Hakata’s Kitchen: Exploring the 100-Year-Old Yanagibashi Rengo Market in Fukuoka, Japan

Yanagibashi Rengo Market, Fukuoka, Japan

Tucked away in the heart of Fukuoka, Yanagibashi Rengo Market is a culinary haven that has earned the nickname "Hakata's Kitchen." A bustling hub of fresh seafood, local produce, and specialty goods, this market has been serving locals and visitors alike for over a century. Walking through its narrow lanes, you are instantly enveloped by the sounds of vendors calling out their daily specials and the aroma of freshly grilled seafood wafting through the air.

A Glimpse Into Tradition

Yanagibashi Rengo Market is not just a marketplace; it reflects the enduring spirit of Fukuoka’s rich food culture. Established in 1916, the market has more than100 years of history, offering a snapshot of the region’s culinary heritage. Many of the stalls are run by families who have been in the trade for generations, ensuring that each purchase comes with a touch of history and expertise. 

6 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Kyushu

6 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Kyushu

Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands, is a hidden gem when it comes to cherry blossom viewing. With its mild climate, historic sites, and stunning landscapes, Kyushu offers a unique Hanami (flower viewing) experience away from the crowds of Tokyo and Kyoto. If you're planning a trip during sakura season, here are six must-visit spots to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossoms in Kyushu.

8 Authentic Local Restaurants In Fukuoka City, Japan

Most of the people who visit Japan for the first time would probably skip Fukuoka for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka or even Hokkaido, and it's no surprise that I'm one of them! However, ever since I first set my foot on the soil of Fukuoka, I totally fell in love with this amazing city, especially their delicious local delicacies.

Fukuoka is the capital city of Fukuoka Prefecture and the largest city on the Kyushu island. Fukuoka is famous for its local specialty Tonkotsu (豚骨) Ramen, a noodle dish with rich and creamy pork-bone broth. Besides Ramen, Fukuoka is also well known for its Yatai (屋台), the mobile food stalls that provide an atmospheric outdoor dining experience in the evening throughout the night.

Tamaseseri: A Traditional New Year Festival In Fukuoka, Japan

Attending a festival is the best way to get close to the local community and learn more about their culture and tradition. If you are planning to visit Kyushu for your upcoming new year celebrations, consider sparing yourself half a day to watch a group of men who brave themselves in the cold to celebrate the Tamaseseri, a traditional new year festival in Fukuoka.

Tamaseseri or Ball-Catching Festival is a traditional event that is held in the Hakozaki Shrine every year on the third of January. This festival is considered one of the major festivals of Kyushu and it has been around for more than 500 years since the Muromachi period. In a cold winter weather, the half-naked men in Shimekomi (loincloths) compete for an 8-kg wooden ball while getting showered with cold water. This purified wooden ball is believed that it can bring good luck and success to the person who can grab the ball and lift it high above his head.

Here are the highlights of the Tamaseseri festival 2017 that might interest you:

Komyozenji Temple: The Beauty of Japanese Autumn, Japan

As the summer heat slowly gives way to the crisp cool breezes of autumn, the cities across Japan will be slowly taken over by the striking shades of orange and red as the autumn leaves changed its color. This is the most anticipated moment where most of the people, especially the nature lovers and photographers are waiting for.

When the autumn season arrived, I love going outdoors and hunt down as many places as possible for the amazing fall foliage. So far, the most beautiful autumn that I saw in Japan was the serene rear garden at the Komyozenji, a Zen Buddhist temple located in the city of Dazaifu in the Fukuoka Prefecture. Komyozenji Temple is famous for its Karesansui (枯山水) Garden, commonly known as Japanese Rock Garden or Japanese Zen Garden.

:::糸島::: A Day Trip Around Itoshima in Winter, Japan

Itoshima is a beautiful destination surrounded by scenic blue sea and long sandy beaches; and there are plenty of sightseeing spots and stylish cafes that made Itoshima one of the most popular day trips from Fukuoka City. When summer comes, Itoshima is an ideal place for some beach activities or hiking in lush mountain forests. And during the winter season, most of the visitors come to Itoshima for the fresh and delicious oysters, the winter delicacy of Fukuoka.

Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival 2016, Japan

Sakura (桜) is charming, irresistible and beautiful but short-lived; it takes one week to reach full bloom after the first opening of the blossoms and it lasts for a week before the blossoms start falling. During spring, visitors from around the world visit Japan for the ephemeral nature of life, Sakura (Cherry Blossoms).

The last time I enjoyed Sakura viewing (Hanami) in Japan was 10 years ago at Ueno Park, Tokyo. And 10 years later, I am glad that I came back to Japan for Hanami again; this time was at Maizuru Park, Fukuoka for the Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival 2016.

7 Places to See Autumn Leaves in Kyushu, Japan

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year in Japan. Viewing of Autumn leaves is as popular as viewing of Cherry Blossoms in Spring. During the peak, the leaves turn red and yellow making Japan even more beautiful. The best way to enjoy the autumn color and fallen leaves is to walk around the park or visit a temple.

These are 7 picturesque places for the view of colorful autumn foliage in Kyushu.