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Kinwashi Tour Japan Thread

kinwashi
19 Jun 12, 20:09

Summerhill plenty of flower blooms over here.

see see.

http://youtu.be/V2GabFtjSiY
kinwashi
19 Jun 12, 20:30

Many more over here.

http://youtu.be/8jBpaSF-t8M
kinwashi
19 Jun 12, 20:34

So this is the place,

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/japan/kamakura-hasedera

how to go there.

http://youtu.be/sPRIaFE9MlI
kinwashi
19 Jun 12, 21:56
kinwashi
19 Jun 12, 22:58
At last got the air ticket at bargain price.

already confirmed...below Sing1000 per person.

http://www.farecompare.com/flights/Singapore-SIN/Fukuoka-FUK/market.html

Popular Flights from Singapore to Fukuoka
- Airfare from Singapore to Fukuoka on Air China from SGD646 round trip
- Airfare from Singapore to Fukuoka on China E from SGD718 round trip
- Airfare from Singapore to Fukuoka on China S from SGD861 round trip
- Airfare from Singapore to Fukuoka on Thai from SGD927 round trip
- Airfare from Singapore to Fukuoka on Singapore from SGD932 round trip
kinwashi
20 Jun 12, 08:47

making decision...think wisely.

there are many choices.

to your destination

http://www.wego.com.sg/flights/results/sin/fuk/2012-08-10/2012-08-20/roundtrip/economy/4/0?id=b9304b029a12ca868f7acd0887e7ca1602db450c
kinwashi
20 Jun 12, 08:54

So from Fukuoka...either by bullet train or rental car.

we decided to rent a car,

need 4 hours to head Kagoshima by highway.

This is the plan, (A).

Another 4 kakis will be deciding this by today. whether to go.
kinwashi
20 Jun 12, 08:59

No need middleman. (tour Agencies)

BookOnline. (s0 easy).

Confirmed.

Singapore, Singapore to Fukuoka, Japan
10 Aug 2012 (Fri) – 20 Aug 2012 (Mon), 4 adults

Total SGD 3,923.60 for four adults included travel insurance.
kinwashi
20 Jun 12, 20:02

Car Rental
If you want to rent a car while you are in Fukuoka, you will need to have a valid international driving licence and passport. You will find a range of car hire companies throughout the city and at Fukuoka Airport. However, you should be aware that the staff at many of these transport companies do not have a good grasp of English and therefore communication may prove to be difficult. Many people choose to rent a car so that they can travel farther afield, in the comfort and convenience of their own vehicle. If you drive around Fukuoka city centre, it is important to note that parking here can be very expensive.

Not a probelm to me.
kinwashi
20 Jun 12, 20:12

Just an ideal how much, about ten days car rental.

Who say Japan are more expensive, than here.

This already good enough.

Economy

ECAR

Mazda 2 Demio .. or similar

2/4 Doors

Automatic

A/C

981.05 SGD

About SDG 100 a day,

for four paxs sharing each only SDG 25.

Cheaper than your taxi rental..haha.

