{"id":14895,"date":"2017-06-16T12:27:56","date_gmt":"2017-06-16T11:27:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/?p=14895"},"modified":"2017-06-02T10:47:34","modified_gmt":"2017-06-02T09:47:34","slug":"24-hours-fukuoka","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2017\/06\/16\/24-hours-fukuoka\/","title":{"rendered":"24 hours in Fukuoka"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F14895&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F14895\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F14895&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F14895&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F14895%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F14895\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F14895\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Based in Fukuoka, tour leader Ben is best placed to scope out the secrets of this lesser known area of Kyushu island. He takes us on a whistle-stop tour to ancient temples, the best\u00a0<em>izakaya<\/em> (Japanese gastropub), red gates to rival Kyoto and&#8230; the red light district.<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong>Only 24 Hours in Fukuoka?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>How could you only spend a day here?<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-14897 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Fukuoka-720x540.jpg\" alt=\"Fukuoka, Japan by night\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Fukuoka-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Fukuoka-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Fukuoka-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Fukuoka-1024x769.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Fukuoka-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Fukuoka-900x676.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Fukuoka-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Fukuoka-780x586.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Fukuoka-510x383.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Fukuoka.jpg 1107w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Seriously? You\u2019re coming to Fukuoka, the city I believe, no, I know to be the very best in Japan &#8211; and you\u2019re staying a day? I don\u2019t know if I want to help you, and to be honest, I don\u2019t know if I want you to come at all. Fukuoka is not Tokyo or Kyoto, although you can do most of the things you can do in those cities. There are no hordes of tourists here, no pushing and shoving, no lining up&#8230;&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>Right. If you listen, if you promise you won\u2019t sleep for more than three hours, I\u2019ll help you out, and only because I like you. You also have to promise not to tell anyone else about Fukuoka, the place is Japan\u2019s best kept secret. AND, you have to promise to take some time to travel around Kyushu before everyone cottons on to just how awesome and relatively unvisited it is down here.<\/p>\n<p>OK, so here goes&#8230;..<\/p>\n<h2>Arriving in Fukuoka<\/h2>\n<p>You\u2019re flying into Fukuoka the night before, I want you up early. Fukuoka airport is FIVE MINUTES (yes, I\u2019m shouting) five minutes (and repeating myself for effect) from Hakata Station, the centre of the city.<\/p>\n<p>Quick aside, Fukuoka is the city\u2019s name, but the main station is Hakata Station, the food is <em>Hakata<\/em> style, the dialect is <em>Hakata ben<\/em>, and the beautiful women are <em>Hakata Bijin<\/em>. Basically the cities of Fukuoka and Hakata merged in 1889. Fukuoka had the samurai, Hakata the merchants, the samurai got their name, but anything cultural was Hakata. Try to stay on the Hakata-Guchi side of Hakata station if you can. Sleep well, busy day tomorrow.<\/p>\n<h2>Day one &#8211; 9am<\/h2>\n<p>9am, right on time. Good morning! First, let me apologise about the other day. I was upset, but it was only out of love. There is just so much to see here, and I want you to see it all!<\/p>\n<h2>Fukuoka temple district<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14898\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14898\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14898 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Fukuoka-sign-720x438.jpg\" alt=\"Fukuoka, Japan signs by hotel Nishitetsu Hotel\" width=\"720\" height=\"438\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Fukuoka-sign-720x438.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Fukuoka-sign-300x183.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Fukuoka-sign-768x467.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Fukuoka-sign-1024x623.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Fukuoka-sign-564x343.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Fukuoka-sign-1200x730.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Fukuoka-sign-900x548.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Fukuoka-sign-390x237.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Fukuoka-sign-780x475.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Fukuoka-sign-510x310.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Fukuoka-sign.jpg 1219w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14898\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>I know, I\u2019m too kind.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14903\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14903\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14903 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temple-district-720x540.jpg\" alt=\"The temple district in Fukuoka, Japan\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temple-district-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temple-district-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temple-district-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temple-district-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temple-district-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temple-district-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temple-district-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temple-district-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temple-district-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temple-district-510x383.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temple-district.jpg 1206w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14903\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Temple district. Yes, it\u2019s always this quiet.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>So we\u2019re going to start with the temple district. Yes, Fukuoka has temples and shrines too, important ones, and you can actually visit them, and be alone! From the Hakata Guchi of Hakata station, take a left, and walk past the bus terminal, up to Nishitetsu Hotel Groom, and take a left.