Looking for Something in South Chikugo?
Daijayama Festival is a spectacular, high energy parade held annually in Omuta. Omuta is one of the southern-most towns of Fukuoka, closer to Kumamoto City than to Fukuoka City. Because of this, I’ve always found the people and vibe in Omuta to be quite different. Because Daijayama Festival is a celebration of the gods of water, agriculture and sickness prevention coming together. You will see 6 large dragon floats (known as Daijayama) parade through the streets of central Omuta with sparks pouring from the dragon’s mouths, and several people dancing and chanting atop the floats. Because Additionally, many people will…
Fukuoka West Sets Sail for Nokonoshima Island Park!
Have you ever heard of Nokonoshima? This charming little island, nestled in Hakata Bay, is just a quick 10-minute ferry ride from Meinohama Port. It’s the perfect escape from city life, offering sea views and beautiful seasonal flowers. While the island is small enough to explore on foot, be prepared for some hills—or take the local bus for an easier ride! Flower Picnic with Fukuoka West! On a bright and sunny Saturday morning, Fukuoka West & Friends set sail for a day of adventure! The ferry ride was short but sweet, and we soaked in the refreshing sea breeze as…
Fukuoka West Goes Strawberry Picking!
February 3rd, 2024 Fukuoka is well-known throughout Japan for its strawberries! Have you heard of the famous Amaou variety? Known for their incredible sweetness, juiciness, and large size, these premium strawberries are a local specialty. From December to May, strawberry picking becomes a beloved seasonal tradition, and many Fukuoka JETs eagerly take part in this fun and delicious activity. Fukuoka West Goes Strawberry Picking! Rain or shine, nothing can stop Fukuoka West & Friends from a berry sweet adventure! On a drizzly Saturday morning, our group set out to Ike Strawberry Farm, nestled on the outskirts of Fukuoka City. Lucky…
Kyushu Hiking Spots 2023
Perfect Season for Hiking Now that the sakura have bid us farewell for another year and the weather is becoming warmer, you may be itching to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Well what better way to do it than by hiking up one of Kyushu’s many beautiful mountains! Before We Start As exhilirating as hiking is, there are always things that can go wrong. Thankfully, with a bit of knowledge and common sense, many of the risks associated with hiking can be prevented or avoided. Before undertaking any of the hikes listed below, please ensure you are familiar with…
ALT Sake Brewery Tour
Earlier this month 23 ALTs from around the prefecture visited the Takahashi Shouten Sake Brewery in Yame. Let’s hear about their experience! The Trek to Yame The crew gathered at Hakata Station at the crack of dawn (or 9:50 am, same thing on a Saturday), ready and eager to enjoy an action-packed day of delicious food and day-drinking. We were greeted by members of the Fukuoka Regional Taxation Bureau, who directed us to the bus. The educational side of the tour began as soon as we sat down, with an informational video about the process of sake-production. The hour-long trip…