https://www.rentalcargroup.com/search_booking.php#search_booking

The best rates currently showing for a 10 day rental are shown below

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Inclusive Prices

Basic prices

Compare Selected

Car Class / Detail

Company

Features

Price

Select

Economy

ECAR

Mazda 2 Demio .. or similar

2/4 Doors

Automatic

A/C

981.05 SGD

Terms & Conditions

E-Mail Quote

Reserve

Compact

CCAR

Mazda Verisa 1 .. or similar

2/4 Doors

Automatic

A/C

1230.31 SGD

Terms & Conditions

E-Mail Quote

Reserve

Compact

CDAR

Ford Focus or similar

3-5 Doors

Automatic

A/C

1488.94 SGD

Terms & Conditions

E-Mail Quote

Reserve

Intermediate

ICAR

Mazda 3 Axela .. or similar

2/4 Doors

Automatic

A/C

1495.70 SGD

Terms & Conditions

E-Mail Quote

Reserve

Compact

CDMR

Hyundai Accent .. or similar

4-5 Doors

Manual

A/C

1560.96 SGD

Terms & Conditions

E-Mail Quote

Reserve

Van / Minivan

SVAR

Mazda 5 Premac .. or similar

4/5 Doors

Automatic

A/C

1568.05 SGD

Terms & Conditions

E-Mail Quote

Reserve

Van / Minivan

IVAR

Opel Zafira 5+ .. or similar

3/5 Doors

Automatic

A/C

1801.13 SGD

Terms & Conditions

E-Mail Quote

Reserve

SUV

SFAR

Mazda 5 Premac .. or similar

4/5 Doors

Automatic

A/C

1809.31 SGD

Terms & Conditions

E-Mail Quote

Reserve

Intermediate

IDAR

Mazda 6 Attenz .. or similar

4 Doors

Automatic

A/C

1817.36 SGD

Terms & Conditions

E-Mail Quote

Reserve

Exotic / Special

CTAR

Mazda Mx-5 Roa .. or similar

2/4 Doors

Automatic

A/C

2315.89 SGD

Terms & Conditions

E-Mail Quote

Reserve

Van / Minivan

FVAR

Mercedes Viano .. or similar

8 Doors

Automatic

A/C

2321.44 SGD

Terms & Conditions

E-Mail Quote

Reserve

Van / Minivan

FVAR

Mazda Mpv 2.3 or similar

4/5 Doors

Automatic

A/C

2331.98 SGD

Terms & Conditions

E-Mail Quote

Reserve

Exotic / Special

FXAR

Mazda Biante 2 .. or similar

4/5 Doors

Automatic

A/C

2412.40 SGD

Terms & Conditions

E-Mail Quote

kinwashi

20 Jun 12, 20:47

http://rent.toyota.co.jp/en/rental/main09.html

more idea.

Home Rates, type of cars, and servicesRate and Car Model List

Rate and Car Model List

How to Calculate the Rate

Total rate is calculated as follows (tax included)

For more details, please refer to “About Us”.

Usage Notes

These lists show the standard rates for all cars.
Car grades and models differ depending on the area and shops.
Rates may differ depending on the area and season; and may change without prior notice.
These lists show main car models only.
Actual rental cars may differ from the images.
Car navigation system and ETC device are standard equipment for HV, P, W, RV, V3 grades cars and ETC device is standard equipment for V1, V2 grades (except for some car models and areas)
For other car grades, this equipment can be chosen as a free-of-charge option.
Contact us regarding your desired car model in advance as some car models may not be available.
Car navigation and voice messages are all in Japanese.
* English car navigation with voice messages may be available at some shops.
If you are planning to use ETC, make sure to bring your ETC card.
No smoking cars can be designated for free.
The content of these notes may change without notification.

Basic Rate

Number of Passengers & Baggage		Grade	Main car models		Hourly Rate Currency: Japanese Yen ( ) = Excludes Tax
Number of Passengers & Baggage		Grade		SUV	Up to 6 hours	Up to 12 hours	Up to 24 hours	On and After 1 day Excess (Every 24 hours)	Excess Hourly Rate (Every hour)
		HV1	AQUA PRIUS(1.5L)		6,300 (6,000)	7,350 (7,000)	8,925 (8,500)	7,350 (7,000)	1,050 (1,000)
		HV2	PRIUS(1.8L) PRIUSα (two-row)		8,400 (8,000)	9,450 (9,000)	11,550 (11,000)	9,450 (9,000)	1,575 (1,500)
		HV3	SAI CAMRY HV	PRIUSα (three-row)	11,550 (11,000)	13,650 (13,000)	17,325 (16,500)	13,125 (12,500)	2,625 (2,500)

Number of Passengers & Baggage		Grade	Main car models		Hourly Rate Currency: Japanese Yen ( ) = Excludes Tax
Number of Passengers & Baggage		Grade		SUV	Up to 6 hours	Up to 12 hours	Up to 24 hours	On and After 1 day Excess (Every 24 hours)	Excess Hourly Rate (Every hour)
2		P1	Vitz PASSO iQ BELTA		5,250 (5,000)	5,250 (5,000)	6,825 (6,500)	5,775 (5,500)	1,050 (1,000)
2		P2	Ractis Ist SIENTA Porte	bB	5,775 (5,500)	6,300 (6,000)	7,875 (7,500)	6,300 (6,000)	1,050 (1,000)
3		P3	COROLLA Axio ALLION PREMIO	COROLLA FIELDER	6,825 (6,500)	7,875 (7,500)	9,450 (9,000)	7,875 (7,500)	1,260 (1,200)
4		P4	MARK X		9,450 (9,000)	11,550 (11,000)	14,700 (14,000)	11,550 (11,000)	2,100 (2,000)
5		P5	CROWN CROWN Royal CROWN MAJESTA		16,275 (15,500)	22,575 (21,500)	28,350 (27,000)	21,000 (20,000)	3,150 (3,000)

