Yame City is an up and coming Tea producing region in Japan located in the southern region of Fukuoka Prefecture. This region of Fukuoka gets a lot of attention not just from producing Green Tea but with its fertile soil and clean water supply from the Chigoku River also allows this region to produce incredible Fruits especially Grapes and Japanese Pears just to mention a couple.
I will never forget that when I first got to Japan everyone who rave and talk about Shizuka Prefecture and say that their Green Tea was the best in Japan and you wouldn't be in your right mind to drink tea from anywhere else. Today, of course Shizuoka is still No 1 but Yame in Fukuoka, Ureshino in Saga Prefecture and Chiran in Kagoshima Prefecture are racing ahead and have garnished a lot of attention over the years.
As more and more people drink Green Tea worldwide these days these rural regions like Yame City now put more emphasis into expanding their production as this has now become a positive economic benefit for the whole community as world prices as a result of increased demand has escalated 2 to 3 fold.
I have wanted to come and see this Tea Producing rural area of Fukuoka and when I got here I was absolutely speechless. The views and the rolling hills are incredible and even on a cloudy day I was in absolute awe of the beauty and nature infused location. I am sure you will too!
At the top of the observation point there is a small cafe selling of course various types of Green Tea, desserts and artifacts from local artisans. I am sure you will throughly enjoy the arts and crafts whilst consuming healthy and brain stimulating Green Tea.
Please check out the Yame Central Tea Plantation here on a map below:
Please click on these photos below to enlarge:
The view for miles
The scene never stops
Cultivated beauty
The lookout
Cafe time
Products on sale
Relaxing as
Enjoy a beverage or 2
Nice vibes
This is Yame Tea
Please click on these videos below to see more about the Yame Central Tea Plantation:
There is an attraction in Fukuoka that everyone has to try! Not only is it a culturally unique attraction to this region of Japan, but the areas nature as well as the atmosphere of the experience is one that isn’t meant to be missed.
The punting canals of Yanagawa City are really popular right now and for good reason. The oarsmen will delight you with their actions, their personalities and of course their singing. Its an activity to sit back, listen and take in all of their magic. The fact that they will do this is 4 languages is also incredible. Of course they speak Japanese and English but also Chinese and Korean to cover their main tourist base. Not only will you have a great time transversing the water canals of this very old regional power dominated by the Tachibana clan in the 17th and 18th century, but you’ll be able to enjoy all the ancillary benefits as well.
There is the renown Unagi, freshwater eel, that is served piping hot every day and is extremely delicious. The delicacy goes back centuries and may I say that it is probably one of my most favorite seafood dishes these days. However this delicacy comes at a cost so it is a dish that people savor for special occasions as a result of the price and the amount of people that are trying to find a table. If eel is not your thing, then there are many other food options as well, but it must be said that is one of the most highly sought after seafood meals of the region and of the entire country of Japan
After lunch as we wander around the quaint and pictures streets that see many incredible shops selling all different types of traditional arts and crafts. We will be able to visit the Lords residence and inspect the inner workings of how this clan of people ruled and dominated this land for centuries. The gardens are also on display and are so incredible and picturesque that you will take 100 photos or more, especially during spring and autumn where the colors are so vibrant.
Please check the Yanagawa region here on a map below:
Please click on the photos below to enlarge:
Please click on the videos below to see more about the Yanagawa experience:
Tsunoshima is a 4 square kilometer, hourglass-shaped island located on the Sea of Japan and facing the straits of Tsushima.
Please check out Tsunoshima here on a map below:
Obviously the most sought after experience is the scenic coastal drive across Tsunoshima Bridge, a 1,780-meter-long, toll-free bridge connecting the westernmost tip of Yamaguchi to the picturesque Tsunoshima Island. The island is frequently used as a filming location for TV dramas and commercials because of its beautiful scenery and cobalt blue sea. When looking at all the cars from the observation point you can see immediately that people have come from afar to participate in this adventurous place. This attraction has garnered a lot of attention over the last 4 or 5 years and you can expect quite a bit more traffic on weekends and public holidays.
Please click on the pictures below to enlarge:
It is worth visiting the first Western-style lighthouse constructed in Japan is the Tsunoshima Lighthouse. The lighthouse opened in 1876 and is a designated National Important Cultural Property due to its historical and cultural value. It is one of only 16 lighthouses in Japan that can be climbed. Walk up the 105-step spiral staircase and take in panoramic views of the island and sea from the observation deck. However you must be warned, people like myself who are afraid of heights shouldn't climb to the top. Actually those who have issues with tight spaces are also not encouraged to enter the facility as well. If it wasn't for my professionalism (I only include locations on my itineraries that have been visited in advance) I would have skipped this climb to the top. I must admit that the views are spectacular but in all honesty it isn't something that I will do again, once is enough!
For those who don't feel the need to climb whether it be because of mobility reasons or because they don't want to risk injury (the lighthouse is well over 150 years old) there is an interesting museum to explore. There isn't a lot of information in English but it has many interesting facts and figures about lighthouses in general and specifically the lighthouse history in Japan.
Click on these photos below to see why and to enlarge:
There are restaurants scattered around the island. Locally caught grilled squid is just one of the local specialties offering an authentic taste of Yamaguchi coastal life. Its crunchy texture and mouth-watering sweetness make it an unforgettable experience.
Tsunoshima offers an island escape where you can free your mind with natural scenery with it's beaches a massive highlight even out of summer.
Please click below to enlarge and see the magnificent scenery:
Please click on these videos before to see more about the attractions available on Tsunoshima Island:
