kit505

Hi Everyone,

I'm seeking your opinion regarding whether I should reserve few days of sight seeing in Fukuoka or head straight to Tokyo?

I'm doing homestay in Nagasaki and planning on meeting my parents at Tokyo. They also had some interest in Fukuoka but not sure if it's worth the effort. We only have 6 days in total to spend (5/24-30), so we were thinking either 2 days in Fukuoka then 4 days in Tokyo or all 6 in Tokyo.

We're interested in walking around interesting parts of town, snacking on good food and visit museums and perhaps visit an onsen. My parents have been to Japan 10 years ago and I've only been to Tokyo for about 3 days last year so any advice based on that would be appreciated!

Thanks for reading ^_^

mrwunrfl

I like Fukuoka so before I suggest not going there I'd like some more info.

If you decided on Fukuoka then how would your folks get there? You'd meet them there, I suppose? After your two days (perhaps with a side trip to the onsen town of Beppu) there then how would you get to Tokyo?

Are they not interested in visiting Nagasaki? It's a nice place.

I could see spending 6 days in Nagasaki, Unzen onsen and maybe elsewhere in Shimabara peninsula, maybe a night in Saga for an onsen visit and to check out some pottery. A night or two in Beppu or Kumamoto. A 6-day vacation in Kyushu would be fun.

As far as sampling Fukuoka food goes, definitely get the cinnamon rols at the stand in Hakata station. Fukuoka is famous for mentai, so I tried it, and it is nasty stuff if you ask me

kit505

Thanks for your response!

My parents haven't booked their tickets yet and they have options of flying into Fukuoka or Tokyo. I'm not sure why, but they haven't expressed interest in staying at Nagasaki.

If we decide to stay at Fukuoka though, we'd take advantage of the JAL yokoso fare and fly from there to Tokyo. I was quoted $85 so it seemed worth it rather than doing a long shinkansen trip. I'm going to check out the places you mentioned. Beppu, Kumamoto & Saga!

Thanks for your suggestion on the cinnamon treats. Oooo now you have me curious about the mentai!

Did you fly in/out of Nagasaki? It looks like the airport is on its own island?

mrwunrfl

Yes, the Yokoso fare would be the way to go.

I flew into Nagasaki at night so I didn't see much. The bus ride into the city lasted longer than I would have liked, but it was ok. I flew from D.C. to SFO to Nagoya to Nagasaki, so I was a bit impatient to finally get there. The ANA seat 1A was very small with little leg room.

Fukuoka has a nice subway from the airport to Hakata station. Quick ride, like 6 minutes IIRC. The airport is pretty convenient, esp. for domestic flights.

mrwunrfl

It is 6 minutes from Fukuoka airport to Hakata station on the subway. 250 yen.

kit505

So after much deliberation, my parents decided to meet me in Tokyo. I will be squeezing in a day in Fukuoka before I leave though. I'm going to see how much I can squeeze in before I have to leave.

I now have to fly out of Nagasaki so I will be on that long bus ride instead of a 6 min. subway ride! I really appreciated all your comments though. Thanks. ^_^

JC98

Hi,

Can someone recommend a day trip I can take from Fukuoka? Not interested in big cities, I'm looking for some nice natural scenery--mountains, forests, beaches--or traditional cultural buildings or activities -- temples, onsen, etc.

It has to be a day trip since I've booked hotel in Fukuoka.

Thanks!