Kyushu Region Travel Guide

Great city. I took the ferry over from Busan, South Korea and had a great time in Fukuoka. The beaches are pretty nice and relaxed with good vendors nearby and floats, etc. available for rent. The city itself is quite nice and the bus station provides easy access to other areas.

Daytrip from Beppu to Usukis Stone Buddhas!

This small town was one of the highlights on my trip. It was quiet and relaxed. Cute, traditional streets lead me past USUKI CASTLE RUINS and out of the town. On my way to see the STONE BUDDHAS , carved into a mountain.

It was about a 3km walk to get there (perfect to get a bike since busses dont go very frequent), following a quite big busy road. However there was a good space for walking and cycling so it wasn't a problem. But for being late mid-May it was extremely hot. BRING WATER!!

The area where the stone Buddhas can be found is worth all the trouble to get there!!! Tucked away in a bamboo forest the carvings are impressive and a amazing way to spend the day. Walking up and down those hills, listening to the birds singing, hearing the breeze in the trees, looking up on the faces of Buddha sure brings a special fealing in your gut. Peace. Of heart and mind!

Also not to be missed:
Nioza History Road

Approx. 30 min trainride from Shimonoseki to Usuki

Fukuoka is a great long weekend trip. It can give you a taste of Japan before deciding if you want to embark on a longer journey. First of all, find a loop bus. This bus is only 100 yen (1 dollar) and it goes to all the major destinations. It also tells the stops in English, Korean and Japanese. I would stop at Canal City for shopping and food. I recommend the Hyatt's Dim Sum Buffet. It isn't really a buffet because you order off a seasonal menu, but they will keep bringing it for as long as you want. From Canal City take the skyroad to Kyusha Temple. It is a beautiful Shinto Shrine. Then, from there take a walk through the traditional market. On the other side, you can pick up the loop bus again. I also suggest trekking out to the beach area. It is not busy but a nice change from downtown.