<\/p>\n<p>From there, follow the signs to Hakata Senmon no Mon Gate. Seen below.<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-14900 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Hakata-Senmon-720x540.jpg\" alt=\"A wooden gate at Jojenji Temple, Fukuoka, Japan\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Hakata-Senmon-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Hakata-Senmon-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Hakata-Senmon-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Hakata-Senmon-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Hakata-Senmon-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Hakata-Senmon-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Hakata-Senmon-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Hakata-Senmon-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Hakata-Senmon-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Hakata-Senmon-510x383.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Hakata-Senmon.jpg 1245w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The street disects Jotenji Temple. Jotenji is a Zen temple, founded with the support of a Chinese merchant Xie Guo Ming in 1242 CE, and the birthplace of Udon and Soba noodles (take that Tokyo!). Jotenji also has a nice Zen garden, although it isn\u2019t open to the public, you can get a good view through the gate, and over the low walls.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14904\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14904\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14904 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Very-zen-720x540.jpg\" alt=\"The sand of a Zen garden at Jojenji Temple, Fukuoka, Japan\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Very-zen-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Very-zen-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Very-zen-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Very-zen-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Very-zen-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Very-zen-390x292.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Very-zen-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Very-zen-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Very-zen.jpg 1022w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14904\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Very Zen<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>After you have had a look at the gardens, cross the street and visit the main part of the temple.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14907\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14907\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14907 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Jotenji-720x540.jpg\" alt=\"The main hall at Jojenji Temple, Fukuoka, Japan\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Jotenji-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Jotenji-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Jotenji-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Jotenji-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Jotenji-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Jotenji-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Jotenji-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Jotenji-510x383.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Jotenji.jpg 934w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14907\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Jotenji main hall<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h1>Tochoji<\/h1>\n<h1><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-14909 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Tochoji.jpg\" alt=\"Tochoji temple, Fukuoka, Japan\" width=\"693\" height=\"520\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Tochoji.jpg 693w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Tochoji-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Tochoji-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Tochoji-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Tochoji-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 693px) 100vw, 693px\" \/><\/h1>\n<p>Next it\u2019s out the main gate of Jotenji, and turn right, then take the next left. This will take you out on to Taihaku Avenue, where you turn right, and walk a couple of hundred meters until you run into our next temple &#8211; Tochoji.<\/p>\n<p>Tochoji is a Shingon temple founded by none other than the rock star of Japanese Buddhism Kukai (otherwise known as Kobo-Daishi). Tochoji was founded in 806CE. That&#8217;s right, 806!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14918\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14918\" style=\"width: 457px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14918 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/red-shrine.jpg\" alt=\"Tochoji Temple, Fukuoka, Japan\" width=\"457\" height=\"610\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/red-shrine.jpg 457w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/red-shrine-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/red-shrine-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/red-shrine-390x521.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 457px) 100vw, 457px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14918\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>What did I tell you, awesome, right?<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14921\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14921\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14921 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Triptych-1024x341.jpg\" alt=\"Tochoji Temple, Fukuoka, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"341\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Triptych-1024x341.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Triptych-300x100.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Triptych-768x256.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Triptych-564x188.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Triptych-1200x400.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Triptych-900x300.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Triptych-720x240.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Triptych-1440x480.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Triptych-390x130.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Triptych-780x260.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Triptych-510x170.