LOCATION: FUKUOKA, JAPAN
Perfect morning weather at Ohori Park
This is my fifth time in Japan and first time in Fukuoka dated March 21-24, 2025. I was lucky that my best friend, Rome Frias was with me. The purpose of the trip is to witness Cherry Blossom, but unfortunately, by the time of this visit, the cherry blossom did not start yet.
Prior to our departure, we accomplished the e-Travel online at e-travel Philippines. One needs to sign-up for an account so that upon completing this online registration, you will be given a generated QR code which will be presented at the Immigration in the airport. Also, you need to accomplish online your arrival in Japan thru the Visit Japan Web on the link Visit Japan Web for the QR Code generated here will be presented upon arrival at Fukuoka International Airport immigration. Do not also forget to have an online check-in from your airline provided website.
Day 1 - March 21, 2024
Arrival at Fukuoka International Airport
Before check-in, I paid P1,620 for the travel tax. Rome and I left NAIA Terminal III at 2:35 P.M. boarding Cebu Pacific Flight No. 5J 922 thru Gate No. 105 seated at 39F and arrived at Fukuoka International Airport at 7:43 P.M. local time, since Japan's time zone is ahead of 1 hour compared to that of the Philippines.
The train fare from the airport to Ohori Park station was at 300 yen or P115.36. I exchanged P10,000 at Fukuoka International Airport where I got 21,600 yen, since it buys at 2.16 to Philippine peso resulting to a forex loss of 4,692.28 or P1,804.33.
Arrived at UNPLAN Fukuoka for check-in
It took us almost 2 hours before we are able to arrived at our accommodation at UNPLAN Fukuoka at 9:32 P.M. Aside from our paid booking online, we paid 200 yen or o a total of 600 yen for 3 days lodging fee or P230.72. We just bought food from the nearby Mini Stop convenience store for our dinner for 604 yen or P232.26.
My capsule accommodation at UNPLAN Fukuoka
Unfortunately, Rome's accommodation was at the 5th floor, while I was at the 3rd floor Room 3B Bed No. 6, since I booked earlier. He was undecided at first and delayed his booking accommodation, though we were in the same flight booking. To refresh ourselves, we took a hot shower before we sleep.
Day 1 Fukuoka Trip summary of expenses:
1. Train Fare (Airport to Ohori Park Station) - 300 yen or P115.36 or US$1.89
2. Lodging Fee 200 Yen for 3 days = 600 yen or P230.72 or US$3.77
3. Dinner Meal and Banana - 605 yen or P232.26 or US$3.81
4. Forex loss - 4,692.28 yen or P1,804.33 or US$30.16
Therefore, for Day 1, I spent 6,197.28 yen or P2,382.67 or US$39.63
So, in order not to incur forex loss, if you are a Filipino, use a GCash account where you have to secure a GCash card and swipe it when you need to pay something while in abroad, not only in Japan.
Day 2 - March 22, 2025 (Fukuoka Day Trip)
We woke up at around 8:00 A.M. and after taking the free breakfast at the ground floor's reception area, we started our trip for the day. We spent nothing for breakfast.
Fukuoka Castle is a Japanese castle located in Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City also known as Maizuru Castle or Seki Castle. It was completed in the early Edo Period for tozama daimyo Kuroda Nagamasa. It has been designated as a National Historic Site of Japan in 1957. It is an exceptional site offering a blend of historical intrigue and stunning vistas. Its well-preserved grounds and structures provide an enriching glimpse into the past. It is free in admission. By the way, this is the closest one compared to Ohori Park.
A perfect morning weather at Ohori Park
This time around, I was not solo, thus, I had the luxury of asking for pictures from my companion. It was 9:41 A.M. already in this picture.
While at the foot bridge of Ohori Park
This is the advantage of having a travel buddy. Taking picture anywhere.
Nishi Park
We actually planned this Japan trip for the Cherry Blossom, but we arrived so early that we haven't witnessed Cherry Blossom. Since we haven't witnessed such at Ohori Park, we had a short walk from Ohori Park to Nishi Park, where as per my research, it is one of the best spots for cherry blossom during the spring.
