Tag Archives: Kumamoto

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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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 →

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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 →

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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

Tour of Tastes: Shinkansen Meal Featuring Foods from Osaka to Kagoshima

Posted on June 9, 2011 by findingfukuoka

Recently, on a ride from Osaka to Fukuoka on the Shinkansen (“bullet train”), I was surprised to find a new, limited-time bento (meal comprising various small portions arranged in a box) on the menu. In order to commemorate the completion … Continue reading →

Posted in Food and Drink, Seasonal/Events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

How Not to Eat Karashi Renkon

Posted on April 19, 2011 by findingfukuoka

There are many “firsts” for expats in Japan, and even if you’ve been here for a few years, you still make silly mistakes now and then. One of these silly mistakes turned out to be quite painful (yet delicious), and … Continue reading →

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Highway Buses: The Best Way to Travel Around Kyushu

Posted on April 13, 2011 by findingfukuoka

I am lucky enough to live in Fukuoka City, the primary transportation hub for all of Kyushu: its central location in terms of air, rail, sea and road travel, as well as its excellent public transportation connecting all terminals, makes … Continue reading →

Posted in On Travel, Sightseeing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Opening of the Kyushu Shinkansen (“Bullet Train”)

Posted on March 7, 2011 by findingfukuoka

On March 12, 2011, the Kyushu Shinkansen (“bullet train”) line will be complete and open for operation. Previously, the Shinkansen (Sanyo Line) ran from Osaka to Fukuoka, and the Kyushu Shinkansen ran from Kagoshima to Shin-Yatsushiro, with the two connected … Continue reading →

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