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DJ's Recommend(DJのオススメ)

2023.11.20[Mon] 09:00

DJ's Recommend(DJのオススメ)

Christmas Advent 2023

【Christmas Advent】

The whole city of Tenjin and Hakata is sparkling with Christmas lights and festively decorated Christmas trees at shopping centers around town. Have you been to Christmas Advent yet, a Christmas event in Fukuoka, the city of lights?
What is it? Some of you may wonder what it is, but it's actually the annual "Christmas Market" event. It has has been renamed "Christmas Advent" and scaled up for its 11th year!

You probably noticed illuminations and Christmas markets getting set up from around November 6 at various venues.  And you'll see even more as the streets of Hakata, Tenjin, and Nakasu  continue to be decorated every day until Christmas. Visitors can enjoy glittering illuminations, Christmas trees, many Santa Clauses, and stage events such as live music performances.

This year, three new venues have been added and more than 100 stores will be open, selling delicious gourmet foods, authentic and cute Christmas goods, and classic hot wine and hot chocolate.

The original event mugs are so popular that they change in design every year and people have really gotten into collecting them. This year, six different mugs are available for each venue. There's even a rainy day-only mug to collect as well.

The "Christmas Advent" has been newly reborn this year, with a townscape that looks like something out of a picture book, and is sure to put you in a joyful mood! Well, I hope you will have a memorable holiday time, this year!

 

https://christmas-advent.jp/

 

 

 

DJ's Holiday Season

Well, the Christmas Advent sounds like it will be pretty fun to go to this year. I've gone to the the Christmas Market every year it's been held so far, so I'll be sure to go this year as well. I'll probably also keep an eye out for other events in town as I have some time off during the month of December. I want to visit a couple of onsen, as the cold weather is perfect for long soaks in a hot spring, and I want to see a couple of movies in the theaters, like the Spy Family movie which is coming out next month.

For me though, Christmas is a pretty special time. When I was in the US, the whole family, my aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and sometimes friends all got together for present exchanges and a big potluck party. There was always so much conversation and laughter and a big poker game at the end of the night. Now that I'm in Japan, it's harder to meet family, but I have friends here who are like my family and I usually hold a Christmas party at home with them. We exchange presents, have a potluck lunch or dinner and usually end up playing board games.

That's my plan again this year, so I have to figure out what presents to get people and also plan out my menu! In the weeks leading up to Christmas, I like to check out the Shintencho, the Chikagai and a few other stores in Tenjin for ideas for Christmas presents. We also get the house ready for Christmas with decorations and we put up a tree in the living room and put ornaments and lights on it in preparation for presents from Santa! As for food, well on Christmas, I like to have ham, and Costco is handy for that and for lots of other foods as well! I'm looking forward to Christmas this year!

What do you like to do for fun over the holidays?

2023.08.14[Mon] 09:00

Other Topics(その他) , DJ's Recommend(DJのオススメ)

【Koshien Summer Baseball】

Koshien, the high school baseball tournament held every year in August is considered one of Japan's iconic summer traditions. As the season approaches, it becomes a daily topic in the media and is broadcasted extensively. Although its formal name is the "National High School Baseball Championship Memorial Tournament," it is commonly known as "Koshien" due to its location at the Koshien Stadium in Hyogo Prefecture. High school students from all over the country aspire to participate in this tournament. They compete in intense matches starting from regional qualifying tournaments, and only the schools that triumph advance to the main event.

Many players who later have careers in professional baseball have experienced this tournament. Manga and movies have been inspired by it, and fans eagerly await this event every year. Each school's journey is full of drama, and documentaries leading up to their participation are often featured. In addition to the actual games, there are many other highlights such as the singing of each school's alma mater, performances by the brass bands, the cheerleading squads' performances, and the tradition of players taking home a handful of sand from the field after each game. The tournament offers more than just the matches; it showcases the youth and sportsmanship of high school athletes giving their all on the field. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend watching these high school players' spirited and sportsmanlike efforts!

 

 

DJ's recommended summer recipe

It's still pretty hot out, isn't it. I hope all of you are feeling alright and haven't been wiped out by this heat. Although we want to get out and be active and do loads of things in the summer, to do that, we need to make sure we're getting the right kind of nutrition. So, I've got a recipe idea for you to help beat the heat of summer.

My go to dish in the summer is basically any kind of cold noodle dish!

At home, I often make somen with kimchi, sesame seed oil and cucumbers on top for a quick and refreshing meal. Just a little bit of mentsuyu or dashi soy sauce for some extra salt and it's ready to go. Cucumbers are great for getting a little more hydration in your body, kimchi is fermented, so it's great for you, plus the spice always helps in the summer and the dish overall isn't too heavy, but still filling. Add a  little tuna or shredded cooked chicken for some extra protein. Try it! Let me know what you think and if you have a good summer dish, let me know.

If you are out, quite a few shops have reimen, or cold noodle dishes on their menus that you can try as well. I had a really tasty cold champon noodle dish with mabo eggplant at Ringer Hut the other day. I definitely recommend it for when you want a 

quick lunch. It had loads of veggies, plus the eggplant and was just spicy enough to make it the perfect summer dish on a day out. There are a few Ringer Hut scattered around the city, in Tenjin, Hakata, Momochi, Sasaoka...so pop in one when you have the chance.

2023.06.26[Mon] 09:00

DJ's Recommend(DJのオススメ)

Colleen's Recommendation

photo by Colleen

>> 続きを読む

2023.04.24[Mon] 09:00

DJ's Recommend(DJのオススメ)

【Places to Get Out and About】

Just when you thought April had only begun, we find ourselves at the end of it and heading into Golden Week! Golden Week, if you are new to Japan, is a group of holidays typically from May 3rd to 5th.

But with this weekend and the next, some people might have a full 9 days off this year. If you are looking for something to do over the next week, let me introduce a few ideas this week, for places to go around Fukuoka.

First, one of the easiest places to go to is Ohori Park, right in the city. Get a picnic basket ready or even pick up something from the delicious shops around like Taco Mia, Mister Donuts, the Garden Cafe in the Park or La Brioche bakery and spend a day walking around, enjoying the Japanese garden or taking the rowboats and swanboats out for spin on the pond.

If you want to get a bit further out of town, you could do a little wisteria hunting. There are beautiful flowers at Buzoji Temple out towards Chikushino city and the amazing display at Kawachi Flower Park and Kisshoji temple in Kitakyushu. If you want to avoid the crowds, I recommend hiking. In Sawara-ku, there's a great waterfall called Karanno no taki and a path that goes up the mountain behind it. It's a decent hike and a great chance for some forest bathing. Those are just some of my suggestions, but there's still plenty more to do in Fukuoka.

One of those big things to do is Hakata Dontaku Minato Matsuri, one of those must see events in Fukuoka over the Golden Week holiday.

What is this Dontaku event, you say? Well, it's a festival put on by the citizens of Fukuoka and attracts not only the citizens of the city, but tourists from around Japan and abroad. 2 million people come to the festival every year. This year's festival is the 62nd and will be held over two days on May 3 and 4. The Dontaku -tai, a group of mainly local citizens, will parade through the streets and give stage performances, wearing gorgeous costumes and "Shamoji” a kind of rice paddle but for performance here.
The "Hana Jidosha," large brightly lit cars decorated with characters and other decorations, are also a specialty of the festival. As the festival comes to a close, you'll find the whole town in a festive mood with audience members jumping in to join the dancing and clapping the shamoji.

It's a fun event, I've been quite a few times and it's impressive to see all the different dance shows and costumes. It's really a city party and you're bound to make new friends as you get out and enjoy the atmosphere, not to mention, have a chance to soak up some real life Hakata culture!

2023.03.27[Mon] 09:00

DJ's Recommend(DJのオススメ)

【DJ Recommendations – Spring Walks】
Are you feeling a little sluggish or out of sorts with the change in the seasons? How about taking a walk to refresh yourself?

Tenjin Central Park, located in the center of Fukuoka City, is an urban oasis created on the site of the former Fukuoka Prefectural Government Office. The park covers a total area of approximately 31,000 square meters, making it a great spot for a stroll.
The park is also popular as a cherry blossom viewing spot, and there is a large natural grass plaza in the center of the park where you can picnic, nap or enjoy other relaxing outdoor activities. The fountain plaza you'll find in the park, lined with Parthenon-like columns, is made of stone and other materials used in the former Fukuoka Prefectural Office Building, and its nostalgic atmosphere is just as symbolic as the park itself.

The Nishi-Nakasu area across the river from Tenjin Central Park is called "HARENO GARDEN," and is home to the Kihin-kan, an important cultural property of Japan. There you'll also find great bakeries and a number of restaurants. Popular with tourists, it is a good place to spend time in a café or to buy bread or coffee to eat in the park.
There is also a "fuku-haku-deai-bashi" bridge at the other end of the park, which has been used in a number of films and TV dramas. When you're on the bridge, you'll find it hard to resist taking a photo there of yourself. As you walk through the park from one end to the other you'll find so many ways to enjoy your stroll.

Another good place for a walk in Fukuoka city is "Ohori Park "!
Ohori Park is a park built around a pond. The pond is about 2 km around and has a well-maintained jogging course that follows it.
You can also actually cross to the island in the center of the pond. The path that traverses the pond is connected by four bridges and is a wonderful place for a stroll. As you walk along the path, you can almost forget that you're in the middle of a major metropolitan city, with the sound of the birds and the trees surrounding you. The pavilion that juts out into the water is a nice place for pictures, especially around sunset.
You'll also find a boathouse at Ohori park where you can rent row boats or swan boats to take a tour of the pond. A lot of people do this and it's a fun way to relax and spend time at the park.
Fukuoka is an area rich in nature. And walks around the city will allow you to find your favorite natural area. If history is something you are interested in, you'll also find plenty of that in Fukuoka with the ruins of Fukuoka Castle and the many temples and shrines dotted around the city.
There are many unique places to visit in Fukuoka. Enjoy walking the streets of Fukuoka in the spring season and discover something new, whether you are a recent resident of the city or someone who has been here for years.

 

The new season's message

Well that's it for the program today. I want to say thank you very much to all of you who have tuned in every week for Life in Fukuoka. Next week marks the fourth year of this program, "Life in Fukuoka," which began in April 2020!

So, once again thank you for listening to our broadcasts and podcasts and I look forward to all of our future shows!

We will continue to provide useful information and fun topics for foreigners living in Fukuoka. If you have any suggestions for things you want to hear about, things you want more information on, then please, feel free to send messages to me or to the show!

You can send your message to 761@lovefm.co.jp with "Life in Fukuoka English" in the title.

2022.11.21[Mon] 09:00

DJ's Recommend(DJのオススメ)

【DJ Recommended~Christmas events and lightups~】

In Japan, as you may have noticed, the moment Halloween is over, Christmas starts taking over. Personally, I don't think it should start until late November, but there really aren't any big holidays in November in Japan to stop the Christmas creep. In the US, we've got Thanksgiving to look forward to before Christmas. Of course, even in the US, the Christmas stuff starts early though.

I do like Christmas however and really look forward to it. I usually hold a Christmas dinner and gift exchange at my house for my friends, something I'll probably do again this year. We like to do it pot luck style, so everyone brings a dish to share, and I usually make a main dish. In the past I've done roast chicken, roast pork, beef wellington, ham...I haven't decided on the dish this year though. Any recommendations? I've still got plenty of time to plan my menu.

 

Christmas Illuminations

Of course, with Christmas here, you've also got loads of lights up around the city, from Tenjin to Hakata, on shops and in the parks, a big old Christmas tree and all the decorations up, making for a pretty beautiful sight.

This year, I'm planning to go to the illuminations at the Across Building. It's a new set up, it seems, and I'm looking forward to seeing it.

 

Speaking of all these illuminations and everything else Christmas, we've also got the Fukuoka Christmas Market, something that you don't want to miss.

 

Christmas Market

The Fukuoka Christmas Market is held every year from November to December, up until Christmas day, in the Hakata and Tenjin areas. It's Fukuoka's winter story, you could say. In Japan, it is the biggest Christmas market and at each of the venues there are a whole load of shops, Christmas lights and decorations. With hot wine, hot chocolate, delicious food and everything else, it's a cozy, fun event to be at.

This year's theme is Light and Hope. The market venues are located at the Hakata Station plaza and in Tenjin at the City Hall's Fureai Hiroba and the Passage at Daimaru. There are different things to see and buy at each venue and the mugs made for the event every year are one of the most popular souvenirs to get. I like to go for the atmosphere, at the Hakata venue, there is often live music, which is always enjoyable.

Also, in the Nakasu area and at Tenjin Chuo Park, from 5pm to midnight, you'll see a variety of illuminations set up, Fukuoka's newest illumination spot. We've got about one month left until Christmas, so get out and enjoy these wonderful events. Make great memories and enjoy Fukuoka's Christmas to the fullest.

2022.08.22[Mon] 09:00

DJ's Recommend(DJのオススメ)

【DJ recommends-Autumn Events】
Well, we are getting through August pretty quickly, very nearly at the end of it. However, that doesn't mean that the hot days are over quite yet, there are still a few left before we get to autumn. Speaking of autumn or fall, as we say in the US, I guess because of the falling leaves, what images or feelings pop up in your head? For me, it's the colors of the changing leaves, fresh apple cider and donuts at an apple mill, and the Renaissance Festival, a big festival held every year where people dress up and speak as though they are from another time in the past.
In Japan, Autumn brings to mind a few different expressions which translate to Autumn is the season of the appetite, the season of reading and the season of art. It's also a time of year when festivals are in full swing.

The most famous autumn festival in Fukuoka City is Ho-jo-ya held every September at Hakozaki-gu Shrine in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City.
Along with "Hakata Dontaku" in spring and "Hakata Gion Yamakasa" in summer, this festival is one of the three major festivals in Hakata. It is a festival to "respect all life, warn against killing, and give thanks for the harvest of autumn. I used to go every year and really enjoyed it. I didn't go last year, but I am hoping to go this year. It's pretty fun and the evening is cool enough to enjoy the time outdoors, even with the crowds. The food there is really good as well and sometimes there are things that you can only try there, I had a deepfried garlicky konnyaku snack before, I guess it's from Miyazaki, and could never get enough of it!
Hojoya is actually famous for its approximately 500 stalls, and used to be crowded with about 1 million visitors, but due to the pandemic, only the shrine rituals were held for the last two years.
This year, however, the festival will be held in a similar fashion to previous years, with stalls set up for the first time in three years, taking maximum measures against the spread of infection, such as reducing the number of seats in front of the special stage and asking visitors to wear masks and refrain from eating and walking.

Hopefully you will be able to enjoy the atmosphere of Japanese culture and Japanese festivals as you sample the various stalls, such as target shooting, yo-yo fishing, and new ginger sales.
The yakimochi, a specialty of Hakozakigu Shrine with a chewy outside and sweet bean paste inside, is also highly recommended.
Hojoya will be held from Monday, September 12 to Sunday, September 18. However, if a state of emergency is declared during the period, the event may be scaled down or cancelled.
If you go out, don't forget to take precautions against the spread of infection.

Speaking of festivals, LOVE FM will also be holding a 3 day summer festival from Friday August 26th to Sunday August 28th in Tenjin's Chuo-Koen Park.
Saturday morning will start with IRIE MUSIC, a reggae program airing from 8am. There will be reggae, hip-hop and Okinawan folk music as well as booths selling food and drinks, so join us there. Grab a drink, move your body and have a great time!

This year will also be the first time in three years for "Nakasu Jazz" to be held. Nakasu Jazz has become an annual event in Fukuoka City in September. It is a jazz festival held mainly in Nakasu, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, one of the busiest areas in western Japan.
One of the attractions of the festival is that all of the stage shows are free!
For the past two years, the festival has been held online, this year, however, the festival will be held at various locations in Nakasu on Saturday, September 17th and Sunday the 18 th .
IF you have a chance, come out and see the acts on stage. Whether you're a jazz lover or not, it's a great time for all. And of course, when you do go out, please remember to take basic infection prevention measures as you enjoy these autumn events.

2022.07.25[Mon] 09:00

DJ's Recommend(DJのオススメ)

【DJ Recommendations Summer Getaways】
It's summer vacation season, especially for students as classes are out until the fall term. So, this week, I'll introduce a few things to do over the summer holidays. With your friends or family, there are loads of places to go and events to enjoy this summer.

Uminonakamichi's Sunshine Pool, open after 3 seasons!
First, Uminonakamichi's Sunshine Pool located in the Higashi Ward of Fukuoka City inside of the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park. It's finally open after being closed for the last two summer vacations. Last year and the year before, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, in order to prevent the spread of infection, the decision was made not to open the pool. However, this year, it is open again. But things have changed a little. You have to make a reservation to get in before going and you need to tell them if you are bringing any flotation devices or if you are planning on renting some. At the gate, you have to have your temperature checked. These are all measures to help prevent the further spread of infection.
And during pool operating hours, various events will be held in line with infection prevention measures, including things like underwater exercise. At Sunshine Pool, in addition to the pool fun, when you're hungry, you can find delicious menu items such as Hakata Tonkotsu ramen, Curry Rice, Sasebo Burgers and there will also be booths set up where you can enjoy your meals in the pool it seems!
I last went to Sunshine pool in 2019 and had an absolute blast. I'm hoping to go again this year, but I'll have to be sure to make that reservation so that I don't miss my chance!

The Picture Book Museum (July 19th-August 28)
Next, an event perfect for families with little kids. The NTT Nishi Nihon Special Oide-yo! Picture Book Museum. This event will be held at the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum and will go from Tuesday, July 19th to Sunday, August 28th.
This is the 16th time it has been held and the theme this time is Dai Suki or I love it! Growing up surrounded by love as children navigate their daily lives and growth helps to foster the power and potential within. At this exhibition, you'll find traditional books that can be held in the hands and read as well as an exhibition of digital contents that utilize cutting edge technology. That world view that is very much a part of picture books will let you enjoy communication through them in a place that has been set up to with your peace in mind.
I know that when I was a child, I loved reading books and having books read to me. An event like this when I was a kid would have been so much fun.

Maizuru Park BBQ Garden

Finally, on the list of recommendations is the Maizuru Park BBQ Garden, easily accessible from the Ohori Garden Subway stop. From quite reasonable menu plans to indulgent A5 grade meat and seafood luxury plans, there is something for everyone to enjoy on the grill.

There are also all-you-can-drink plans, so it's like going to a outdoor beer garden as well.
It's the perfect place to escape the city despite being in the center of it all. You'll have nature around you and can really enjoy the outdoors. Everything is set up and cleaned up for you by the staff so it's a really easy way to enjoy a delicious BBQ.
I have never been to the BBQ garden but have passed by plenty of times. I often BBQ at home but the clean-up is what kills me, so this Maizuru Park plan is pretty tempting!
Think you might try it out?

As for me, I've actually got a few things planned. I'm mostly trying to escape the heat and have a trip to Kamikochi in Nagano, up in the mountains planned, as well as a trip to Hokkaido to visit the islands of Rebun and Rishiri. I'll also do a bit of camping around Kyushu, if I can, it all really depends on the weather. Camping in the rain isn't fun, I do prefer dry weather.

What do you think you'll get up to this summer? If you aren't sure of what to look up, or you're thinking “I just want to make some awesome summer memories!”but don't know where to go, you can always take advantage of Fukuoka City's official City Guide, Yokanavi. Take a look at it online, there's a lot of information for you there. Yokanavi is Fukuoka City's tourist information website for tourist spots, events and food. Just type Yokanavi into your search bar and it should pop up.