Nishi Park or Nishi Koen is situated on a hilly area formerly known as Aratsuyama (Mount Aratsu). While on my search, I cannot see any data provided as to its precise peak elevation in meters. It is just simply described as a hilly, elevated area that offers scenic, panoramic views of Fukuoka City, Hakata Bay, and Shikanoshima Island.
The torii gate to a temple in Nishi Park
There is a temple inside Nishi Park where worshippers are seen. The road heading to the shrine of Tachikaeri Tenmangu and Terumo when cherry blossom is quite magical. But this time, there was no cherry blossom yet. We stayed at Nishi Park until 10:40 A.M.
From Nishi Park, we walk downhill for almost a kilometer heading to Ohori Park Station boarding a train heading to Tenjin. It is a quick 2-station ride (approximately 4-5 minutes) from Ohori Park Station, then to Akasaka Station and finally to Tenjin Station - a Subway Kuko (Airport) Line.
In moving from Ohori Park and Nishi Park and to Ohori Park Station, they are simply good for walking so, we did not spent train fare or any transportation expenses.
Roaming Around Tenjin
Boarding a train from Ohori Park to Tenjin station costs 210 yen or P80.64 or US$1.32. In order to have move freely using train card, I bought a Hayakaken Card for 1,500 yen with 500 yen as deposit and 1,000 yen is for card load.
Tenjin is the bustling, vibrant downtown commercial district and central business hub of Fukuoka City, serving as the largest shopping, entertainment, and fashion center in Kyushu. It is famous for its massive underground shopping mall (Tenjin Chikagai), large department stores, nightlife, and blend of modern culture with historic, scenic spots.
While at Tenjin Station subway exiting to the mall
A playing musician along the sidewalk
After a short walk, we decided to look for a place to eat. We were actually looking for a ramen house, but it seems that what we saw were different.
The window food displays are quite inviting
As you see, the first set meal was 1,950 yen or P732 or US$12.29 and other one is 1,650 yen or P619.50 or US$10.40. But my friend Rome was really craving for a ramen.
We ended up in this ramen house
We ordered for chashu ramen at 1,350 yen or P507 or US$8.51. It is a ramen with soy sauce soup topped with chashu. This is just along the road heading to Don Quijote. Unfortunately, there was no rice for this order. I just order 1 cup of rice at 190 yen or P71.34 or US$1.20. This lunch was a treat by Rome, so I did not spent for it.
While at Don Quijote Fukuoka Tenjin Honten Store
This branch of Don Quijote is located at 1-20-17 Imaizumi Chuo-ku Fukuoka-shi Fukuoka, Japan, 810-0021 which is near Kego Jinja Mae Crossing on National Route 22 and 9 minutes walk from Tenjin Station and 6 minutes walk from Fukuoka station. It is open for 24 hours and does not observed any holiday.
Purchased at Uniqlo one white XL Down Jacket which costs 6,990 yen less tax of 636 yen resulting to discounted price of 6,354 yen or P2,443.76 or US$39.99.
While at Parco Mall, I bought for my wife, a Nature Republic Fresh Powdery Sun Stick SPF50 California Aloe for 1,653, but the actual price is 1,650 yen less tax of 150 yen or P634.75 or US$10.61.
Dropping at the Kego Shrine
From Don Quijote, we had a short walk and enjoy not so many trees with cherry blossom. It is located in the heart of Tenjin's business district, where the shrine has a history dating back over 400 years. Adjacent to it is the Kego Park.
Fresh flowers at Kego Park
Kego Park is an open space which is towered by buildings and malls like Parco, Solaria Plaza, Iwataya, Mitsukoshi and Daimaru. These venues are used for high-end shopping, dining, and accessing subway lines.
Band singing group along the sidewalk
This band group has caught our attention when we are about to cross heading to Uniqlo to buy puffer jacket or down jacket.
The band group attracting passers-by
Rome and I were really entertained by this performing singing band group. While they are performing there was an audience build-up and we, too, stayed to watch them perform.
From Tenjin to Hakata station, we boarded a train and it costs 210 yen again or P80.64 or US$1.32. It is a 3-stop station starting from Tenjin, then to Nakasu-Kawabata Station, then to Gion, and finally to Hakata Station.
