Japan is much more but it would be a very long title!

It was only an hour flight from Busan. Not far. And I loved how the airports have free water stations.

Coming from South Korea, I’m thinking of what I noticed the most.

First, money. But still easy as it’s 100 yen=Cdn$1 vs 1000 won=Cdn$1.

Second, it’s left hand drive here. This is important to remember as I step off a curb!

Though in Japan you are more likely to get hit by a Toyota or Honda instead of Hyundai or Kia. And models are more boxy here.

And then the food. Sushi, of course, but also udon, ramen and a lot more.

My first stop in Japan was Fukuoka, on the most southern island of Kyushu.

My first day was very wet and so day, so I enjoyed just walking around on my nice weather day. Typical weather here goes from 15 to 25.

It ended up being a shrine scavenger hunt.

Little ones tucked between buildings.

Big ones.

And more.

A mini photo shoot with ‘turn, turn’ from an enthusiastic stranger!

A tiny Japanese garden.

Covered arcades are popular and great in the rain.

Traditional kimono shops.

And modern clothing. As in Korea, the fabrics are often linen, with wide-leg pants. Even regular blue jeans are super wide.

Canal City was a huge complex with a Hilton and all the major brands.

For lunch I found a little udon shop. 900 yen (Cdn$9). But cash only.

The next day I found a place that only sold cabbage and meat. 1130 yen (Cdn11.30).

And a good bakery for a bread stick with chocolate and macadamia nuts.

Fukuoka Train Station

But I took the bus to Kumamoto. It was twice as long but half the price.

Two hours for 2500 yen (Cdn$25) vs 50 minutes for 600 yen (Cdn$60) for the train.

It was very nice and I will keep it for an option for short trips.

Kumamoto Bus Station was in the lower levels of this huge mall.

Across the street was another arcade mall that went all the way to my hotel.

My favourite were the trams.

The big attraction was Kumamoto Castle.

It was first started in 1467 but has been expanded and reconstructed many times due to new rulers, fire and earthquakes. The most recent in 2016.

Visible reinforcements.

Two of the turrets.

The castle and Kumamon, the bear mascot.

Kumamoto ramen has black roasted garlic oil.

A ‘Seven 11’ dinner of chilled soba noodles in spicy broth, roasted chicken and salad for 900 yen (Cdn$9).

The convenience stores have an amazing variety of takeout options.

They also have microwaves but so do the hotels. Along with laundries, amenities and pajamas.

More walking around.

Then it was time to pack up again and head to Kagoshima.

By high speed train this time!

See you there.