Fukuoka // Visting a strawberry (ichigo) farm

While in Fukuoka, we were just in time for strawberry picking season. My advice would be to rent a car and self-drive (English GPS and right-hand drive, no worries) so that you have the luxury of time.

There are many farms in Fukuoka and the one we visited was Lion Kajitsuen (らいおん果実園). They have many different varieties of strawberries so don’t go crazy chugging them down as soon as you see them. For a fixed fee, you can cut and eat as many strawberries as you want. You can even choose to pack the extra ones home for a minimal fee. I was quite done after my 5th strawberry but the boys kept going on and continued to have the packed ones the day after.

If you have kids (or are totally willing to indulge in your inner child), this is a must-do. As the saying goes, ichigo ichie ("one chance in a lifetime").

Fukuoka // Nokonoshima Island Park

A 10-minute ride by ferry from Fukuoka, Nokonoshima Island is an island certainly a place you need to visit if you are tired of onsens and shopping. Famous for its seasonal flowers, it is easy to soak in the tranquil atmosphere, especially if you arrive before noon.

Frankly speaking, I thought I would be bored and only went along because KW was insistent. On hindsight, I would have totally kicked myself for not going. We had a simple lunch and every lunch set was lovingly presented. The cha soba was especially refreshing, with the citrusy dipping sauce, and I loved the pickles fried rice too.

 

Fukuoka // Uminonakamichi Seaside Park (海の中道海浜公園)

We decided to head to Uminonakamichi Seaside Park (海の中道海浜公園, Uminonakamichi Kaihin Kōen) on day one as rain was expected over the next couple of days. The weather was sunny and beautiful with cool breezy wind. Throw in the unexpected surprised of cherry blossoms and we left our hearts in Fukuoka.

Don’t be mistaken by the word “Park.” Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is a sprawling kid-friendly public park located on a bay away from central Fukuoka. It is almost impossible to cover the entire space by foot; bicycles can be rented at the entrance gates for a small fee.

The park is made up of several different areas including flower gardens, playgrounds, an amusement park with ferris wheel, sports fields, and a smallish zoo. For us, the selling point were the large open spaces and lawns that meant plenty of space for boys to use up their energy.