Our FIRST IMPRESSIONS of Japan šŸ‡ÆšŸ‡µ Two Days in Fukuoka

It’s our first time in Japan, and we’reĀ 
starting off in Fukuoka. For the next 48 hours,Ā Ā  we’re figuring out public transport. What’sĀ 
happening? We got kicked off the train, and now I’m just a little bit over it. StumblingĀ 
into cherry blossoms—I didn’t think we were goingĀ Ā  to see these. Sampling the local favoritesĀ 
and some of the best karaage I’ve ever had, and slowly settling into the rhythm of aĀ 
new country. This isn’t a checklist or aĀ Ā  highlight reel. It’s just what our firstĀ 
few days in Japan actually looked like. This is a good start. And seeing as we’re starting our trip inĀ 
the birthplace of Tonkotsu Hakata Ramen,Ā Ā  I can’t really think of a betterĀ 
way to start this video. Let’s go. So we are standing outside, waitingĀ 
in line at Hakata Genki Ippai,Ā Ā  which is a very small, very popular withĀ 
the locals, little tonkotsu ramen spot. It’s so cool. The only way thatĀ 
you know if this place is open isĀ Ā  by the blue bucket that the owner putsĀ 
outside. And we’re the only foreigners, so that tells me that it’s going to beĀ 
really, really good, and I’m very excited. This shop is tiny, but the smells comingĀ 
out of the kitchen were next level. This place serves one thing—Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen,Ā 
a specialty of Fukuoka. We both ordered theĀ Ā  standard soup for 1,000 yen, and I got mineĀ 
with a soft-boiled egg. The broth was rich, creamy, and full of flavor. The noodlesĀ 
were fresh and perfectly cooked, and theĀ Ā  chashu brought it all together. Honestly,Ā 
it was the best first meal here in Japan. We are here at the subway trying to get toĀ 
Ohori Park so we can go visit our next location, which is the Fukuoka Castle Ruins. WeĀ 
know that there’s all kinds of ways toĀ Ā  get on and off the subway. We got in lateĀ 
last night, so we don’t have any of that stuff. The super kind staff here took us overĀ 
and showed us how to get this little IC card.Ā Ā  He says that the Suica card is not good forĀ 
the subway, but I do believe that it actually does work for the subway. I’m not 100% sure. SoĀ 
Ashley’s got a card, I have my Apple Pay card, and yeah—we’re good to go. It feelsĀ 
so much different than any other metroĀ Ā  and subway system we’ve ever experiencedĀ 
here. Almost feels retro. It’s awesome. What’s happening? We got kicked off the train. So this is why I’m confused. ItĀ 
says, ā€œRide that stop for one stop, get to this station, remain on board, rideĀ 
three stops, and we get to Ohori Park.ā€ Well, there’s our train. Apparently that train was out ofĀ 
service, so we’ve got to wait a few minutes for another one. We’ll see. We’reĀ 
learning. We’re always figuring stuff out. We’re now back out in nature. It feels amazing.Ā 
It is such a beautiful day. We’re on the outskirtsĀ Ā  of Ohori Park right now, and we are making ourĀ 
way to the Fukuoka Castle Ruins. I’ve never seen a Japanese castle, but all the images I’ve seenĀ 
of them—they just look amazing and so beautiful.Ā Ā  Very excited to check this out. It looks like itĀ 
might rain, but it doesn’t call for rain anywhere. We’ll keep our fingers crossed and hope that itĀ 
doesn’t rain. Let’s go check out this castle. Do they traipse elephants through here too? I don’t know that Japan has elephants. Yeah, I was going to say—doĀ 
they even have elephants? I don’t think so. Just seems like an unusually large door. But through that unusually large door,Ā 
a pleasant surprise was waiting for us. That’s so cool. Unexpected surprise. I know—I didn’t think we were going to seeĀ 
these. It’s mid-April, but we’re in Fukuoka, and so I thought maybe we might see them.Ā 
But I also thought that it might be too hot, so this is amazing. It’s so beautiful too. So I’m not sure if these are Sakura cherryĀ 
blossoms, because they don’t quite look like it, but when I Google Lens it, it says it’sĀ 
something called Prunus ‘Kanzan,’ which is a flowering cherry cultivar developed in theĀ 
Edo period here in Japan. So yeah—maybe not Sakura, but definitely a cherry blossom.Ā 
That’s pretty awesome, and that ryhmed. We made our way into the PeonyĀ 
Garden, and now we’re watching a territorial conflict between ravens,Ā 
which we forgot how massive they are, and some sort of hawk or eagle orĀ 
falcon—some sort of bird of prey. And they’re just chilling in this tree, justĀ 
yelling at each other and flapping around. They were having full-blown conversations,Ā 
and of course we turn on the camera and they stopped talking. But they’re flying allĀ 
over the place. They’re really, really cool. Yeah—they’re all at this one treeĀ 
in front of us just having a debate. But yeah, if you are in Fukuoka during April,Ā 
definitely stop by Ohori Park near the Peony Garden. It is beautiful, and the peonies bloomĀ 
in April, so that’s the perfect time to come. Although I will say a lot of them haven’tĀ 
bloomed yet, and I think these ones areĀ Ā  supposed to bloom next month. So if you’re hereĀ 
in April or May, it’s definitely a good time. I’m not sure that this is Ohori Park yet. I don’t think it is. Ohori Park is over this way. But if you’re nearĀ 
the Fukuoka Castle—yeah. Look—what are they doing? I don’t know. Just moving from tree to tree,Ā 
hollering at one another. The coins are so cool. DoĀ 
you think I select it first,Ā Ā  or do I put the money in first? I guess we’ll see. Have you ever used a vending machine? Um… no, not a long time. SoĀ 
which one should I choose? I don’t know. I think it’sĀ 
really cool though. So like, we put in 120 yen, and the 160s won’t lightĀ 
up because we’ve only got 120 in there. Interesting. Yeah, I didn’t even noticeĀ 
that. That’s cool. Alright—let’s do this one. Instant Japanese water. Is it cold? It is cold. Yeah, it’s very—not as hotĀ 
as Southeast Asia. We just came fromĀ Ā  Bangkok. It was hot in Bangkok. It’s warm here, but it is definitely more bearable.Ā 
That said, I do need water. Everybody needs water. Ashley. Ahh. Are there any animals that don’t drink water? I mean… I think… I feel like probably. I think we all need water. Do bugs drink water? Probably. Mm. Mm-hmm. With their littleĀ 
proboscis or whatever it’s called. Hmm. You zoom so close. These are Sakura blossoms—I think. I’mĀ 
almost positive. But they look like them, and they smell nice. On top of allĀ 
the cherry blossoms and peonies,Ā Ā  there were so many colorful flowers allĀ 
over this park—and apparently, hostile birds. They seem like they’ve got it handled,Ā 
but now something else has Ashley’s attention. What in the world? Oh my gosh—what? That’s so cool! I’ve never seen anything like that. That’s crazy. Oh, I just want to boop his little snout. Don’t boop his snout. Well, in a loving way. And like give a littleĀ Ā  screechy is all I mean. Right betweenĀ 
the eyes, like a little love scratch. We’re just walking over the bridge here at OhoriĀ 
Park, and it’s such a beautiful park. This might be up there with one of my favorites. You canĀ 
rent these little—what are they?—swan boats.Ā Ā  They’ve got cafes, little shops, and stuff likeĀ 
that. But it is really, really beautiful and so peaceful. Lots of people are having picnicsĀ 
and just relaxing with their loved ones. I love Japan. I’m not going to lie—it is beyond my expectations so far. I’veĀ 
been here less than 24 hours. Yeah. This—this is a good start. Honestly, if it was up to me, I might just spendĀ 
the entire day here in Ohori Park. It’s massive, it’s beautiful, and there’s so many birds andĀ 
animals to check out. But that would probably makeĀ Ā  for a boring video. Let me know in the commentsĀ 
below—would you want to watch a park vlog? So we are exploring the adorably picturesqueĀ 
neighborhood of Ropponmatsu, which is just a total vibe to walk through. And then weĀ 
came across this beautiful little shrine,Ā Ā  so we’re going to check that out because I thinkĀ 
it’s our first shrine in all of Japan so far. Nice little pockets of peace and serenityĀ 
sprinkled throughout Fukuoka. It is just beautiful. We’re going to keep moving to checkĀ 
out the rest of this area, this neighborhood—see if we can’t find a snack or justĀ 
something to pick us up a little bit. We just watched a crow showdown. He’s like still standing there, just so perturbed. Go get him. Also had my first JDM car sighting. VeryĀ 