Whatever you get up to, have a wonderful summer full of great memories!

YOKA NAVI
https://area-gate.biz/fukuokayokanavi/activity

2022.05.23[Mon] 09:00

DJ's Recommend(DJのオススメ)

【DJ Recommendations for Rainy Season and Summer Prep】

As the weather continues to heat up, you can really feel that we're heading into the summer months. We're very nearly into June now, just a week or so left of May. However, before we get into the full heat of summer, we have rainy season first....

 

Japanese Summer and Its Rainy Season

If you've been here for a while, you'll know that one big characteristic of summer in Japan is its mugginess. It is hot and humid here. And June is when Tsuyu, or rainy season, shows up bringing in lots of clouds and lots and lots of rain. In Japanese, the beginning of rainy season is referred to as “tsuyu-iri” and the end is “tsuyu-ake.” I'm not sure there's really a good translation for that other than entering rainy season and the lifting or clearing of rainy season...if you have a better word for it, let me know. In Fukuoka, the end of rainy season is typically around the middle of July, but it really depends on the area and that year. And once it does end, we get “mousho”, which is very very hot, or extreme heat, and means hot days with temperatures often from 35 degrees and above. So, as we move into June, make sure you prepare so that you are completely ready for summer.

I remember when I first came to Japan and experienced my first rainy season, I was shocked at how wet I got even with an umbrella. The rain was falling so hard it was bouncing back up off the ground and splashing me. Just an umbrella won't cut it during rainy season. I now have a good pair of rain boots, an assortment of raincoats and ponchos, depending on how heavy the rain is, and of course, several sturdy umbrellas. I cycle to most places so one of my rain coats is extra long and has a expandable back so that I can carry my backpack underneath it. Once the rainy season is over and the heat of summer hits, I'm alright. Michigan isn't known for such hot summers at all, and summer isn't all that long either, but I can handle the hot weather and I love going to the beach. However, I always have a handkerchief with me, as the summer is pretty sweaty, and never leave the house without water and a hat of sorts, which leads me into our next topic today, ways to avoid heat stroke and sunburns.

 

Measures to Prevent Heatstroke and Sunburns

You'll often hear the word “Necchushou”, in Japanese, come summer. This means heatstroke and it's Japan's biggest climate illness. Symptoms of heatstroke include dizziness, nausea, sluggishness and headaches and may result from spending a long time outdoors, under the sun, or doing physical activities in the summer heat. You can actually get heatstroke, not only from being outdoors but also indoors, so be careful as you deal with the heat of summer.

So, make sure you avoid being under direct sunlight when you can, and try to stay in shaded areas or in cool rooms.

When you go out, wear a hat or carry a parasol to block some of that sunlight, and try to avoid strenuous physical activities.

Keep a cool towel on your neck, or make use of the many products out there on the market to help prevent heatstroke!

And of course, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Right now, we are still wearing masks to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, so it's sometimes harder to recognize when we are feeling thirsty, so make it a point to drink water at regular intervals.

 

Increase in Natural Disasters in Recent Years During Rainy Season and the Summer

From the beginning of rainy season, all the way to autumn, Japan experiences typhoons, heavy rains, flooding, fierce winds and storm surges.

And, in recent years, heavy rains have caused a series of disasters in Kyushu. To be prepared for this, check your area's disaster prevention map to know what actions to take in case of a disaster and to where you should evacuate. Knowing this information beforehand could make all the difference. You can check the website  https://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/bousai/bousaiforeigner.html or look up Fukuoka City Disaster Prevention to find the information you need on the internet.

2022.04.25[Mon] 09:00

DJ's Recommend(DJのオススメ)

【What are Your Golden Week Plans?】

Well, Golden Week, as they call this set of holidays coming up, will begin at the end of this week, the last week of April and go into the first week of May. If you were able to get next Monday and Friday off, then it'll be quite a long Golden Week for you!

Golden Week
So, do you know what the holidays are that make up this holiday time? It starts with Shōwa Day on April 29, Constitution Day on May 3, Greenery Day on May 4, and Children’s Day on May 5. And depending on how the timing works out and if you can get the non-holiday days off, this week can go from 7 to 10 days. Any idea why it's called Golden Week? There are quite a few theories as to where the name came from, but the most popular origin is that it came from Japanese radio lingo. Golden Time was an expression used in the radio industry to denote the period with the highest listener ratings. As there were many holidays concentrated in the week from the end of April to early May, many leisure-based industries experienced a spike in sales, including the film industry which prompted the managing director of one film company to dub the week "Golden Week" based on that radio lingo.
So what is your plan for this year's Golden Week? I'll start mine early, in a sense. I do still have to go to work but before the Golden Week rush begins, I plan on going to the Kawachi Fuji Park in Kitakyushu to enjoy the wisteria there. I have dinner plans with some friends that I haven't seen in a while and I'll also catch a bit of wrestling at Yahoo Dome at Dontaku Wrestling! It'll be a busy Golden Week for sure, but I want to make the most of it this year.

Places to Go in Fukuoka Over Golden Week
If you haven't made any plans yet, don't worry, there are lots of things to do here in Fukuoka City! Especially this year, after three long years, the Hakata Dontaku Minato Matsuri, a festival with over 800 years of history, will be held again!
The Hakata Dontaku Minato Matsuri is a parade in which men and women of all ages wear costumes of their choosing and parade through town while keeping beat on a shamoji. The festival is held on May 3 and 4 every year and there are stages and spaces around town where dance performances are also held. It's a wonderful event that makes the town even livelier.
And, if you want to do some shopping while on holiday, from today, April 25th, the new shopping complex LaLaPort Fukuoka is open. However, it's not just about shopping, there are also restaurants, a movie theater, sports facilities and loads of fun for those who have kids.

Fukuoka's East and West Coasts

Alright, for those of you who want to be outside, I would recommend cycling and a few other outdoor sports. Along the coast of Fukuoka there is tons to do and you've got both the east and west coasts, each with their own charms.

Looking to the East, there are beautiful blue seas all around and you can feel the history in the air if you visit Shikanoshima. The symbol of the island is Shika-umi Shrine located on a small mountain on the island. As you walk along the main path to the shrine, you can also sample fresh seafood and get some shopping in at shops along the way. The circumference of Shikanoshima is only 12 kilometers and it's an easy 1 hour cycle around.
There are paths for both beginners and more experienced cyclists.
You can take a boat from Bayside Place Hakata to the island and you can even bring your bicycle with you. If you don't have a bicycle, not to fear, you can rent one on the island or even one from Uminonakamichi, if you are out that way.

Now, to the West. There in the Kitazaki area, you'll find beautiful coastal roads and some great photo spots, along with stylish cafes. From Tenjin, it takes just about an hour to get to the Kitazaki area, but it's a real escape because you can go fishing, glamping, hit up some of those popular cafes I just mentioned and get lots of photos to post and share with friends.
If you go to the Itoshima Hanto, or Itoshima Peninsula, there are bicycles available to rent and also Stand Up Paddleboard, good fun for even beginners.
If you think you might head to the Kitazaki area, you can take the subway and JR Chikuhi line. Get off at Kyudai Gakkentoshi Eki Station and transfer to a Showa Bus.
You can find more information about all of this if you go to the Fukuoka City Tourist Information site, YokaNavi and search for Fukuoka East and West Coast.
And of course, when you do go out, make sure that you continue to practice basic infection prevention measures such as washing your hands, avoiding the 3 C's and wearing a mask. If you don't remember what those 3 C's are, they are avoiding closed spaces, crowds and close conversation.

 

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DJ紹介

  • Colleen
  • Colleen
  • 誕生日:11月11日
    出身地:USA Detroit, MI
    興味のある事:I'm studying patisserie and languages
    好きな音楽:Rock、Classical、Swing、Pop
    趣味・特技:ハイキング、写真、キャンプ、旅行
    SNSアカウント:Instagram@indybinks

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