Author: Tristan Jones

  • バグー

    バグー

    A modest little burger spot

    Just a short walk from Ijiri station there is a little burger spot called バグー. Written in katakana, which is used to approximate words foreign to Japanese, it is pronounced bagu and it is the Japanese way of spelling the word “burger”. Like some of the more hole in the wall restaurants you find in Japan it is not very large, a little longer than the size of a shipping container and about the same width as one across. Inside, they always have a rock music playlist on playing classics from Africa by Toto to Karma Police by Radiohead. Like many restaurants in Japan it is also incredibly delicious and its affordable prices have made it a main staple for us students.

    The Menu

    Their selection of burgers offers variety without becoming overwhelming. From the classic single patty burger to the egg and bacon burger or the teriyaki burger to the double cheeseburger they all come packed with amazing flavor. The patties come with a delicious sauce and the meat is so tender it practically melts in your mouth. You can of course get just the burger or grab a set which comes with a drink and some potatoes with ketchup and Japanese mayonnaise on the side (which rivals the ketchup I might add). If you’re not quite in the mood for a burger they do make a wide variety of sandwiches to-go from around 290¥ – 500¥, about as much as you would pay at the kombini (Japanese convenience store) but with way more flavor.

    a picture of a burger
  • Ōhori Park

    Ōhori Park

    A popular destination in Fukuoka is Ōhori Park. Located in Chuo ward, Ōhori Park can be reached by taking the Fukuoka City Subway’s airport line.

    In the mornings many people can be seen running laps around Ōhori pond or getting breakfast and coffee at one of the nearby cafes. In addition to being ale to walk around the pond you can also traverse the length of Ōhori pond via a small island connected by two bridges, Kangetsu to the north and Satsuki to the south.

    Fukuoka Castle Ruins

    To the east of Ōhori Park there remain the ruins of Fukuoka castle. While most of the castle’s structure has been lost there are a few areas where, either original or reconstructed, some of the architecture can still be seen. During the spring you can venture up near the top of the castle ruins where sakura trees bloom. This well known season called Hanami (花見) or flower viewing attracts large groups of Japanese and tourists alike every year.

  • Mt. Tachibana

    Mt. Tachibana

    Tachibana Yama – 立花山

    Located about an hour away from Hakata station is the Mt. Tachibana hiking trail. Easily accessible by public transport, Mt. Tachibana offers a pleasant break from the dense urban landscape of the city. Despite it being marked as a beginner trail the path can be challenging to navigate at times. With steep inclines and uneven natural stone steps, the hike quickly becomes an uphill affair. In Japanese Tachibana is made up of three kanji characters: 立, 花, and 山. Translated into English it is the mountain of standing flowers.

    The city of Fukuoka from atop Mount Tachibana

    Getting there

    From Hakata Station, the central hub of Fukuoka, via the JR Kagoshima line one goes north to Kashii station and then transfers to a bus which takes you near the trailhead. Near but not exact. Before you start the hike you must walk up through an old, small neighborhood. The roads meander and it is easy to take a wrong turn if you’re not paying attention. Tucked away behind the mountains this area feels far more removed from the city than is actually the case.

    A Japanese village neighborhood.

    The climb

    After a short and steep prelude the paved road gives way to the dirt path of the trail. Here the true ascent begins, shaded by a canopy of trees, the sounds of birds and occasional running water fill the air. The trail rises and falls and then levels out before repeating. At a quick pace the hike takes roughly forty-five minutes. With one final ascent you reach the summit and the whole of Fukuoka opens up before you. At the top, several families are enjoying the view over freshly made instant ramen noodles; the hot water is heated by portable camping stoves. In the distance you can see ships docking in port or heading off to sea, while passenger planes fly south and make their decent towards the airport.