excited. It’s like 90% of the reason I got into Japan in the first place. ThatĀ 
and anime. Oh—there it is. It’s so cool. Konnichiwa.Ā Ā  Hello. Hello. Uh… one quesadilla? Hai. How do you say no to a quesadilla out of a K-car? Uh… you don’t. Apparently. It’s a K-car….K-cadilla. And it was blowtorched, you say? Yeah—he blowed it. That’s like the coolest thing ever. Whoa! That’s way more than I was expecting.Ā 
I thought it was just going to be like aĀ Ā  little cheese quesadillia. Ooh,Ā 
it’s so hot. Mmm. That’s good. What’s it taste like? Mmm. It’s a little bit sweet. It’s got like aĀ 
tanginess to it. I thought they were black beans, but I don’t actually see any. I honestlyĀ 
have no idea what that is. It’s good though. You said you don’t know what this tastes like? Yeah, it’s like sweet andĀ 
tangy. It’s really good though. Mmm. It’s almost like pork chili. And I know what you’re thinking—you’re like, ā€œWhat? You’re in Japan—whyĀ 
are you eating Mexican?ā€ But how do you say no to a placeĀ 
that’s got a taco in the prayer hands and it says ā€œtacosā€? It wasĀ 
basically begging me to come here. Mm. Very good. Only 350 yen. So, quick little update for you. We wereĀ 
hoping to hop on the public bus to go to the Fukuoka Tower before sunset, and weĀ 
got on the wrong bus—twice. You would think it would be pretty simple.Ā 
We are trying to use Google Maps,Ā Ā  but we just got on the wrong bus entirelyĀ 
the first time. I’m not even sure how. That was my fault. I saw the bus atĀ 
the bus stop, got the numbers confused, and jumped on. And then the second one—IĀ 
think somehow we just weren’t on the right side of the road, so it took us the twoĀ 
stops we were supposed to take, but inĀ Ā  the wrong direction. And now I’m just aĀ 
little bit over it, if I’m being honest. We basically wasted five bucks to get furtherĀ 
away from where we were trying to go. And it says that it’s going to cost 680 yen to getĀ 
there, which is like—for the two of us—that’s like ten dollars just to get there and then tenĀ 
dollars to get back to wherever we’re going next.Ā Ā  It’s just kind of like… the budget traveler inĀ 
me is really, really struggling here in Japan. But we’re going to make the best of it. IĀ 
think we’re going to skip Fukuoka Tower.Ā Ā  If you want to go see it, definitely check itĀ 
out when you’re in the city. Unfortunately, there’s no subway to get to the Fukuoka Tower—atĀ 
least that we can see. Maybe we’re just stupid,Ā Ā  which is entirely possible. Um… but yeah, soĀ 
you’ve got to take a bus, and it’s a little confusing. We did figure it out… but just can’tĀ 
be bothered. We’re the worst travel vloggers. Maybe it’s a little bit of jet lag, maybe it’sĀ 
a little bit of overwhelm, or culture shock,Ā Ā  or whatever you want to call it. But IĀ 
think when we get on buses and have to try to sort out how they work, and howĀ 
the fares work… you’re also looking atĀ Ā  a whole bunch of coins that I’ve never seenĀ 
before. I don’t know—maybe I’m just tired. We just got to make the best of it. Yeah. And I think I know just the way to do that. So a quick metro and filmgrain flash later,Ā 
and we are here in the Yoshida Shrine area, which Ashley tells me is the RedĀ 
Light District. And it’s her fault. She always ends up taking us here,Ā 
but there’s a specific place we’reĀ Ā  looking to go. We’re gonna check it out.Ā 
Just kind of catch the vibe of Fukuoka. We’re at the Nakasu Food Stall Street whereĀ 
the famous Yatai stalls of Fukuoka are lined up. There’s three areas in town. This isĀ 
the one that’s like widely recommended andĀ Ā  is pretty popular. Um, I believe there’sĀ 
a couple others that are less touristy, but it’s not like a super local thing.Ā 
This is definitely a touristic draw. We’re gonna eat some gyoza. We gotĀ 
some hot sake. It’s very, very hot. That’s your first hot sake in Japan. And my first gyoza. Look at these things. The sauce is in there so be careful. I know, I see. I’m so excited. First gyoza in Japan. This might be the best day of my life.Ā 
I’m not sure. We’re about to find out. So hot. And you have hot sake to wash it down. Suntory highball. We finished our Gyoza and drinks and justĀ 
