We've decided to head to Kumamoto today, which is just 30 minutes by Shinkansen from Fukuoka. It's a great chance to check out a new place and see what Kumamoto has to offer.
Before catching the train, we took a quick walk around the station, where there are loads of souvenir shops!
It's worth mentioning the concept of 'お土産' (omiyage), which is bringing back souvenirs from your travels or business trips for colleagues, family or friends. These souvenirs are usually presented in individual packages, which makes them easier to share. It's a great tradition, and it's a nice way to show our appreciation to those who couldn't make it with us!
Everything is presented really well, with colourful packaging and attractive designs that make you want to buy everything! Every item seems to tell a story and showcase local specialities and crafts. It's hard to resist the temptation, whether it's sweet treats, typical snacks or handicrafts.
I spent some time looking at each stall, thinking about how happy I could make my loved ones with a little gift. It's a real pleasure to wander around these shops. You'll find that every souvenir is a little piece of Japanese culture to take home with you!
After a stroll through the shopping arcades, we finally boarded the train for Kumamoto. Travelling by Shinkansen is always pleasant, thanks to the comfort and speed that make the journey even more enjoyable. I can't wait to arrive and discover all that this city has to offer!
Unfortunately, we didn't have much time on site, so we decided to focus on the essentials: enjoying some of Kumamoto's famous ramen, followed by delicious matcha ice cream! The ramen, with its rich, flavoursome broth, was a real treat, and the matcha ice cream provided the perfect finishing touch to our meal. It was a great culinary experience that gave us a taste of local specialities in a short space of time!
Place: Sakura no baba さくらの馬場
Kumamoto Castle is really impressive! It costs 850 yen to get in, which gives you access to the museum and the castle itself. I'd highly recommend it as it's a fantastic place to explore with lots to discover on each floor. Each floor offers a different view of the architecture and the surrounding gardens.
The only slight drawback is that there are no French explanations inside but, which might make it a little more challenging for non-Japanese speakers. That said, the visuals and atmosphere of the castle are well worth the effort!
When we got back to the hotel, we thought we'd explore a bit and see what the nightlife in Fukuoka was like. The streets were buzzing with people enjoying the local food and drink and admiring the twinkling lights. We passed a number of small stalls and restaurants, where the delicious smells of Japanese food filled the air.
The atmosphere was lively and friendly, and we even took a little detour to explore a nearby park, where lanterns lit the way. It was a great way to end the day, soaking up the energy of the city and admiring its charm under the stars.
Sounds perfect! There's nothing quite like enjoying the city's night views. The twinkling lights and night-time atmosphere of Fukuoka are truly magical. I'm really looking forward to discovering Nagasaki with you tomorrow! Have a good night and see you soon! ⭐️
Comentários