Hiroshima

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park - After World War II, a group led by Japanese architect named Kenzo Tange designed the park to turn the land into the Peace Memorial Park. It was completed in 1954. Photo credit: Visit Hiroshima.

Three days ago, I was checking out what was trending on Twitter. One of it was Obama. It was about his planned visit to Hiroshima at the end of May. I believe the reason it was trending was because Barack Obama would be the first sitting US president to visit Hiroshima.

Fukuoka - Day 5

Recap of my trip to Fukuoka, Japan, on Wednesday, 23 March 2016.

Last day in Fukuoka

Sniff, sniff. Today is our last day in Fukuoka. Our flight back is scheduled at 1.40pm so we had time to explore the neighbourhood (and hopefully see sakura trees in bloom!). We said our farewell to our friend’s wife in the morning before she left for work. We were really grateful for her hospitality and felt sad that we had to part so soon.

We walked around the neighbourhood together with our friend who took his dog for a walk. It made me realise again that the place our friend stays at is a nice, friendly, quiet neighbourhood. He spoke to a few people he knew and easily struck up conversations with other people who were out walking their dogs as well.

Fukuoka - Day 4

Recap of my trip to Fukuoka, Japan, on Tuesday, 22 March 2016.

Walking around Fukuoka & Sento

It’s the start of the working week today, so our friend’s wife went to work this morning; our friend was still on leave. The three of us started our exploration of Fukuoka City by walking down the nearby street with the row of shops. We then went to one of the main shrines in the area, Atago Shrine. It quite a walk uphill, reminded me a bit of Namsan. At the peak was the beautiful shrine and we got to see breathtaking views of Fukuoka and the sea.

Fukuoka - Day 3

Recap of my trip to Fukuoka, Japan, on Monday, 21 March 2016.

Yanagawa, Canal Boat Ride, Ohana Villa & Rissoles

It was still public holiday in Japan. After breakfast, our friend's wife showed us how to wear a kimono, with my friend as the model. There were many materials and many steps involved but the end result was worth it. You can truly appreciate the beauty of the kimono once you see all the steps involved to put it on. I had only worn a yukata before so I really had no idea the amount of detail and care required to put on a kimono. We also had a chance to look at the various patterns and materials for kimonos of all occasions.

For today, the plan was to drive to Yanagawa, a city 77km away. On the way there, we stopped at a market that sold produce, food in an open air setting but also had an indoor shop that sold a lot of local delicacies suitable as a gift or souvenirs. My friend and I bought a few chocolates for friends and family back home.

We continued our trip to Yanagawa and rolling rice fields greeted my sight. The weather was lovely so the bright blue sky contrasted nicely with the green fields stretching towards the horizon. I also saw forests at the outskirts of the rice fields and saw trees I had never before seen. It made think of mythical places and legends.

Fukuoka - Day 2

Recap of my trip to Fukuoka, Japan, on Sunday, 20 March 2016.

Sakura, Fukuoka Castle & Dazaifu

Today would be our first day in Fukuoka after a good night's sleep. After breakfast, we went to the park near our hosts's apartment for a picnic. Before going to the park, we walked past the street of shops and bought sushi and onigiri to eat at the potluck picnic. The weather was beautiful today, the sky was blue, the sun was shining and there was a breeze in the air. Fukuoka was cooler and windier than Seoul.

Seoul - Day 4, Fukuoka - Day 1

Recap of my trip to Seoul, Korea and Fukuoka, Japan, on Saturday, 19 March 2016.

We woke up bright and early today to catch the airport bus. We checked out of the hostel around 7am. As we exited the hostel, guess who greeted us? Pumpkin! He even wanted to enter the hostel but the staff didn't allow him to go in. I wondered if Pumpkin came to thank us for the can of tuna last night or if perhaps he came to see us off. We felt sad we had to leave him there in the cold but we quickly walked away because we didn't want him to follow us. Take good care of yourself, Pumpkin!

Kogatsu