relished in the energy of Fukuoka’s nightĀ Ā  life. But it’s getting pretty late, so we’re gonnaĀ 
head back to our hostel and try to get some sleep. Hey, I couldn’t sleep. Have youĀ 
ever Googled yourself and justĀ Ā  been weirded out by what popped up?Ā 
I did recently and…yeah. Not great. My old addresses, phone numbers, even some randomĀ 
court site had my name on it, and that’s whenĀ Ā  it hit me. I didn’t sign up for this, but turnsĀ 
out, there are companies called data brokers that literally buy and sell your personal information.Ā 
It’s how spammers find you and how creepy adsĀ Ā  know a little too much. It’s even how you can getĀ 
charged more for stuff like flights or insurance. So what can you do about it? You can spend daysĀ 
emailing every single site asking them to removeĀ Ā  your info, or you can use Incogni, like I did.Ā 
Incogni is a service that actually contacts these data brokers for you. You just sign up, giveĀ 
them permission to act on your behalf, and theyĀ Ā  handle the rest. And the best part? With the newĀ 
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get it removed. You don’t have to know the law, you don’t have to write the emails. You justĀ 
click submit and they do the legwork. I check myĀ Ā  dashboard every so often and watch the removalsĀ 
pile up. It’s honestly kind of satisfying. So if you’re ready to take your data backĀ 
and stop your inbox from becoming spam city,Ā Ā  click the link in our descriptionĀ 
or scan the QR code on the screen. Don’t forget to use our code MIKEASHLEYĀ 
and get 60% off an annual plan. IncogniĀ Ā  has been amazing for us as full-time travelers because we’re constantly entering ourĀ 
information into new apps, online forms,Ā Ā  or booking platforms. It’s just nice to knowĀ 
someone’s looking out for us on the backend. Thank you to Incogni, for sponsoring thisĀ 
video, and I’ll see you in the morning. Good morning! It’s day two here in FukuokaĀ 
and it is an absolutely gorgeous day. We’re on our way to get some coffee, butĀ 
on the way we realized we’re passing the Totoji Shrine…Totiji…Tochoji shrine and it’sĀ 
beautiful, so we’re going to go check it out. This place is so peaceful and so beautiful,Ā 
and honestly, it’s not that crowded for beingĀ Ā  a Saturday and absolutely gorgeous out.Ā 
And I can’t believe it’s free. There’s so many free things to do like this, andĀ 
the parks, and just all of the templesĀ Ā  and shrines. It does offset the cost of otherĀ 
things in Japan that we’ve experienced so far. The manicuring of the gardens and the variety ofĀ 
flowers and plants that we’ve seen around here is just insane. I could honestly sit here forĀ 
hours probably, but we gotta get some coffee. We’ve just found our way into KawabataĀ 
Shopping Arcade, which looks kind of likeĀ Ā  a cross between an outdoor market and a mall.Ā 
Still kind of has a breeze, which is exciting. Yeah, it’s nice and cool in here. In 17 years, I’ve gottenĀ 
to know Ashley pretty well,Ā Ā  and I feel like right now what she isĀ 
looking for is some caffeine and some food. Nailed it. So I hope we can find both of those thingsĀ 
in Kawabata Shopping Arcade. I mean, at the end of the day, atĀ 
least there’s a Family Mart. Oh look, you can dress up in a kimono, and itĀ 
looks like they’ll do your hair and makeup maybe. Thank you. How much was it? It was 180 yen. Oh wow, that’s really good. Is it? Mm-hmm. Nice and sweet. What is this thing called again? So, I think that’s dango. Dango? I’m not sure, but I think so. Ashley keeps telling me that it looksĀ 
like–there’s an emoji that looks likeĀ Ā  this and keeps asking if I recognize it.Ā 
I’m like, ā€œWhy would I ever use that emoji?ā€ But I don’t know, now that I’ve—now IĀ 
can’t stop seeing it everywhere we go. It’s cold. It’s very stretchy. Is it very plain? Not plain. It has a flavor, but it’sĀ 
very subtle. Mochi is very soft. ThisĀ Ā  is a little bit more firm, but it’s reallyĀ 
good. I like it ā€˜cause it’s not super sweet. Oh yeah. Interesting. I don’t know if they have differentĀ 