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14921\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Have a good look around&#8230;<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>And that\u2019s not all! Tochoji has the largest wooden statue of the seated Buddha in Japan.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14919\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14919\" style=\"width: 420px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14919 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Buddha.jpg\" alt=\"Largest wooden statue of the seated Buddha at Tochoji Temple in Fukuoka, Japan\" width=\"420\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Buddha.jpg 420w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Buddha-197x300.jpg 197w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Buddha-370x564.jpg 370w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Buddha-390x594.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14919\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>10.8 meters, and a whopping 30 tonnes of serenity.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h1>Shofukuji, cats and the very first Zen temple<\/h1>\n<p>I\u2019ve saved the best for last, are you ready? Walk out of Tochoji, take a right, then go right again, then walk until you hit Shofukuji.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14922\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14922\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14922 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Triptych-two-1024x341.jpg\" alt=\"The entrance of Shokofuji Temple in Fukuoka, Japan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"341\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Triptych-two-1024x341.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Triptych-two-300x100.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Triptych-two-768x256.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Triptych-two-564x188.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Triptych-two-1200x400.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Triptych-two-900x300.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Triptych-two-720x240.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Triptych-two-1440x480.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Triptych-two-390x130.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Triptych-two-780x260.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Triptych-two-510x170.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14922\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>It\u2019s hard to see, but there\u2019s a &#8220;No Dogs&#8221; sign on the gate. I wonder why?<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Listen up. When you think of Japan, you think of Zen, right? This &#8220;mindfulness&#8221; thing that\u2019s all the rage now, you know the new life skill that everyone has recently discovered?<\/p>\n<p>Well&#8230;.. The Japanese have been practicing mindfulness for a VERY long time. The idea comes from the teachings of Zen Buddhism. AND&#8230;.. Shofukuji is the FIRST (that\u2019s no.1, earliest, numero uno) Zen temple to be founded in Japan. That\u2019s right (can you hear the gnashing of teeth coming from Kyoto?) <strong>Shofukuji is the oldest Zen Temple in Japan<\/strong>, and do not let anyone tell you different.<\/p>\n<p>It seems that the venerable founder of Zen in Japan, Yosai (you say Yosai, I say Eisai&#8230;.) was so excited about what he had learned in China, that he just had to found a temple as soon as he arrived home. 1195, baby. What\u2019s that Kyoto? Your oldest Zen temple only dates from 1201?<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-14958 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Japan-720x720.jpg\" alt=\"The entrances around Shofokuji Temple, Fukuoka, Japan\" width=\"720\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Japan-720x720.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Japan-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Japan-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Japan-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Japan-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Japan-564x564.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Japan-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Japan-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Japan-1440x1440.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Japan-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Japan-780x780.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Japan-510x510.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Japan.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>And that\u2019s not all &#8211; <strong>TEMPLE CATS!<\/strong> (of Shofukuji)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-14924 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/PicMonkey-Collage-720x720.jpg\" alt=\"The temple cats relaxing at Shofokuji Temple, Fukuoka, Japan\" width=\"720\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/PicMonkey-Collage-720x720.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/PicMonkey-Collage-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/PicMonkey-Collage-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/PicMonkey-Collage-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/PicMonkey-Collage-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/PicMonkey-Collage-564x564.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/PicMonkey-Collage-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/PicMonkey-Collage-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/PicMonkey-Collage-1440x1440.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/PicMonkey-Collage-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/PicMonkey-Collage-780x780.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/PicMonkey-Collage-510x510.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/PicMonkey-Collage.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>So how are you? Feeling Zen? You loved the cats, right? Everyone loves the cats.<\/p>\n<p>Alright, follow me. We\u2019re heading back towards Tochoji. Across the street you will see a massive stone torii gate \u2013 go beneath the gates, and walk straight ahead.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-14925 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Torii-gate.jpg\" alt=\"Stone Torii gate towards Tochoji Temple Fukuoka, Japan\" width=\"371\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Torii-gate.jpg 371w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Torii-gate-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 371px) 100vw, 371px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>We are walking until we hit a row of restored merchant houses and shops. These are known as Machiya.<\/p>\n<h1>Hakata Machiya Folk Museum<\/h1>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-14928 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Hakata-Machiya-Folk-Museum-720x540.jpg\" alt=\"Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, Fukuoka, Japan\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Hakata-Machiya-Folk-Museum-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Hakata-Machiya-Folk-Museum-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Hakata-Machiya-Folk-Museum-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Hakata-Machiya-Folk-Museum-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Hakata-Machiya-Folk-Museum-390x292.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Hakata-Machiya-Folk-Museum-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Hakata-Machiya-Folk-Museum-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Hakata-Machiya-Folk-Museum.jpg 834w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Our next stop is the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum. Fukuoka (Hakata) is famous for the quality of its textiles, known as Hakata -ori. They have been making this fabric here for over 770 years, and the fabric is thought to be one of the best for making obi (sashes worn around the waist with Kimono) in the land. Not only is the building beautifully restored, you can also watch a master craftsperson in action, and maybe even get a sample.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-14960 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/arts-and-crafts-720x479.jpg\" alt=\"A collage of things to see at Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, Fukuoka, Japan\" width=\"720\" height=\"479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/arts-and-crafts-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/arts-and-crafts-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/arts-and-crafts-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/arts-and-crafts-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/arts-and-crafts-564x375.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/arts-and-crafts-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/arts-and-crafts-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/arts-and-crafts-1440x959.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/arts-and-crafts-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/arts-and-crafts-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/arts-and-crafts-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<h1>Kushida Shrine<\/h1>\n<p>Next it\u2019s a very short walk to Kushida Shrine. Kushida shrine is a shinto Shrine dedicated to the Sun Godess &#8211; Amaterasu, and the God of Sea and Storms &#8211; Susanoo. The shrine was founded in 757CE, and it is well worth a look. You can see all of what you would see at the famous shrines in Tokyo and Kyoto, without the crowds.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-14961 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temples-720x571.jpg\" alt=\"Kushida Shrine with red gates in Fukuoka, Japan\" width=\"720\" height=\"571\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temples-720x571.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temples-300x238.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temples-768x609.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temples-1024x811.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temples-564x447.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temples-1200x951.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temples-900x713.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temples-1440x1141.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temples-390x309.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temples-780x618.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temples-510x404.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Kushida even has an Inari Shrine (the one with all the red gates) like Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, and you can see the famous Yamakasa Floats (Yamakasa is one of the biggest summer festivals in Japan).<\/p>\n<h1>Canal City<\/h1>\n<p>You look a bit cultured out, but don\u2019t worry, I\u2019ve got it sorted &#8211; we\u2019re heading to a shopping mall. Not just any shopping mall, the peerless, Canal City. Canal City has all your shopping needs, overseas brands, as well as all the Japanese ones. It also has a theatre, cinema, and the Ramen Stadium, where you can try all the best Hakata noodle stores in one place. Just the building itself is well worth your time.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s lunch time as well, you\u2019re hungry, right? It also has hundreds of restaurants. I suggest you try ______________. (Nah, I\u2019m not sharing that secret). I\u2019ll give you some free time shall I, you must be a little bit tired of me by now? See you at 2pm.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14963\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14963\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14963 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Canal-city-4-720x298.jpg\" alt=\"Canal City in Fukuoka, Japan\" width=\"720\" height=\"298\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Canal-city-4-720x298.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Canal-city-4-300x124.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Canal-city-4-768x318.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Canal-city-4-1024x424.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Canal-city-4-564x233.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Canal-city-4-1200x496.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Canal-city-4-900x372.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Canal-city-4-1440x596.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Canal-city-4-390x161.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Canal-city-4-780x323.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Canal-city-4-510x211.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14963\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Canal City<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>How was lunch? _____________ is awesome isn\u2019t it? Hope you&#8217;re not too full, big dinner tonight. We\u2019ll take a walk through the Nakasu shopping arcade, it has all your traditional stuff &#8211; kimono, yukata, happi jackets, wood carvings and ceramics.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14964\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14964\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14964 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Nakasu-4-720x240.jpg\" alt=\"Streets and shops in Nakasu Fukuoka, Japan\" width=\"720\" height=\"240\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Nakasu-4-720x240.