Living in Fukuoka no.31 | Hydrangeas & Matcha: Discovering Japan’s Early Summer Traditions (4K)

Living in Fukuoka no.31 | Hydrangeas & Matcha: Discovering Japan’s Early Summer Traditions (4K)

Fukuoka has entered the rainy season, and for the past two weeks, it’s been mostly rain with just a little sunshine. Still, rain is something we and the plants
can’t live without. On rainy days, I took it slow and rested. On sunny days, I enjoyed going out
and soaking up the sun. On a quiet Sunday afternoon, I stumbled upon the monthly flea market
near Hakozaki Shrine. I only stayed for a short time. My main purpose to visit Hakozaki
was this Hydrangea Festival. Here you can see nearly 100 different kinds
of Hydrangea. There was a mini concert
in the center of the garden. I was so happy I got to enjoy the hydrangeas, a beautiful symbol of June in Japan. Raindrops began to fall as I headed home. One sunny day, I found my way to a cozy coffeeshop
that’s a local favorite. The first floor is the roasting room and shop, while the second floor is a café space surrounded by greenery. I ordered an iced coffee. Open since 1977, this nel drip coffee shop is considered
a legendary destination – almost a pilgrimage site for coffee lovers. The café was full, even on a weekday. I can’t help but wonder
how many cups of coffee she brewed. Brewed with their dark roast ‘E Blend’, the iced coffee had a strong, rich taste. It must be nice to come here
even on a rainy day. On another sunny day,
I visited here for tea. Yorozu was selected for the
‘World’s 50 Best Discovery’ by the UK-based 50 Best. The moment you step in, you realize
you’re in a beautifully designed space where every detail feels calcurated. Surrounding the tea area
is a round wooden counter – that seats about ten people. the tea I chose for my first cup. It’s like a summer symphony – deep matcha notes balanced by cool,
unsweetened yogurt. And this is the sweet I chose
from the five options. The soft, jiggly texture pairs perfectly
with kinako and kuromitsu. This is my second cup. I chose the green tea based tea leaf
among several other options. “Here’s the assortment of
bite-sized traditional sweets.” “This is a Dates butter topped with a walnut.” “There is no sugar added.” “Here we have domestically grown grapes.” “And these are candied black soybeans.” “Perfect to enjoy with your tea.” Their collection of tea cups
are absolutely breathtaking. Some aspects of Japanese culture and tradition
are quietly disappearing. On this day, I truly came to appreciate
the depth of Japanese tea culture. A special market event was held this day, and I stopped by with a friend. First, we had a lunch only prepared
for this particular event. And we enjoyed shopping
at the market. They told me that all the vegitables
were shipped from Tochigi prefecture. I enjoy cooking at home. And good ingredients are the key
to make good food. I picked up some beautiful hydrangeas,
fresh vegetables, and a few plants. For rainy days,
to enjoy some cozy time at home.

Join me on a peaceful day in #fukuoka , Japan, as I explore the beauty of early summer.
In this vlog, I visit the famous Hakozaki Shrine Hydrangea Festival, where over 100 colorful varieties of #hydrangeas bloom in full glory.
After that, I enjoyed a traditional Japanese matcha experience in a beautifully curated tea space, where every detail—from the tea selection to the seasonal sweets—is a reflection of Japan’s rich culture.

☔️ June in Japan means rain, flowers, and quiet moments of reflection.
Let’s slow down and enjoy this unique season together.

＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿________________
Thank you for watching.
If you like the video, please subscribe and leave your comments : )
If you have any questions about the video, please feel free to leave a comment.

Subscribe channel / @2nd_passport
IG second passport / 2ndpassport_
__________________________________________________

🎥 Locations featured:
珈琲美美 coffee BiMi
This nel drip coffee shop in Fukuoka has been around since 1977.
Loved by locals for decades, it’s now also drawing visitors from overseas.
It’s often full, and with its location just a few minutes’ walk from Ohori Park, it’s easy to see why.
https://www.instagram.com/bimi_coffee/

Hakozaki Shrine Hydrangea Festival
June’s seasonal highlight: the Hydrangea Festival.
With over 100 varieties in full bloom, it’s a stunning display of color.
Limited-time only — until June 30th.
Admission: 300 yen.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs5mkH6PG4Z/?img_index=1

万　yorozu
This is where you can immerse yourself in the true essence of Japanese tea culture.
Every element—from the carefully curated teas to the refined menu and elegant space—is crafted with excellence.
Courses are available at 2,700 or 5,500 yen.
It’s a place I’d proudly take guests visiting from abroad.
Advance reservation is necessary.
https://www.instagram.com/yorozu.tea/
https://www.theworlds50best.com/discovery/Establishments/Japan/Fukuoka/Yorozu.html

Margaret Howell Cafe
Opened in March 2025, the new Margaret Howell shop and café offers a seasonal menu full of fresh vegetables and carefully prepared dishes.
This time of year, the terrace seating is especially pleasant—perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
It’s one of my favorite places to unwind
https://www.margarethowell.jp/column/new_shop_opening.html
https://www.instagram.com/margarethowellcafe/

My GEARS
📷sony α6400
https://amzn.to/3YaGxR3
📷Lens Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN Sony Emout
https://amzn.to/43rfxjP
🎙Microphone Hollyland-Lark M1
https://amzn.to/4j2o9Sk
Tripod Manfrotto mini tripod PIXI
https://amzn.to/4jan9fd
Tripod Manfrotto Element MII
https://amzn.to/3Rq7KLN
Gambal MOZA Mini-P
https://amzn.to/4lg7ooU

#fukuoka #fukuokavlog #fukuokatravel #fukuokatravelguide
#fukuokafood #livinginfukuoka #matcha #japaneseteaceremony #抹茶
#japanesetea #yorozu #japantravel #fukuokacoffee #fukuokacafe #travelvlog #japanvlog #fukuokashopping #hydrangeas #紫陽花　#万
#日本茶　#ネルドリップ　#neldripcoffee