While in Hakata Mall
Walking near Hikari Square Gate of Fukuoka Central Station in Hakata
After Uniqlo in Tenjin, we boarded a train heading to Hakata Station where we booked our Shinkansen train trip the following day for a round trip Hakata-Hiroshima, where it costs 9,830 yen or P3,796.56 or US$61.96. Since it was late already in the afternoon, we decided to have our dinner in Hakata.
A ramen dinner in one of the ramen houses in Hakata Station Mall
My ramen dinner at Hakata Mall costs 1,500 yen and a bowl of rice for 150 yen for a total of 1,650 yen or P633.60 or US$10.38.
After dinner, we took a train heading back to our accommodation at UNPLAN Fukuoka near Ohori Park Station which costs 260 yen or P99.84 or US$1.64. It is actually, a 12-minute train ride along Fukuoka City Subway Kuko (Airport) Line for 5 train stops: starting from Hakata Station (K11), then, Gion (K10), Nakasu-Kawabata (K09), Tenjin (K08), Akasaka (K07) and finally Ohori Park Station (K06). Then, we spent the rest of the evening at the guests' lounge after a hot shower.
Day 2 Fukuoka Trip summary of expenses:
1. Train Fare - 680 yen or P261.12 or US$4.28
2. Meals - 1,650 yen or P633.60 or US$10.38
3. Deposit for Hayakaken Train card - 500 yen or P384 or US$3.15
4. Purchases from Parco Mall - 1,500 yen or P634.75 or US$9.44
5. Down Jacket from Uniqlo - 6,354 yen or P2,443.76 or US$39.99
5. Shinkansen train ticket for March 23, 2025 Hakata-Hiroshima trip - 9,830 yen or P3,796.56 or
US$67.24
Therefore, for Day 1, I spent 20,514 yen or P8,153.79 or US$134.48
Day 3 - March 23, 2025 (Hiroshima Day Trip)
We woke up as early as 5:00 A.M. and we did not avail of the complimentary breakfast of UNPLAN Fukuoka as we left at 5:30 A.M. while breakfast serving starts at 9:00 A.M. What we did was to buy packed meal from Family Mark at Hakata Train station which I had it at 747 yen or P286.85 or US$4.70.
From Ohori Park Station to Hakata, we used our Hayakaken train card where it charged 260 yen or P99.84 or US$1.64. Ohori Park station is just a block away from Unplan Fukuoka accommodation.
Waiting to board for our Shinkansen trip
We were at the Shinkansen Entrance at Hikari Square Gate as early as 6:25 A.M. to be sure that we will catch our Shinkansen trip for Hiroshima at 7:15 A.M. To make sure that Hayakaken card has enough load, I loaded another 2,000 yen for it.
Restless for the boarding time
Why Shinkansen when there is bus going to Hiroshima? It is because, Shinkansen train is a bullet train which only takes 1 hour and 1 minute to reach Hiroshima. A bus takes 4 hours and 32 minutes at 2.524 yen or P950 or US$15.88, the cheapest transport. While a car will take 3 hours and 25 minutes for 4,577 yen or P1,723 or US$28.80. The distance from Hakata to Hiroshima is 285 kilometers.
While boarding at Shinkansen train
When we booked for the train ticket, not only the time but also the seat number was already assigned as well as the time which was 7:15 A.M. Our train was track 13 Car No. 6 and Seat 6D.
Upon arrival at Hiroshima station
While at Hiroshima central station, we used for traveling around the Hiroshima Day Tour availing of the Bus Loop City Tour. The interval of the bus schedule is one hour starting from 9:06 A.M. and ends at 6:06 P.M. The Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Bus (Hiroshima Meipuru-pu) features approximately 11 major tourist attractions along its routes. The bus provides a 50-minute loop (green, orange, and lemon routes) connecting key sites including the Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle, and several museums.
Near the main entrance of Hiroshima Castle
Like a typical castle, it is surrounded by a moat. What is a moat? It is a deep, broad ditch dug around a castle, historically to provide it with a preliminary line of defence.
In the first attempt, we boarded the wrong bus coming from Hiroshima Central Bus station was 240 yen or P92.16 or US$1.51 So, as we got the city bus loop from the Main bus station to Hiroshima Castle as charged from our Hayakaken card was another 240 yen or P92.16 or P1.51.