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Nakasu-4-300x100.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Nakasu-4-768x256.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Nakasu-4-1024x341.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Nakasu-4-564x188.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Nakasu-4-1200x400.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Nakasu-4-900x300.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Nakasu-4-1440x480.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Nakasu-4-390x130.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Nakasu-4-780x260.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Nakasu-4-510x170.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14964\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Nakasu &#8211; shopping, squid and Acupuncture and Judo Therapy&#8230;.. What the&#8230;&#8230;?<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h1>Ohori Koen (Ohori Park)<\/h1>\n<p>Ok, we\u2019re now at Nakasu-Kawabata station, and we\u2019re catching the subway to Ohori Koen (Ohori Park). Off at the third stop, and you are in a Central Park type oasis in the centre of the city.<\/p>\n<p>Ohori means large moat. The lord of Fukuoka, Kuroda Hagamasa (son of Kuroda Kanbei! Anyone? Kanbei?!&#8230;.. you don\u2019t know who I\u2019m talking about do you? Look him up.) built a moat here to protect Fukuoka castle in the early 1600s. The present park dates back to 1929, and is modeled on West Lake in Hangzhou, China.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ll have a stroll around the lake, and maybe a coffee, perhaps at the Boathouse, which hosted Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe back in the day.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14966\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14966\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14966 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Boathouse-collage-720x240.jpg\" alt=\"Ohori Koen (Ohori Park) in Fukuoka, Japan\" width=\"720\" height=\"240\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Boathouse-collage-720x240.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Boathouse-collage-300x100.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Boathouse-collage-768x256.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Boathouse-collage-1024x341.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Boathouse-collage-564x188.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Boathouse-collage-1200x400.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Boathouse-collage-900x300.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Boathouse-collage-1440x480.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Boathouse-collage-390x130.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Boathouse-collage-780x260.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Boathouse-collage-510x170.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14966\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>It\u2019s even pretty on a bad day.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Have a coffee, stroll across the bridge, join one of the many events, or make a new friend &#8211; Ohori Park.<\/p>\n<h1>Fukuoka Castle ruins<\/h1>\n<p>From the park, we\u2019re going to walk over to the Fukuoka Castle ruins for a look. We\u2019ll walk right up to where the foundations of the keep remain, and enjoy a 360 degree view of the city.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_14939\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-14939\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14939 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/View-from-Fukuoka-castle.jpg\" alt=\"View from Fukuoka Castle ruins at dusk, Japan\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/View-from-Fukuoka-castle.jpg 640w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/View-from-Fukuoka-castle-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/View-from-Fukuoka-castle-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/View-from-Fukuoka-castle-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/View-from-Fukuoka-castle-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-14939\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>View from Fukuoka Castle ruins at dusk<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h1>Momochihama beach<\/h1>\n<p>Back to the subway for us and a one stop trip to Tojinmachi Station, and then a 15\/20 minute walk to the beach at Momochihama. In the summer, this is where the kids come to play at the man-made beach, but it\u2019s nice all year round. We can have an ice-cream if you want.<\/p>\n<h1>Fukuoka Tower<\/h1>\n<p>We are going to go up Fukuoka Tower, the tallest beach side tower in Japan (see, we have it all!). We\u2019ll get more sweeping 360 degree views of the city, and take some great photos. From here, it\u2019s a short walk over to the Hilton, up to the bar at the top of the hotel, and time for a well earned drink or two (I\u2019ll have a beer, thanks). We\u2019ll wait for twilight.<\/p>\n<h1>Dinner in Hakata<\/h1>\n<p>Doing alright? You\u2019re looking very happy. So let\u2019s go and grab a bus back to Hakata, and give you a chance to freshen up before dinner. I\u2019ve made a booking for 8.30pm, and it\u2019s close to your hotel.<\/p>\n<p>All ready? We\u2019re eating at ________________ tonight. A great, and very exclusive little Izakaya I know. They do a lot of Hakata cuisine, and the food is remarkable. If you\u2019d like to know more about Izakayas, and Hakata food, have a read of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2016\/12\/02\/ready-izakaya-dreaming-in-fukuoka\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">this<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0Written by a very talented, and breathtakingly handsome writer, who is well known for his modesty.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-14936 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Bar.jpg\" alt=\"Izakaya in Hakata Fukuoka, Japan\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Bar.jpg 640w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Bar-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Bar-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Bar-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Bar-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s all you\u2019re getting, and yes, I am teasing you.<\/p>\n<p>Well, it\u2019s 10.30pm, time to pay up (yep, pretty reasonable, eh?). Let\u2019s take a bit of walk, about 20 minutes down to Nakasu.