flavors, but I thought that was— I think this one’s matcha. It smells like grass. That is all you then. Mm-hmm. It’s good. So we made it to the end of Kawabata ShoppingĀ 
Arcade, and this is definitely someplace you should check out if you’re trying to beat theĀ 
heat or if you want to buy some souvenirs,Ā Ā  maybe try some snacks. There’s a bunchĀ 
of little restaurants lining the area. I kind of thought there would be more foodĀ 
stalls as opposed to just sit-down restaurants,Ā Ā  but alas, I was wrong. So I thinkĀ 
we’re going to find somewhere to grab a quick bite and then we’ll keep exploring. We turned a corner and Kushida Shrine appeared,Ā 
so you know we’ve got to check it out real quick. The temples and shrines in Japan are soĀ 
much different than the other places ofĀ Ā  worship we’ve come across during our travels.Ā 
Sure, there’s similarities, but the imagery and colors add such a unique aesthetic. AndĀ 
then there’s the torii gates. These are anĀ Ā  iconic part of Shinto shrines and represent theĀ 
threshold between our world and the spirit world. Ooh okay, number 12. I’m slightly lucky. “Like sprouting young leaves in spring.ā€ It’s spring! This is perfect timing. ā€œHave mercy on others and do not hold wishesĀ 
that are beyond your means. With modesty, you shall attain everything you desire.ā€ My wish will be difficult toĀ 
realize. That’s unfortunate. ā€œThe expected person will not arrive.ā€ Who am I expecting? I don’t know. I already have you, thankfully, so that’s good. ā€œTravel: good, as long asĀ 
you proceed with caution.ā€ I feel like that’s accurate. Yeah, this all looks good. I won’t boreĀ 
you with, like, all of the details,Ā Ā  but it’s a pretty good fortune. If youĀ 
want to read it, you can pause the screen. Dicey. We could spend all day walking around andĀ 
admiring all the shrines we come across,Ā Ā  but we are starving. A lot of theĀ 
restaurants in Japan close from about 2:00 to 5:00, but I think I found a place. Dusty sake bottles on the wall? Check. Menu written in Japanese? You betcha. Endless free tea? Now we’re talking. Not to mention these chefs, who areĀ 
making the whole place smell amazing. This place is called Marumi, and it has 900Ā 
yen set lunches, and they’re incredible. Arigato gozaimasu. Hai. Arigato gozaimasu. Thank you. Arigato gozaimasu. [indistinguishable] Is this all mine? Yeah. What?! This i so much food! Oh my gosh, I’m soĀ 
excited. I don’t know what anything is. Those are glass noodles. Glass noodles. Got some tofu. Oh, wow, this is so cool. Miso, salad, steak, rice. Yeah. I’m so excited. This is like a proper lunch. Mm-hmm. It’s nice and rare. Yeah. Something that I’m noticing about Japanese foodĀ 
is there’s like a very delicate sweetness to—not everything—but a couple of the things thatĀ 
I’ve tried have this like very delicate,Ā Ā  faint sweetness to it. And thisĀ 
is the same way. It’s really, really good. It was a little hard to biteĀ 
into, but it might have just been this endĀ Ā  piece. But it’s delicious. I love this sauce. SoĀ 
definitely recommend this place. What’s it called? I don’t know. We’ll leave all of the links in the description,Ā Ā  so go ahead and check them out. We’ll go aheadĀ 
and pin them to, like, Google Maps and stuff. We also are going to have our Japan GoogleĀ 
Maps guide, so if you want to check that out,Ā Ā  go to our website. It’s justĀ 
like mikeandashleytravel.com and you can check that out. We’re going to haveĀ 
all of the places that we visit, plus theĀ Ā  top destinations in the country and that kind ofĀ 
stuff, so yeah, this is really good. Let’s eat. Yo, that’s incredible. Is it? Mm-hmm. That is the first in Japan, butĀ 
hands down the best karaage I’ve ever had. Really? Got really good seasoning, perfect crunch,Ā Ā  and it’s still perfectly juicy. It’sĀ 
not dry at all. This place is amazing. Okay, here goes nothing. Make sure it’s the right bus. GrabĀ 
one of these little tickets and checkĀ Ā  for your number on the screen. TheĀ 
fare will adjust based on distance. You can get change from these machines,Ā Ā  and you can also just tap on and off with yourĀ 
IC card, but we hadn’t figured this out yet. And yes, we had to try theĀ 
bus again—not only because we,Ā Ā  as people who make videos about ourĀ 