Number of Passengers		Grade	Main car models	Hourly Rate Currency: Japanese Yen ( ) = Excludes Tax
Number of Passengers		Grade	Main car models	Up to 6 hours	Up to 12 hours	Up to 24 hours	On and After 1 day Excess (Every 24 hours)	Excess Hourly Rate (Every hour)
		W1	Isis WISH	7,350 (7,000)	9,450 (9,000)	12,600 (12,000)	9,450 (9,000)	1,575 (1,500)
		W2	NOAH VOXY	13,650 (13,000)	14,700 (14,000)	19,950 (19,000)	14,700 (14,000)	2,100 (2,000)
		W3	ESTIMA ALPHARD VELLFIRE	15,750 (15,000)	17,325 (16,500)	23,100 (22,000)	17,325 (16,500)	2,625 (2,500)
		W4	HIACE GRAND- CABIN	16,275 (15,500)	21,000 (20,000)	26,250 (25,000)	17,850 (17,000)	2,835 (2,700)

Number of Passengers		Grade	Main car models	Hourly Rate Currency: Japanese Yen ( ) = Excludes Tax
Number of Passengers		Grade	Main car models	Up to 6 hours	Up to 12 hours	Up to 24 hours	On and After 1 day Excess (Every 24 hours)	Excess Hourly Rate (Every hour)
5 or 5 to 8		RV1	RAV4	9,975 (9,500)	11,550 (11,000)	12,600 (12,000)	11,550 (11,000)	2,100 (2,000)
5 or 5 to 8		RV2	VANGUARD LAND CRUISER LAND CRUISER PRADO	16,275 (15,500)	21,000 (20,000)	25,200 (24,000)	17,850 (17,000)	2,835 (2,700)

Grade	Main car models	Hourly Rate Currency: Japanese Yen ( ) = Excludes Tax
Grade	Main car models	Up to 6 hours	Up to 12 hours	Up to 24 hours	On and After 1 day Excess (Every 24 hours)	Excess Hourly Rate (Every hour)
	Probox VAN SUCCED VAN	6,300 (6,000)	8,400 (8,000)	9,450 (9,000)	6,825 (6,500)	1,050 (1,000)
	TOWNACE VAN LITEACE VAN	6,825 (6,500)	8,925 (8,500)	10,500 (10,000)	7,350 (7,000)	1,260 (1,200)
	HIACE LONG VAN REGIUSACE	9,450 (9,000)	12,075 (11,500)	14,175 (13,500)	10,500 (10,000)	2,100 (2,000)

Grade	Main car models	Hourly Rate Currency: Japanese Yen ( ) = Excludes Tax
Grade	Main car models	Up to 6 hours	Up to 12 hours	Up to 24 hours	On and After 1 day Excess (Every 24 hours)	Excess Hourly Rate (Every hour)
	LITEACE TRUCK TOWNACE TRUCK	5,250 (5,000)	6,300 (6,000)	8,400 (8,000)	5,250 (5,000)	1,050 (1,000)
	DINA/TOYOACE	7,350 (7,000)	9,975 (9,500)	12,600 (12,000)	8,400 (8,000)	1,575 (1,500)
	DINA/TOYOACE 2t Wide Long ALUMINIUM VAN Less than 2t, 2t Standard Deck	10,500 (10,000)	13,650 (13,000)	16,800 (16,000)	11,550 (11,000)	2,100 (2,000)
	DINA/TOYOACE 3t ALUMINIUM VAN 2t Wide Cab Long Deck, More than 3t	14,700 (14,000)	18,900 (18,000)	23,100 (22,000)	16,275 (15,500)	2,625 (2,500)

Number of Passengers	Grade	Main car models	Hourly Rate Currency: Japanese Yen ( ) = Excludes Tax
Number of Passengers	Grade	Main car models	Up to 6 hours	Up to 12 hours	Up to 24 hours	On and After 1 day Excess (Every 24 hours)	Excess Hourly Rate (Every hour)
15	BUS1	HIACE COMMUTER	15,750 (15,000)	18,375 (17,500)	24,150 (23,000)	17,325 (16,500)	2,625 (2,500)
26 to 29	BUS2	COASTER	26,250 (25,000)	34,650 (33,000)	40,425 (38,500)	28,350 (27,000)	3,150 (3,000)

Inquiries and Reservations/0800-7000-815(Tollfree within Japan) +81-3-5954-8020

kinwashi
20 Jun 12, 20:55
My first thing to do once got the rental car.

