different Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen stores, “Hakata Ikkousha” is perhaps the most popular. Operating 5 different diverse brands, Ikkousha’s main store front is located in front of JR Hakata Station.
On a previous trip to Kyoto, I tried Hakata Ikkousha at Kyoto Ramen Koji. I couldn’t stop thinking about that rich, frothy tonkotsu ramen afterward.
This time, I finally made it to the main store in Fukuoka, and I was so excited! The broth was even richer and more aromatic than I remembered. The velvety foam carried an intense tonkotsu flavor, yet it was surprisingly light and not greasy. Paired with thin noodles and tender chashu, every bite was incredibly satisfying.
After visiting both the Kyoto location and the Fukuoka main store, I not only got to enjoy that familiar flavor again but also experienced the main store’s more refined, authentic appeal. It was definitely worth making a special trip for. -
