Blog 7: Fukuoka

Since Kristy and I finally received our Alien Registration Cards at the end of March, we celebrated by booking a spontaneous trip to Fukuoka! This city on the northern shore of Kyushu offered the perfect mix of vibrant city life, cultural experiences, and peaceful nature. Here’s a quick recap of some highlights:

Teamlab Forests

Our adventure kicked off with Teamlab Forests — an immersive digital art exhibit that felt like walking through a dream. From interactive light shows to glowing flora, each room pulled us deeper into a surreal, ever-changing world. Definitely a must-see if you’re ever in Fukuoka!

Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Baseball Game

Next, we experienced the electric atmosphere of a Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks game. Japanese baseball fans bring a whole new level of energy — coordinated cheers, colorful balloons, and an incredibly fun environment, even if you’re not a die-hard fan.

Day Tour: Dazaifu, Nyoirinji, and Yufuin

We took a day tour that brought us to three beautiful destinations:

• Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, a historic site surrounded by plum trees and a peaceful atmosphere.

• Nyoirinji Temple, famously known as the “Frog Temple,” where we saw dozens of quirky frog statues.

• Yufuin, a charming onsen town with scenic streets, local snacks, and a relaxing vibe — the perfect end to a long day.

Canal City Hakata

This massive shopping and entertainment complex was a great place to unwind. We caught one of the mesmerizing fountain shows and explored the endless shops and restaurants. There’s something for everyone here!

Fukuoka Tower

To wrap up our trip, we headed to Fukuoka Tower for panoramic views of the city and coastline. Seeing Fukuoka from above at sunset was the perfect sendoff to our spontaneous getaway.