SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto—Between the Historic Castle and the Future, Bringing the Journey to a Close
At the end of our trip, we arrived at SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto. The glass curtain walls reflected the drifting clouds, modern streetcars traveled through the streets, and department stores, the transit center, and urban green spaces came together to create a new way of life. Not far away, Kumamoto Castle still stood quietly, preserving centuries of historical memory.
The new and the old may seem at odds, yet they find the most natural balance in this city. The historic castle reminds people not to forget where they came from, while modern architecture leads the city toward the future. Technology makes life more convenient, but it cannot replace the warmth left by history; nor should the marks carved by time hinder the steps of progress.
Our five-day, four-night trip through Kyushu came to an end amid this contrast. Perhaps what we truly take away from travel is not just the scenery captured by our cameras, but an understanding of a city—progress and old-world simplicity have never been an either-or choice, but rather complement each other through the passage of time. As the train departed once again, I left with this feeling, looking forward to returning to Kumamoto someday to see how the city will write its next chapter.
SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto | Review by 陳泰任
Other Reviews by 陳泰任
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Koinoki Shrine
Located within the precincts of Mizuta Tenmangu Shrine, which was built in 1226 to worship Sugawara Michizane, the god of learning, this is the only rare shrine in all of Japan dedicated to Koinomikoto, the god of love. This shrine is popularly known as the "god of good marriage and happiness" and the "god of love.
Fukuoka, Chikugo | Koinoki Shrine—Discovering Love in Its Purest Form Amid the Ordinary
Located in Chikugo, Fukuoka Prefecture, Koinoki Shrine is the only shrine in Japan dedicated to Koinomikoto, the deity of love. It is also one of the few shrines in the country devoted specifically to prayers for good relationships and success in love. From the approach and amulets to the ema plaques and shrine crest, hearts are everywhere, making it feel like a sanctuary filled with happiness and hope.
Unexpectedly, there were no other visitors when I went. The only sounds were cicadas, the breeze, and the quiet warmth of the sunshine. There was none of the romance of Tanabata or the bustle of Valentine’s Day, which made it easier to appreciate the shrine’s true charm. From Lovers’ Bridge and the sacred Koinoki tree to the guardian statues of the 12 zodiac animals, every detail carries blessings for love, destiny, and happiness.
Perhaps I’m already past the age of butterflies, but in this peaceful setting, I was reminded that love does not have to be dramatic. It can simply mean cherishing the person beside you and continuing to walk hand in hand through ordinary days. Koinoki Shrine watches over more than romance—it celebrates the kind of bond that lasts a lifetime. Among all the heart-shaped symbols, this visit helped me rediscover the simplest joy of happiness. -
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Yanagawa River Boating
Yanagawa, also known as the city of water, is located in the south of Fukuoka Prefecture. Here you’ll find old-world streetscapes that still keep the lattice-like waterways from the Edo period. When you’re here, the absolute must-see is the inter-city river boating experience. No matter what season, you’re guaranteed for a fun and relaxing time as the boat captain serenades and shares stories around the area.
Yanagawa: The Boatman’s Song
After enjoying authentic grilled eel rice and shrimp tempura in Yanagawa, Fukuoka, we boarded a flat-bottomed boat for the famous river cruise. Using only a bamboo pole, the boatman skillfully navigated the old waterways and stone bridges, showing remarkable expertise. The intense summer heat quietly faded amid the shade along the banks, the breeze over the water, and the tranquil scenery.
Most memorable was the boatman’s warm, resonant voice. He sang everything from “Nada Soso” and classic Teresa Teng songs to tunes from “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Doraemon.” As our boat drifted along, his singing filled the journey with joy and emotion. Yanagawa’s beauty lies not only in its picturesque waterways, but also in how the boatman transformed an ordinary cruise into a treasured travel memory with his songs and smile. It became one of the most unforgettable moments of our trip to Kyushu. -
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TENJIN CHIKAGAI
Tenjin area is located in Fukuoka City Chuo-ward, Kyushu’s largest downtown district. Going through the street is Watanabe Street, and to the north, Showa street. To the south is Tenjin Chikagai, an underground street, 600m in length running under Kokutai Street. There are 12 districts, with 150 shops such as apparel, gourmet food, sundries, and books.
Fukuoka Tenjin: Finding genuine warmth in the heart of the city
After saying goodbye to the mountain scenery of Mount Aso and Yufuin, we arrived in lively Fukuoka Tenjin. Walking through Tenjin Chikagai, the rows of shops, food spots, and stylish urban scenery showed off the energy of a modern city. My wife bought a Fukuoka-exclusive tote bag, my daughter picked out a Kuromi charm, and we enjoyed a crispy Ringo apple pie and the familiar Chun Shui Tang. Every moment became a precious travel memory.
What I’ll remember most, though, was the yatai food stall culture at night. Using phone translation, we chatted with an elderly couple who ran the stall. Surrounded by the aroma of hot pan-fried dumplings and charcoal-grilled dishes, we felt a kind of human warmth that language can’t replace. Their sincerity and smiles made me realize that a city’s most moving scenery isn’t its high-rises or shopping malls, but the pure kindness between people.
Fukuoka is both bustling and warm. Tenjin Chikagai showed us the city’s charm, while the yatai let us experience its most genuine human touch. It left us with some of the deepest and most unforgettable memories of this Kyushu trip. -