MY favourite Ramen not going to miss.
Fukuoka Dreaming

Live…Love…Eat…Dream…Fukuoka! A blog about how to see Fukuoka through the eyes of a local and the curiosity of a tourist!

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Ichiran (ä¸€è˜ãƒ©ãƒ¼ãƒ¡ãƒ³) is Ichiban! : The Ichiran Ramen Dining Experience

Sep 9th, 2009
by kaeru.

Ittadakimasu!

People from Fukuoka pride themselves with their cuisine. This is not simply local bias, but a fact confirmed by Monocle Magazine which states that Fukuoka is where the culinary conscious crowd of Tokyo go for their gastronomic delight. That is right, residents of the city with the most number of Michelin star restaurants fly to Fukuoka for their food cravings.

Fukuoka is known for many dishes but what stands out is its Ramen, particularly tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen. I will go as far as saying that pizza is to Italy, as tacos are to Mexico, as ramen is to Fukuoka! Thus, no trip to Fukuoka is ever complete without trying out Fukuoka Ramen. The Ramen experience is such an amazing experience that I recommend complete focus on the ramen, ignoring all distractions around you. Fortunately, one ramen shop knows exactly how to make you do this.

Ichiran Ramenï¼ˆä¸€è˜ãƒ©ãƒ¡ãƒ³) is a Fukuoka based ramen chain that not only makes one of the best tonkotsu ramen in Fukuoka, but also provides the customer with a unique experience in ramen dining. Its freshly handmade noodles and its special sauce made of red chili and more than 30 other ingredients, cooked slowly over several days and nights, make it a landmark in Fukuoka.

The ordering system is also unique. You first pay for your order at a vending machine located at the entrance of the restaurant, and fill out a form on what type of ramen you want (tenderness of noodles, amount of spice, amount of onions, level of flavor etc.). Once you are given cubicle (yes, a cubicle, the better to focus, remember?), you hand over your sheet and wait for your dish to be served. No need to talk to anyone, handy for you non-Japanese speaker you. The website interesstingly has this to say about this system: “Since you can order without having to raise your voice, this is an especially popular system with our female customers.”

It is quite a unique experience, and while the restaurant is English-speaker friendly, the fast paced nature of it might just make you confused. So, to better prepare you for your first Ichiran experience, we want to share with you a little “How to Order at Ichiran Ramen” Guide we made:

1. Pick what you want to order. (Clue: Make sure to order Ramen): You can also order side dishes such as egg, extra noodles, extra onions etc.

2.) Pay: Insert the corresponding amount and get your food stub.

3. Wait for space to be available. Each square represents a seat on the restaurant. In this particular branch (Hakata) they are divided into three rows. A lit square means that a seat is available. In this case, Seats 9 and 6 on Row 3 are available. If there are two or more in your party, you can request to be seated together. In this case, others may be asked to go ahead of you until consecutive seats are available.

4. Once you are called, enter the corresponding hall and find your assigned seat. You will then wonder if you are about to take an exam. Coat hangers and tissue dispensers are found at the seat’s rear.

5. Once you find your place, familiarize yourself with your surroundings. To your left is the water dispenser and a glass. To the right are the chopsticks. Right in front of you is the Form where you place your preference (thickness of noodles, flavor, etc).

6.  Fill up the form. Note: An English version with instructions is available by request. Press the call button, wait for an attendant and say “Eigo no Menu kudasai.” or simply “English” and they will understand. After filling it up, press the button again to submit your form. Here is a sample form with some recommended choices. I would go for “rich” fat content and “tender” noodles though.

7. Calmly wait for your meal to be served.

8. Go from here…

9. To here…

10.  Go home and plan your next visit.

Ichiran Ramen has many branches nationwide, but nothing beats experiencing it right here in ramen wonderland, Fukuoka. Here are the address of some of them

Tenjin Branch:

1-10-15 Tenjin , Chuo-Ku, Fukuoka / phone:  +81 92 736 5272

Canal City Branch

1-2-22, Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (Canal City Theater bldg.)
kinwashi
20 Jun 12, 22:02

So where is Tenjin?