travels, should be able to figure out the bus—but also because we reallyĀ 
wanted to finish what we started. Right behind me is Fukuoka Tower, which is theĀ 
tallest structure in all of Fukuoka, as well asĀ Ā  the tallest seaside tower in Japan. You can goĀ 
to the top, because there is an observation deck that gives you panoramic views of the sea and theĀ 
scenery and the mountains. But it’s like 30 bucksĀ Ā  a person, which is way outside of our budget, soĀ 
we’re going to skip it and head to a seaside park. It’s the ocean. Yeah. I mean, we are on an island, I guess. The whole country is an island. Still cool though. I love theĀ 
ocean. I’m also terrified by it. So this place is pretty interesting.Ā 
It’s like a Mediterranean resort hereĀ Ā  on the coast of Fukuoka. It’s reallyĀ 
beautiful though—there’s lots of snacks, lots of little food stalls and vendors, andĀ 
tons and tons of people hanging out. And wow, yeah, that is gorgeous. I thinkĀ 
it’s going to be a beautiful sunset. Definitely a great place to end a beautifulĀ 
day—a beautiful two days in Fukuoka, actually. It’s been a great two days in Fukuoka. Yeah, we’re getting betterĀ 
at saying Fukuoka, I think. Fukuoka. Fukuoka. Yeah, tell us how to sayĀ 
it, ā€˜cause we’re probably terrible. Probably. Is it cold? It’s so cold. It’s so clear though. Is it? Yeah. Nope, nope, nope, nope, nope.Ā 
It is super clear though. Can’t think of anything betterĀ 
than listening to the sounds ofĀ Ā  the waves, watching the sunset overĀ 
mountains, and smelling the grill… In a new country. It’s so cool. Yeah. Did you ever think we’d actually make it to Japan? Yes. I don’t know, I’ve just been completelyĀ 
enchanted by this place ever since I was so small, and I always wanted to come,Ā 
and it just seemed so far away. I mean, honestly, everywhere we’ve beenĀ 
has seemed so far away. So… Yeah, this side of the world feels so far fromĀ 
where we come from. But now, after being here for three years, Japan feels a little bit closer,Ā 
I guess. It’s weird—like, the more you travel, the smaller the world feels. But also, like, it stillĀ 
stays big in a way. It’s this weird contradiction. This was the first country we were going to comeĀ 
to, because flights from Alaska were so affordable back in October of 2022. And that’s because youĀ 
couldn’t travel here. We could have flown to Tokyo and then flown from there to Bangkok, butĀ 
we wouldn’t have been able to leave the airport,Ā Ā  ā€˜cause it wasn’t quite open yet. So weĀ 
waited and we waited—and now we’re here. In some ways, maybe it wasn’t the bestĀ 
time to come because of the exchange rate, and you know, Baby Monster isĀ 
playing in town so all the hotelsĀ Ā  are five times more expensive. And inĀ 
a couple weeks, it’ll be Golden Week. There’s never a perfect time. That is true. And we just gotta liveĀ 
in the moment. And the moment is now. And in this moment, we’re inĀ 
Fukuoka. And I’m so excited. You hungry? I’m honestly so happy. Like, I don’t even knowĀ 
what to say right now. I love Japan so far. Me too. My love. Oh, thank you, my love. Those are big. Yeah, so we got some drippy chicken yakitori. I feel like I’m going to make a mess. Probably. And some yakisoba, which we’re very excited about. Our first yakisoba in Japan. Our first yakitori in Japan. Have we not had—oh no, we haven’t. We’ve had karaage. We’ve had gyoza. We’veĀ 
had ramen. So many firsts. I’m so excited. All right. It looks so good. That’s a big bite! Perfect beer-drinking food. Yeah. Mm. It’s really good. It’s really juicy. Yeah, they do a really goodĀ 
job with the chicken here. This looks amazing. Mm. It’s way different than I thought it would be. Really? How so? Yeah. It’s got like—like a barbecue sauce flavor. Oh weird. Yeah, it’s really good. It’s hot. The egg makes itĀ 
nice and creamy, and the seaweed is interesting. First yakisoba. And the ginger. Kanpai. Kanpai. Love you. I love you! To our first time in Japan. To our first time in Japan. Cheers. What are you still doing here?ā€ If you made it this far, we can’tĀ 
thank you enough. We think you’ll love this video next, so we’ll see you there.

Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code MIKEASHLEY at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: http://incogni.com/MIKEASHLEY

It’s our first time in Japan, and we started our trip in Fukuoka—one of Japan’s most underrated cities. In just 48 hours, we navigated public transportation, tried authentic Hakata ramen, explored Ohori Park and Fukuoka Castle Ruins, and discovered local street food at the famous yatai stalls. If you’re planning a Japan trip and wondering what to do in Fukuoka, this vlog has everything you need to know.

*Planning Your Trip?*
Check out our Japan Google Maps Guide for all the places we mention + hundreds more! https://mikeandashleytravel.com/product/japan-travel-map/

Save this video if you’re heading to Japan in 2025 and want to explore Fukuoka like a traveler, not a tourist.

*Best Hotels in Fukuoka*
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka: https://booking.tpx.li/efStSsba
⭐⭐⭐ Hotel Grandolce HAKATA: https://booking.tpx.li/RhyiBTfx
⭐ Justin Fukuoka: https://booking.tpx.li/Ye63TJKG

*Where We Stayed*
Fukuoka Guesthouse CAMP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aaNktEp6cB7uFS8d8

*Temples & Shrines in Fukuoka*
Gokuko Shrine: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QLhtipe5jPHTRqJW6
Tochiji Temple: https://maps.app.goo.gl/j1ZqFNiJi1KGwjzJ6
Kushida Shrine: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rfxwqS4rYBH8H4mZ7

*Things to Do in Fukuoka*
Fukuoka Castle Ruins: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wYE9f3NdKFWhP9Er8
Ohori Park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DLnLpX5VbQhYYG1W6
Maizuru Park Peony Garden: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VKnYvXXbzWpMzTse7
Roppanmatsu: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6gDRFnhripxwGWqs7
Kawabata Shopping Arcade: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aYzUL42mNUHewsvy6
Fukuoka Tower: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2CCqgirK1qFWXbuE9
Momochi Seaside Park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6vXjWsdjTpnGYQaeA

*Where to Eat in Fukuoka*
Hakata Genki Ippai!!: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Cryh5Eej6vw1XD3u9
Nakasu Food Stall Street: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8tFSSy7ZkCna3C8z7
Marumi: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6rfLcaWiqvFM4ujn8
Big Banana (Yakitori & Soba): https://maps.app.goo.gl/jzaRWjAtKRfJNroQA

*Best Tours in Fukuoka*
Fukuoka Tower Admission Ticket: https://klook.tpx.li/FkOk9nV8
TeamLab Forest Fukuoka Ticket: https://klook.tpx.li/52DAlSAa
One-day tour to Nanzoin, Dazaifu, Yufuin, and Umijigoku (from Fukuoka): https://klook.tpx.li/AHQMiN2I

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#japan #fukuoka #japantravel

13 Comments

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  2. Thanks for the video, you’re inspiring me. Taking my family and kids to Japan soon and we can’t wait.

  3. Fukuoka is nice. Kyushu in general is very nice. I wonder if you will continue to explore Kyushu or head over to the main island next. I'll bet on more exploration of Kyushu with a short Shinkansen ride to Kumamoto.

  4. I lived in Fukuoka for nearly 6 years. I just moved to Hiroshima last month. Fukuoka is one of the best cities in Japan. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

  5. Thank you for visiting our country. Shinto is Japanese original religion, but you use typical Chinese BGM. 20:23

  6. Nice thumbnail. Hope you enjoy your 1st time visiting Fukuoka, even it didn't go according to plan.