Visit Northern Kyushu, Edo-era Japan’s Gateway to the World

Fukuoka offers delights like its distinctively soft udon noodles and tradtional Yame green tea, a Japanese tea dating to the Edo era. For a cultural experience, you can try painting a traditional Hakata Doll, creating a unique, personal souvenir of your visit.

For dinner, experience Hakata's signature hot pot dish, mizutaki. Literally meaning, "cooked in water", this beloved local meal features tender chicken and fresh vegetables gently simmered in a light broth and is typically enjoyed with a citrus-based ponzu dipping sauce.

Karatsu's local specialties include the famously fresh squid from the nearby port and the renowned Karatsu ware pottery. For a hands-on experience, many local kilns offer workshops where you can try making or painting your own piece.

Saga Prefecture is one of Japan's leading producers of high-quality nori (dried seaweed), cultivated in the nutrient-rich Ariake Sea. Known for its crisp texture and deep aroma, this local specialty is a must-try, available in shops as a souvenir or dish ingredient.

Conclude your day with a relaxing stay at Takeo Onsen, soaking in its gentle, restorative waters. Additionally, consider visiting the nearby Ureshino Onsen, known for its skin-beautifying springs, which were famously praised by the 19th-century physician Philipp Franz von Siebold.

The same artistic spirit you feel in gardens like Mifuneyama Rakuen also lives in the local craft of pottery. Immerse yourself in this tradition with a hands-on workshop. Guided by a local expert, you'll learn the basics of the craft and shape your own unique cup or bowl. It’s a wonderful opportunity to create a tangible memory of the Takeo area.

Discover world-famous Arita ware and even craft your own unique piece in a hands-on pottery workshop. Afterward, relax with Ureshino tea, a specialty with deep Edo-period roots. This fragrant, high-quality green tea is a perfect match for Arita's beautiful porcelain. Plus, since Saga Prefecture is a well-known producer of Wagyu beef, you can savor high-quality meat dishes.

Cap your day off by savoring Shippoku cuisine, a banquet-style meal from Nagasaki that is heavily influenced by Japanese, Chinese, and Western cooking styles. A typical meal may include sashimi, Nagasaki tempura, braised pork, and other dishes.

Savor two dishes that represent Nagasaki's culinary heritage. Begin with "Castella," a delicate Western-style cake known for its fine crumb and honeyed sweetness. Then, enjoy "Champon," a hearty noodle soup packed with vegetables, similar to ramen. You can even discover the art of making perfect Castella from local experts, creating a truly memorable experience.