Making Each Day Count

Our first full day in Fukuoka was meant for a free and easy exploration. We started the day by walking from our hotel toward the Fukuoka Castle Ruins. The stroll itself was already a reward, but arriving at the grounds was something else entirely. Near the ruins, we noticed a small group of birdwatchers standing quietly with zoomlens cameras in hand. Like them, we slowed down and looked up to watch the birds flitting between branches. I knew then that day was going to be awesome, as the sound of birds automatically lifted my spirits. To add to the vibe, the sight of autumn leaves in the middle of their transformation made the experience more special.

By lunchtime, we had Hyotan Sushi in mind. This highly rated spot had been on our list, and once we arrived, we understood why. The line was long and we kept glancing at the time. They close at 2 PM, and we honestly thought we might miss our chance. Luckily, after about 45 minutes of waiting, we were ushered in and seated, and welcomed immediately with cups of hot green tea.

D ordered the chef’s special with 10 pieces of sushi, while I chose the premium sushi special with 9 pieces. Both sets came with a generously sized bowl of fish soup which was comforting and had chunky fish in it. All of the sushi was delicious. Even now, I still find myself craving the soup and the sushi. The food was fantastic and worth the wait.

After lunch, we walked off our happy tummies with some window shopping at the Tenjin Underground Mall. It was lively yet orderly, a maze of shops beneath the city. We had afternoon tea and cake there, giving our feet a short break before heading out again.

Our final stops for the day were two temples: Tochoji Temple and Shofukuji Temple.

Tochoji Temple is known for housing one of Japan’s largest seated wooden Buddha statues. The temple grounds were wide. There was a five-story pagoda that added a beauty to the calm surroundings.

Shofukuji Temple is situated a few minutes’ walk away from Tochoji Temple. It carries a deep history, founded in the 12th century. It is recognized as Japan’s first Zen temple. The atmosphere here feels older and more introspective.

When we visited both temples, there were hardly any other visitors around. The quiet was profound and soothing, and we appreciated the rare chance to experience these sacred spaces without distraction. Fukuoka showed us a softer, more contemplative side which we greatly appreciated.

Fukuoka City surprised us in the best way. It knows when to be lively and when to be still. That balance is what made exploring it so special.