Visitors can enjoy fresh fruit at lower prices than supermarkets and a great selection of flowers and plants. In fact, during the right season you can get not only the freshest fruit and vegetables at the highest quality but also pricing that is so reasonable you will not be able to just buy 1.
Case in point is the Strawberry season in Japan from December to mid April. I can guarantee that you will not have any better than what you can get here in Fukuoka. Our special type of Strawberry that is specifically grown to be SWEET, is called the Amaou. I cannot tell you how many past clients have argued that the strawberries from their hometown region are the best they have ever tasted. In these cases 100% of them stopped arguing as soon as the strawberry touched their lips. The question that has to be asked, is can you stop a just one pack of strawberries, I think not!
The handmade corner features sausages and tofu, jams, sauces and more, as well as a plentiful selection of bento boxes and sushi. I use this option on sunny days and we have a picnic at a nearby park. Not only some of the most delicious sushi that you can have but get some Vitamin D and fresh air to boot!
Please check out Ito Sai Sai Farmers Market here on a map below:
One of the things that I have to do as a guide is to recommend places of interest, whether they be attractions, restaurants and of course accommodations. It is very hard to do this if you have not visited these locations and experienced them for yourself.
I have stayed in Ritz Carlton hotels around the world but when the Fukuoka Ritz Carlton opened in June 2023 it was absolutely on my wish list of places to stay. However one of the customs and standards of practise in Japan is that anything new always commands a higher price and a certain level of attention above and beyond what is expected in the west.
As a result yours truly had to wait approx. a year to enjoy the fruits of ones labors and at the same time feel comfortable partaking in a stay that is on average way above the normal circumstances of pricing.
May I say that the stay was incredible. I know now why so many friends, associates and customers of Tour Nagasaki had complimented the Ritz Carlton Fukuoka to such a high standard. The check in, the rooms, the ambience, the interior design, the gourmet experiences, the views, the hospitality, the facilities and the spacious rooms just keeps making this stay better and better.
I will recommend this hotel from now on in a heart beat especially for Marriott Bonvoy members and those who want to experience 5 star exquisite luxury and comfort in downtown Fukuoka City.
Check out the Fukuoka Ritz Carlton on this map below:
Please click on the photos below to enlarge:
Lobby
Elevator Entrance
My room
Bathroom
Very spacious
Incredible views
Huge beds
Ritz Carlton robe
Tea anyone
Champagne on ice
Japanese asthetics
Japanese artistic
Entrance
I will be back
The building
Restaurant at night
Please click on these videos below to see more of the Fukuoka Ritz Carlton:
Firstly, just to let you know I am a huge fan of Costco. I have been a member for at least 20 years and there aren't enough superlatives to describe how impressed I am with their level of service, quality and range of products and obviously value for money. In fact, I honestly doubt that I would still be in Japan after all this time if Costco wasn't accessible to me on a regular occasion.
So, if I am an absolute fan, then I have come to the conclusion that others must be in the same boat as myself. Therefore I have decided to make a Costco visit an option on the Private Tours that I perform as Shore Excursions and Day Tours in Fukuoka.
I have had the opportunity to visit quite a few Costco's around the world and always been intrigued about the differences and range of local products to choose from. Obviously here in Japan, we have many unique and interesting products like Wagyu and Sushi but also there is an opportunity to buy quite a few products to take home with you to make excellent presents for relatives and friends.
On one of the last tours I did, my client wanted to pop in and have a quick look. So, we had a nice quick walk around the store and picked up some snacks, a traditional Japanese cake as well as some of the best instant ramen that you will ever have. I am sure you will find aomething to your liking if you decide to visit Costco on your private tour.
Please check out the Fukuoka Costco here on a map:
Please click on the photos below to enlarge:
Wagyu galore
Selection of sushi is amazing
Checking out the snacks
A fun experience indeed!
A few presents for family and friends
Please click on the videos below to see more about Costco in Fukuoka:
There is a special experience that I have wanted to do for ages now but there was always something either holding me back or preventing me for accomplishing this task. However, my opportunity arose last weekend because my family joined in in one of my many forays into adding more attractions into my itineraries and thus I had another driver that could meet us on the other side so to speak.
Both sides, can be designated as the entrance point. This time I chose to enter from the Honshu side of Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture and exit from the Kyushu side of Fukuoka Prefecture but it is obviously possible to choice the other option. This exercise although not an issue for me (however height challenges affect me greatly) may not be for everybody, I can understand that people who feel uncomfortable to be in relatively small areas may not want to participate in this activity. In these cases, they may stay in the vehicle and drive with me across the bridge or thru the automobile instead of the pedestrian tunnel.
I am sure everyone will enjoy and remember this not normal and not everyday experience.
Please check out the Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel on the map below.
Please click on the photos to enlarge.
The entrance
Check out the many maps
Time to walk.
Not too far
Half way point
The 2 separate prefectures
Before heading down to the bottom of the tunnel there is a very historical area in front of the entrance called the Dannoura Battlefield. This area is where the major battle between 2 major clans took place in the 12th Century. As a result of this battle the Genji Clan went on to become a powerhouse in feudal Japan and the Heike Clan became a footnote in history. Sad how things can change in an instant but interesting and a important part of history that made Japan the country that it is today.
Please click on the photos below to enlarge.
12th century technology
Check out those guns
Lots of info
Kanmon Bridge
Leader of the Heike Clan
Leader of the Genji Clan
English explanations
Powerful image indeed!
Finally, on the arrival side and where I pick you up at the Mekari Shrine, we will quickly say thank you for your safe passage under the sea and praise the gods for your continued safety during your travels here in Japan. It can never hurt to have as many prayers and blessings as possible, right?
There is no need to go overboard but a few coins as a symbol of gratitude will definitely go a long way.
Lots of info to digest
Great views
Great location
A popular place
Contemplation time
Please click here to see the Kanmon Tunnel Pedestrian Walkway on a map:
Please click on these videos to see more about this above location;