<\/p>\n<h1>Nakasu<\/h1>\n<p>Nakasu is one of the biggest red-light districts in Japan, but don\u2019t let that put you off. In Japan, the red-light districts are totally safe (I dare you to make trouble in one, not worth it, trust me). These areas also have great restaurants, and bars, and attract people not only interested in adult pursuits, but woman and men just looking to have a drink, or eat some great food.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s take a couple of pictures from Fukuhaku Deai Bridge first. The neon reflected in the water is beautiful, isn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-14933 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Bridhe-720x405.jpg\" alt=\"Neon lights reflected in the water at Nakatsu Fukuoka, Japan\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Bridhe-720x405.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Bridhe-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Bridhe-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Bridhe-564x317.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Bridhe-390x219.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Bridhe-780x438.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Bridhe-510x287.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Bridhe.jpg 854w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><br \/>\nWe\u2019ve had a bit of a walk, so you must be hungry again, let&#8217;s go and eat some ramen! In Fukuoka, it has to be Tonkotsu Ramen. Thin noodles served in bone- or miso-based broth, with big slices of tasty, well-cooked pork on top. Also has bean shoots, spring onion and other vegetables or condiments, depending on the place. Well known all throughout Japan, and getting pretty popular worldwide. Recently, local chains like Ippudo and Ichiran have started opening restaurants overseas. Trust me though, it\u2019s better here, and best eaten at one of the hundreds of yatai (wheeled street stalls) that come out at night.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-14969 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Street-stalls.jpg\" alt=\"Street food stalls in Fukuoka, Japan\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Street-stalls.jpg 640w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Street-stalls-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Street-stalls-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Street-stalls-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Street-stalls-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<h1>Nightlife in Tenjin<\/h1>\n<p>Well, it\u2019s close to midnight, and I can\u2019t party like I used to, so I\u2019m off home. Now what you do next is up to you. Fukuoka knows how to party. There are plenty of places to party on at here in Nakasu, or you could walk into Tenjin. Tenjin, and Daimyo have hundreds of very hip bars and restaurants, as well as a few clubs. If you really want to let your hair down, you could head to the clubs on Oyafuko Dori (misbehaving kids street). I will be most upset if you get back to your hotel before 3am tomorrow morning.<\/p>\n<p>Good luck whatever you decide to do, I\u2019m out. And, hey, remember not to tell everyone how good Fukuoka really is, OK?<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-14930 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Final-pic.jpg\" alt=\"Ben Walker, an InsideJapan Tours tour leader based in Fukuoka, Japan\" width=\"597\" height=\"448\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Final-pic.jpg 597w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Final-pic-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Final-pic-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Final-pic-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Final-pic-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 597px) 100vw, 597px\" \/><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>We don&#8217;t know what you think, but Ben has convinced us to jump on a flight bound for Fukuoka&#8230; Go on our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-kac\/kyushu-adventure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kyushu Adventure<\/a>, a self-guided itinerary, to visit\u00a0a lunar landscape at the\u00a0<em>Unzen Hells,<\/em>\u00a0stroll through\u00a0Nagasaki&#8217;s Glover Garden and, of course, stroke the cats at Shofukuji temple (it&#8217;s the oldest Zen temple in Japan, did we mention that?)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-14975 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temple-cats-2.jpg\" alt=\"A cat lazing in Shofukuji Temple in Fukuoka, Japan\" width=\"599\" height=\"547\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temple-cats-2.jpg 599w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temple-cats-2-300x274.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temple-cats-2-564x515.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temple-cats-2-390x356.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Temple-cats-2-510x466.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, 599px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F14895&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F14895\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F14895&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F14895&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F14895%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F14895\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F14895\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Like this post? Help us by sharing it! Based in Fukuoka, tour leader Ben is best placed to scope out the secrets of this lesser known area of Kyushu island. He takes us on a whistle-stop tour to ancient temples, the best\u00a0izakaya (Japanese gastropub), red gates to rival Kyoto and&#8230; the red light district. Like [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":65,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2360,2355],"tags":[1538,3180,3183],"class_list":["post-14895","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-travellers-tales-from-japan","category-first-trip-to-japan","tag-fukuoka","tag-zen-temples","tag-hakata"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14895","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/65"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14895"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14895\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14994,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14895\/revisions\/14994"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14895"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14895"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14895"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}