#eddrinatakesfukuoka

Yanagawa

Day 4. October 2nd, 2019.
Yanagawa, Fukuoka.

Today, I went to a place that was a bit far from Fukuoka city.
This was for the sake of the river cruising along the 4 kilometers long, Yanagawa River. This river cruising was in a small boat called Donko, which took about 60 minutes to complete the ride.
The boatman stands at the end of the boat, skillfully guiding it with a long pole.
(With some singing as a way to entertain the passengers.)
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The boatman shares some introduction, information, and history as well.
I think the boatman plays an important role here in order to ensure that this boat ride is fun and memorable.
(Especially when I had to duck under those low bridges.)

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This boat ride is JPY 1,650 per person. Personally thinks that the price is a bit costly when it comes to cruising in a boat under hot weather.
(Yes, guys. It was super hot and super sunny. I can feel the heat burning my skin.)
I’m here anyway. May as well proceed with the activity. Plus, I’ve traveled far for this. 😅
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To get here was super easy. 😏
I just had to take the Nishitetsu Express Train from Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station to Yanagawa Station.
(Luckily, my Airbnb was in Tenjin. Every attractions are easily accessible from Tenjin! I would recommend you to stay in Tenjin too.)
The ride was about 2 hours and it cost me JPY 860 one way.
(You can immediately see this river with a number of boats next to the station. Don’t worry. They will assist you to the boat too!)

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Dazaifu

Day 4. October 2nd, 2019.
Dazaifu, Fukuoka.
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Next, Dazaifu. One of the main cities in Fukuoka too. It is a small and quiet city on the outskirts of Fukuoka.
What can I find here?
A number of temples and shrines.
There are Kyushu National Museum and Government Ruins too.
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I have to take the train to go to Futsukaichi Station from Yanagawa Station. Literally, I need to wait for the direct train to Dazaifu Station. In my case, I didn’t get down the train as the train is going straight for Dazaifu Station. The fare for this Nishitetsu Express Train is JPY 680.
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This place is so beautiful. Kind of reminding me of the beauty of Kyoto. I mean, look at the train station!
(Even the train station is beautiful in red. 😍)
The ancient buildings are now used for restaurants and souvenir shops. Ancient buildings are always captivating for me. So, yeah, I really like this place. 😘
And, the park, it is built with a fountain and an orange bridge.

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By the way, don’t forget to check out the Dazaifu version of Starbucks Coffee! It is listed as one of the beautiful Starbucks in Japan. ☕️
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Japan is known for their creativity in designing the interior for this cafe. And, yes. I think it is quite beautiful and interesting, with all those wooden batons lined up on the wall. This is the same architect as the one that built the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Tokyo, Kengo Kuma.

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Day 4. October 2nd, 2019.
Tsukiji Sushisen Restaurant, Fukuoka.
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I was not done. Still can’t get it out of my mind.
Today, I went into the restaurant again, with the idea of I don’t care how much the bill would be.
I’VE ORDERED 10 PIECES OF BLUEFIN TUNA THIS TIME.
(No, I was lying. I do know that these will cost me JPY 1,200 for a meal. 😋)
You know they said, you will never know when will you be in Fukuoka again. You may as well eat these for the last time.

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So, I did! It was so satisfying.
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Let me explain why did I cry the first time.
The freshness got me thinking that the Lord has given this opportunity to eat this amazing food. Not everyone is blessed with this and the Lord chose me.
Some people would have to eat from the garbage and I’m sitting in this restaurant eating one of the finest.
(Getting all emotional here. LOL.)