Tenjin

The largest shopping district in Fukuoka, Tenjin is home to three major department stores, IMS, Tenjin Core, Solaria Plaza, mina tenjin and other specialty shops.
kinwashi
21 Jun 12, 22:38

Some example, on hotel rate, in Kagoshima city.

http://www.booking.com/searchresults.en-us.html?aid=306395;label=jp-kagoshima-eui5nFbuxHiMu2Az%2AAVZoAS8164831949%3Apl%3Ata%3Ap1%3Ap2%3Aac%3Aap1t3%3Aneg;sid=79e9ffa5c061100f2a0ecc38beab18f5;dcid=1;checkin_year_month_monthday=2012-08-01;checkout_year_month_monthday=2012-08-02;city=-231554;class_interval=1;inac=0;nflt=class%3D2%3B;offset=0;pr=0%2C80;pr_cur_code=SGD;radius=0;redirected_from_city=1;redirected_from_landmark=0;review_score_group=empty;score_min=0;src=city;ss_all=0;ssb=empty;order=price_for_two
kinwashi
21 Jun 12, 22:51

The above is in the city, hotel room rate.

another choice.

as the below if we go by car to the destination place of interest , we need to stay a night, and tomorrow we continue the journey, than we need as like this kind, see what the offer and the rate.....cheap and good.

http://www.hostelworld.com/findabed.php/ChosenCity.Kagoshima/ChosenCountry.Japan
kinwashi
21 Jun 12, 23:12

Just one night stay...this kind of room should be enough.

Japanese Ryokan.

http://youtu.be/Z2PesS8i96U
kinwashi
21 Jun 12, 23:23

Stay at Japanese Inn, are very common.

http://youtu.be/SNslc7BldPs

what 5 star hotel a must.

Budget is important. Free and Easy.

Can you just imagine, only SGD 2000 or SGD 2500 we can see more than the travel agency given to us. This is what we are planing for this trip of 10 days.

My previous trip only SGD 1800 per person. that about 7days trip.

What is good.

No harassment by the tour leader asking you to buy this buy that, and the commission a must to them.

Going Japan just this amount?
kinwashi
22 Jun 12, 22:38

Ok ..let me shown you what SDG 1800 seven day trip.

How many we can cover places of interest in Kagoshima.

Self drive many places you can venture, bring a large groups a bit difficult,

why? time surely not enough, we need to arrange hotel to put all in, restaurant and many many kind, some with childrens maybe they are not interested...like this kind of historic place the Peace museum in Chiran.

small group adults easy..lah.

Ryokan is more easy to get.

If you head to go Chiran, than where you need to go for the night to stay.

Chiran you can see. what?

http://wgordon.web.wesleyan.edu/kamikaze/museums/chiran/index.htm
kinwashi
22 Jun 12, 22:49

So what is Kamikaze?

http://youtu.be/rsBN8_ONKS0
kinwashi
22 Jun 12, 23:35

so where is Chiran?

Minamikyushu.

http://www.maplandia.com/japan/kyushu/kagoshima/chiran/

kinwashi

23 Jun 12, 22:38

So do your own homework, before you move around.

Like Ibusuki or kanoya.

what are the places of interest over there, must we cover this two towns, the distance and the time you need to drive there how long you need to spend there before sunset, than where you need to go for your dinner or lunch. and Ryokan at night.

Distance Between
Source:	Ibusuki, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan
Destination:	Kanoya, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan
Driving Distance
Distance (km):	48 Km.
Distance (mile):	30 Miles.
Copyrights:	Map data ©2012 ZENRIN

Ibusuki go onsen, kanoya got rose garden. during Autumn.

another thing, day short night long, calculation also another factor.

http://distancebetween.info/ibusuki/kanoya

kinwashi
23 Jun 12, 22:56

So alway we will set a base, so Kagoshima city is our base camp.

we set upon in the morning from the city Kagoshima we travel straight to Minamikyushu, Chiran than, Ibusuki for onsen, during sunset back to the base for dinner. on the way there are many little stops available for photo shot..
kinwashi
23 Jun 12, 23:00

We also want to go to Krishima, see the map is Kanoya within the range on our travelling route. Than you need to decide. Krishima and Kanoya.