From the Hiroshima Castle bus stop going to Atomic Bomb Dome, the city bus loop also charged my Hayakaken card by 240 yen or P92.16 or US$1.51.
Standing at the stone marker of Atomic Bomb Dome
It has been revealed as to records that the Atomic Bomb Memorial Mound (not the picture above), is a large, grass-covered knoll that contains the cremated ashes of 70,000 unidentified victims of the bomb.
The Motoyasu Bridge at the backdrop
This atomic bombing surviving bridge was used for another 40 years after the bombing, but it eventually deteriorate. Construction of a new bridge began in 1989 and was completed in 1992. The new bridge was designed to resemble the original one. It incorporated four main columns and two pillars from the A-bombed bridge into its design. Two pillars from the old bridge lying to the east of Motoyasu Bridge serve as a historic monument.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)
The Genbaku Dome is the skeletal ruin of the former Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. It is the only structure left standing near the hypocenter of the first atomic bomb explosion on August 6, 1945, serving as a powerful symbol of peace and destruction.
Standing along the Motoyasu River adjacent to the Atomic Bomb Dome
Motoyasu River which runs through the center of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park serves as a solemn, scenic, and historic site where visitors now reflect on peace, often seeing the dome's reflection on its banks.
Standing at the Aioi Bridge
Aioi Bridge connects the T-shaped junction between the Honkawa and Motoyasu rivers, placing the Atomic Bomb Dome on the north bank and the Peace Memorial Park and the vicinity museum on the south. It is famously known for its unique T-shaped structure, which made it the intended target for the 1945 atomic bombing.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park covers approximately 122,100 square meters (about 12 hectares or 30 acres). This extensive park sites on a narrow stretch of land between two rivers, featuring numerous memorials, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and the Atomic Bomb Dome.
The tourists offering prayers for the atomic bombing victims
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
There is a 200 yen or P76.80 or US$1.26 entrance fee to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The museum offers a deeply moving experience, showcasing personal belongings of victims, incinerated clothing, photographs of the destruction, and exhibits explaining the city's history and the humanitarian impact of the atomic bomb, aimed at promoting global peace.
The very green Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
This park is best to visit during autumn specifically mid-November as it features vibrant autumn foliage, particularly ginkgo trees that turn brilliant yellow, creating a beautiful yet serene atmosphere for reflection.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum was the last attraction that we visited and from there, we took again the city loop bus to Hiroshima Central Station which costs 240 yen or P92.16 or US$1.51.
We took a train from Hiroshima Central Station to Hondori to look for a good lunch which costs another 240 yen or P92.16 or US$1.51, but we ended up buying our lunch at Lawson convenience store where I got it at 773 yen or P293.83 or US$4.86. A plastic for my meal purchases was at 3 yen or P1.15 or US$0.019.
A train from Hiroshima Central Station to Miyajimaguchi Station
We went back to Hiroshima Central Station to take a train heading to Miyajimaguchi station which costs 420 yen or P161.28 or US$2.64, thru Sanyo Line Platform 1 for 34 minutes, usually involving 6 to 7 intermediate stops, namely: Hiroshima, Shin-Hakushima, Yokogawa, Nishi-Hiroshima, Shin-Inokuchi, Itsukaichi, Hatsukaichi and finally the Miyajimaguchi station. The train is generally bound for Iwakuni and is a straightforward, direct trip commonly used to access the Miyajima ferry terminals.
While at Miyajima ferry terminal with the backdrop of Hiroshima mainland
Upon alighting from Miyajimaguchi train station, we had a short walk towards the Miyajima ferry terminal and paid for a fare of 300 yen or P115.20 or US$1.89. It takes 10 minutes ferry ride from Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal to Miyajima Island.
Miyajima, is officially known as Itsukushima, a sacred "shrine island" in Hiroshima Bay famous for its "floating" vermilion torii gate and Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 30.39- square kilometer (11.73 square miles), is a top Japan destination known for wild deer, hiking on Mount Misen, and scenic beauty.
The scenic beach coast of the island
My deer connection in the island
The vermilion torri gate at the backdrop
With the "floating" vermilion torii gate at the backdrop
