JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION

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  pvdenseFeb. 17, 2009 - 03:21PM JST

  After a fantastic 4-year teaching stint in Busan, South Korea, decided to pass through neighboring Japan on my way back to the States. Having only been able to see the country 2 or 3 days at a time on visa runs, I wanted to see more and took 3 weeks to travel extensively. Entered through Fukuoka, stopping off in Kyoto, Nara, Tokyo before making my way up to Hokkaido. Although each area has its local charm, great food, fantastic people, I must say that in retrospect I was most impressed with the southern island of Kyushu, particularly the Fukuoka area.

  A compact city easy to navigate with a beautiful coastline, Fukuoka pulsated with youthful energy yet was locally charming and traditional. I stayed centrally in the Tenjin district for a few nights, just long enough to befriend some locals who invited me to try MIZUTAKI (a traditonal Fukuoka dish of chicken broth and vegetables). Having had plenty of IMOJOCHU (the sweet potato wine from Kagoshima), my new friends took me to a stylish cafe-bar which they called their 'secret hideaway'. And it was just that. Located steps from ARK ROYAL HOTEL (where I conveniently stayed), there was an interesting, artistic, mixed/alternative clientel along with amazing atmosphere/drinks/music. I managed to pocket myself a business card with the following homepage info: www. inthepark.jp ...... Very impressive HP indeed! For those in search of a quiet drink and/or a taste of trendy local fashion, this cafe-bar IN THE PARK would be a very nice alternative to the dance venues/foreign meat-markets. English and French were also spoken.

  South of the city, don't miss DAZAIFU Shrine (try the UMEGAEMOCHI - traditional local sweets!). Further south, I discovered a quaint city called YANAGAWA. Take a walk along the canals through the old town. There are also canal tours available for small groups which looked like fun.

  Posted in: Fukuoka: Japan's most architecturally forward-thinking city

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