Why? you need to go to Krishima when you are in Kagoshima.

kinwashi

24 Jun 12, 21:03

http://24timezones.com/current_time/japan_kagoshima_clock.php

Current local time in Kagoshima

Kagoshima, Japan - correct time, standard local time, summer/winter time, time conversion dates 2012

Current time in Kagoshima

11:02:36 PM, Sunday 24, June 2012 24 hours

Offset to GMT/UTC

Standard time zone:	UTC/GMT +9 hours
No daylight savings time at the moment

Daylight Saving Time 2012 (Summer Time)

No known DST-adjustments for year 2012

Astronomical data

	Today	Yesterday	Tomorrow
Sunrise Time:	5:14:07 AM	5:13:50 AM	5:14:25 AM
Sunset Time:	7:26:35 PM	7:26:26 PM	7:26:42 PM
Length of day:	14 h 12 m 28 s	14 h 12 m 36 s	14 h 12 m 17 s
Solar Noon:	12:20:21 PM	12:20:08 PM	12:20:34 PM
Astronomical Twilight Starts:	3:34:43 AM	3:34:24 AM	3:35:04 AM
Astronomical Twilight Ends:	9:05:59 PM	9:05:52 PM	9:06:03 PM

Location

Latitude:	31° 6' North
Longitude:	130° 55' East

Kagoshima online map

View time at locations near Kagoshima: Suwa, Kushikino, Kanoya, Tsuruta, Otsu

Visiting Kagoshima? Find best travel guides and other cool stuff for your trip here.

Get Kagoshima Clock for your website

Online Flash clock provided by 24TimeZones.com is really nice and fancy website widget! You can adjust color and size of your Kagoshima online flash clock or chooseadvanced clocks for almost any city in the world here!

Your clock will look like this:

Description: Description: Dutch Tulips

Keukenhof – know as the Garden of Europe – is the one of the best places to view the abundance of spring flowers in the South Holland region of the Netherlands

Description: Description: Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam's flower market

Amsterdam's flower market – the Bloemenmarkt – reflects the country's passion for cut flowers and plants

Description: Description: Keukenhof Tulips

Around seven million bulbs are planted each year in the park at Keukenhof, in an area of 32 hectares

Description: Description: Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam's flower market

The Bloemenmarkt - set on the capital's Singel canal and said to be the world's only floating flower market - has a score of stalls where you can buy all sorts of plants, flowers, bulbs and seeds

Description: Description: Keukenhof Tulips

The mild climate of Holland , with its wet springs makes it an ideal place for bulb cultivation

Description: Description: Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam's flower market

Tulips originated in the east and were brought to Holland from the Ottoman Empire in the mid 1500s

Description: Description: Orange Tulips

pringtime, the lowland area by the North Sea is carpeted with fields of gladioli, hyacinths, lilies, daffodils, crocuses... and, of course, tulips

Description: Description: Keukenhof Tulips

Keukenhof - literally 'kitchen garden' - is part of the hunting grounds of the ancient Teylingen estate

Description: Description: Keukenhof Tulips

This year, the theme for the Keukenhof exhibition is Germany: Land of Poets and Philosophers

Description: Description: Keukenhof Tulips

The patchwork quilt of colours in the Keukenhof park, just outside Lisse in South Holland , is a veritable feast for the eyes

Description: Description: Keukenhof Tulips

The bulbs of Keukenhof are re-planted each year according to the current trends and in collaboration with a number of gardening magazines

Description: Description: Keukenhof Tulips

Spring in Keukenhof is one of the main tourist attractions of the Netherlands

Description: Description: Dutch tulip field

kinwashi
24 Jun 12, 22:05

Hakata

Hakata District in Fukuoka is the biggest city in Kyushu. A harbor town with a rich historical background, it was once a separate city but was renamed Hakata District when it was merged with Fukuoka City. It is home to famous dishes like tonkotsu (pork flavor) ramen and mentaiko (spicy cod roe), the famous "Hakata Dolls" (a well-known souvenir), as well as the home of "Mentai Rock," a musical style famous in the 1980s. Those familiar with J-rock may be interested to know Shiina Ringo, Blankey Jet City and others called Hakata home at one time.