Best Relaxing Spots in Fukuoka & Kumamoto: Ultimate Kyushu Island Getaway Guide
Guangzhou’s relentless downpour has lasted an entire month, leaving me torn between the dreary weather and Beijing’s familiar bustle. The perfect solution? A spontaneous escape to Fukuoka, Japan 🇯🇵 for a refreshing change of scenery!
This trip brought me back to LYF, the same vibrant hotel I’d experienced in Singapore. Their philosophy celebrates youthful energy and effortless living—no rules, just pure freedom. The daily welcome drinks became my rooftop ritual, where I’d lose myself in thought while savoring the city skyline. I chose Tenjin over Hakata for its culinary paradise, with countless delicious options just steps away.
Though let’s be honest—the two districts are practically neighbors, separated only by a pleasant 2km stroll perfect for working off all those food adventures.
Fukuoka Tower offers a decent nighttime panorama, though be prepared for overwhelming crowds of Korean tourists. It’s funny—during my six months living in Korea, I remembered Seoul’s streets filled with fashion-forward, tech-savvy women. Now? The style evolution seems… questionable. For a more peaceful alternative, Hakata Port delivers equally stunning views without the tourist frenzy.
The highlight? My long-awaited 🍵 matcha pilgrimage. While HACHI in Fukuoka doesn’t quite reach the heights of Osaka’s legendary Nakamura Tokichi, its rich, velvety matcha creations still left me thoroughly impressed.
My journey concluded in Kumamoto 🇯🇵, a charmingly compact city reminiscent of Nara. With no JR or Metro, the vintage trams (Lines A and B) from Kumamoto Station become your time machines to the past. Tōrichōji Street frames the majestic Kumamoto Castle perfectly, but the real magic happens when you capture both tram lines arriving simultaneously—a photographer’s dream.
Don’t miss Kumamon’s adorable office nestled in Tsuruya Department Store’s passageway—though tiny, this cheerful bear’s headquarters radiates enough charm to make your quick visit unforgettable.
