Category Archives: Kyushu

Unforgettable: Kyushu by Local Train

Posted on February 5, 2014 by findingfukuoka

In the spring of 2012, I took a trip around the island of Kyushu by train. The route was a massive loop hugging the coasts of the island, and the journey lasted almost two weeks. My primary means of transport … Continue reading →

Posted in History/Culture, Kyushu, On Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Top Ten Japanese Character Mascots 2013

Posted on November 23, 2013 by findingfukuoka

The time has come to announce Finding Fukuoka’s top ten yuru-kyara (character mascots for PR purposes) for 2013. The intense proliferation of these characters in every aspect of Japanese life has presented a plethora of amazing candidates for this list, and it … Continue reading →

Posted in History/Culture, Kyushu, Outside Kyushu | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Kyushu Ramen: A Comparison of Fukuoka, Kumamoto and Kagoshima

Posted on May 13, 2013 by findingfukuoka

Hakata ramen, also known Nagahama ramen, comes from Fukuoka and is by far the most famous style ramen from Kyushu. However, within the island of Kyushu itself, Fukuoka’s ramen is only one of the three major varieties, the other two … Continue reading →

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JR’s “Seven Stars in Kyushu” Luxury Sightseeing Train

Posted on March 23, 2013 by findingfukuoka

The Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) is planning to launch a new luxury train service in October 2013 known as “Seven Stars in Kyushu.” They are referring to it in English as a “cruise train,” and much like a cruise … Continue reading →

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Top Ten Japanese Character Mascots 2012

Posted on November 27, 2012 by findingfukuoka

I published my first top-ten Japanese yuru-kyara list almost one year ago, and thanks to enthusiastic responses from readers I have decided to make an updated list with a view of 2012 as a whole. You will recognize some of … Continue reading →

Posted in History/Culture, Kyushu, Outside Kyushu | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Kurokawa Onsen: Pristine Hot Spring Town in the Mountains

Posted on June 12, 2012 by findingfukuoka

Kurokawa Onsen is located about 20 km (12.5 mi.) from Mt. Aso, in the northern part of Kumamoto Prefecture and central part of Kyushu. Situated in a forested valley with a peaceful mountain stream running through the middle, it is … Continue reading →

Posted in Hot Springs, Kyushu, Sightseeing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Restored Steam Locomotive SL Hitoyoshi

Posted on June 4, 2012 by findingfukuoka

For a limited time, the restored steam locomotive SL Hitoyoshi and its retro-style train cars are making runs between Kumamoto and Hitoyoshi Stations. The train makes one trip per day in each direction on select days (see calendar at bottom … Continue reading →

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Rail and Bus Passes for Kyushu

Posted on May 10, 2012 by findingfukuoka

If you live outside of Japan and are planning to take a trip around Kyushu, you might consider the following passes to save some money on transportation costs and expand the scope of your travels. JR Kyushu Rail Pass This … Continue reading →

Posted in Kyushu, Sightseeing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Construction Scheduled to Begin for the Nagasaki Shinkansen

Posted on May 4, 2012 by findingfukuoka

JR Kyushu has made the final decision to proceed with construction of the Isahaya-Nagasaki portion of the planned Nagasaki Shinkansen (“bullet train”) route and submitted this decision to the national government for approval. Construction of this final portion is expected … Continue reading →

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Top Ten Japanese Character Mascots

Posted on January 13, 2012 by findingfukuoka

Click here for the most recent 2013 character mascot rankings!! In Japan, yuru-kyara (character mascots for PR purposes) are designed for just about anything you can think of–cities, prefectures, companies, brands, projects, events, sports teams, products and more. This list is a … Continue reading →

Posted in History/Culture, Kyushu, Outside Kyushu | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments