I have been counting down the day to go back to Japan again and I still couldn't believe the day I flew out from Sydney. This trip was organised by Japan National Tourism Organization Sydney Office (JNTO) which we visited Kyushu region: Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Beppu and Kagoshima in the first week. JNTO has kindly enough to let me extend my trip for another week as I wanted to do more research about food, tours, transportation and hotel inspection cus I'm planning to bring a group of 15-20 clients back to Japan in 2020.
You will get to read my day to day experience of Japan and I won't be sugar coating anything 🙃
Day 1 - Flying from Sydney to Fukuoka ( Sat 9 Nov 19)
Our flight was at 09:15 so I had to be there by 07:00. This will be the first time I fly with Japan airline. I have already done automated 24 hour online check in which was quite handy as I didn't need to worry about it the day before. I chose my usual aisle seat cus I hate being stuck on the window or between people. At the check in desk, there was a premium economy seat available and I only had to pay $350!!!!!! I was like, OMG I need to get this as it was totally worth it but there was a catch, MIDDLE SEAT ONLY 😒
I quickly googled the seat configuration and reviews but after 10 mins, I just couldn't go ahead with it as I cannot handle being sandwiched.
The flight was comfy, in flight entertainment with decent size screen with usb port for you to charge your gadgets. Although their movies and tv series were very limited so if you are like me and love to watch something on the plane, please bring your own tablet for this.
The food was okay and what surprised me the most was that they served sake which the cap turned into a little sake cup! Super kawaii ( cute in Japanese)
We landed in Narita 9 hour after but had to collect our bag and recheck in again as we had to go to the domestic terminal. Normally you can just check your bag straight through if your ticket is issued under 1 ticket but maybe this was a different story.
If you need to get some food or exchange some money, make sure to do this before you enter the domestic terminal as there was only 1 shop there! Yes 1 shop!
When we arrived in Fukuoka airport, we got picked up by our tour guide and driver. It was only 15 mins to our first night hotel. We were warned that our room would be very small and they didn't lie. It was really small and enough for 1 person to open their luggage.
After checking in, Oliver, Grant and myself went out for a walk but all split up in the end as everyone wanted to do their own thing. I was tired and wanted to eat something then realised, my friend told me that 7 11 sells a 1 Michelin star instant noodle!!!🍜 What did I do next? Of course I had to go to 7 11 and get one of these bad boys.
I made it noodle back at my hotel and it was delish!
🛌: WBF Grande Hakata, Standard Double Room
Day 2 - Fukuoka ( Sun 10 Nov 19)
I had a really good sleep. Bed was comfy and cus we had to leave by 9am, I packed the night before so I didn't have to rush the next morning. Breakfast was from 07:00 so I went down around 08:00. It was a buffet style breakfast so you can pick and choose anything from Japanese curry rice, miso soup, salad, egg, bacon, bbq or even make your own fresh juice.
After we checked out, we visited Akizuki Castle Castle Ruins and Kamado Shrine. There was an archery competition at the local school which was pretty cool to see. Their bows were massive. We had lunch at Umenohana which they specialist in tofu. Everything was in Japanese and it would have been better if someone explained to us about the dish and what we are eating.
After lunch, we visited the Daizaifu Tenmangu Shrine and checked into our super nice hotel which was opposite Hakata station. We were meant to go out for dinner at Hakta Hanamidori for our chicken mean but we decided to go for Yatai ( open-air street food stand) near the river. As we were in a big group, sitting around one Yatai together was impossible so we split up. There were about 10-15 Yatai and the one I went wasn't that special so I cannot really recommend anything. Apparently there is another Yatai area that is better
🛌: Miyako Hotel Hakata, Superior Room
Day 3 - Fukuoka to Nagasaki ( Mon 11 Nov 19)
Today we headed to Nagasaki by the bullet train in the morning but before I go on about the rest of my day I had the BEST scramble egg in my life at the hotel! The breakfast was on top floor where the pool is. It was a buffet style so you can pick and choose whatever you want. They also had natto which is my fav dish.
What is Natto?
Traditional Japanese food made from soybeans that have been fermented.
What does it taste or smell like? I don't know how to describe it but when I googled it, this is what I have found
Natto has a very unique smell, taste and texture. It has a strong pungent smell, somewhat like old cheese or old socks.
🧀🧦
I know it sounds disgusting but it's something you must try once when you are in Japan. Make sure to have it with rice and miso soup🍚🍲
When we checked out, we left our bags at the hotel as they were being transferred to our next hotel in Nagasaki. This is called takkyubin which was really convenient and make your life much easier when you are going from A to B. Imagine not having to drag your luggage to the station, up the stairs and to your next place.
Depending on your location and where is your next destination, prices can be varied. If the destination is close by, you can get it within the same day but lets say you do it from Osaka to Tokyo, this must be booked 2 days in advance and it's about $20-$30 for a 25kg luggage.
Our train journey was about 2 hours. You can buy food and drink at the convenient stores at the station and have it on the train. The seats were big and comfy with power point to charge your gadget.
When we arrived Nagasaki, we had lunch at N.Y Dining for New York steak which I thought was a bit odd when we are in Japan. I was expecting something more Japanese. After lunch, we visited Nagasaki Peace Park, a memorial space commemorating the atomic bombing of Nagasaki city in August 1945. It was really sad to see what has happened, especially how many stockpiles of nuclear weapons are there in the world. You'd think that people learn from the history 😥
In Japanese tradition, people love to make crane origami and if you make 1000 cranes, your wish would be come true.
