Day 9 – Exploring Fukuoka

 

We were up early again, ready to squeeze every moment out of our time in Fukuoka. There’s something about this city that feels calmer and more laid-back than the others we’ve visited—but don’t let that fool you, it still has plenty to offer.

Our morning started at Tochoji Temple, and the shift in energy was immediate. The city noise faded, replaced by a quiet stillness as we walked through the temple grounds. Standing in front of the massive wooden Buddha, you can’t help but feel small in the best way. It’s one of those places that makes you pause, reflect, and just take it all in—the history, the craftsmanship, the centuries of stories held within those walls.

From peaceful to playful, we made our way over to Canal City, and wow—talk about a contrast. Bright lights, bold colors, and shops that felt like a sensory adventure around every corner. We wandered through, picking up some popular rice skincare masks (because when in Japan…) and a few fun gifts for friends back home. Every store felt like its own little world.

Next stop: Tenjin Central Park—and this is where the day surprised us. What we thought would be a simple stroll turned into an unexpected cultural experience. We stumbled upon live performances with traditional Japanese dancing and musicians playing large drums, their rhythms echoing through the park. Mixed in were bright, almost xylophone-like melodies that gave everything a festive, almost magical feel. We stood there for a while, just soaking it all in—one of those unplanned travel moments that ends up being a highlight.

Food has been a bit of a challenge for us as vegetarians, but we were determined—and hungry. Luckily, we found a spot that could do a vegan-style ramen, and it absolutely hit the spot. Warm, comforting, and well-earned after a full day of exploring.

By late afternoon, we slowed things down, taking a breather before heading back to the ship. The evening wrapped up perfectly—dinner poolside with that easy cruise-life vibe, followed by a comedy show that had us laughing our way into the night.

Another day, another set of memories… and somehow, each one just keeps getting better.

Day 8: Hiroshima — A Day of Reflection in the Raint

 

After a relaxing sea day on Day 7—complete with sunshine, pool time, a behind-the-scenes bridge tour, and a fun comedian show—we woke up refreshed and ready to explore Hiroshima.

We set out early, hopping on a tram into the city. Our first stop was the powerful Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, followed by a walk through the nearby Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, including the Children’s Peace Monument and the haunting Atomic Bomb Dome.

The rain fell steadily throughout the morning, adding to the emotional weight of the experience. Listening to the personal stories and seeing the history up close was deeply moving—one of those moments that truly stays with you. At times, it felt like the rain mirrored the mood, my tears blending right in with the falling drops.

After a somber and reflective morning, we continued on foot through the rain toward Hiroshima Castle. Although we weren’t able to go inside—likely due to the weather—it was still worth seeing from the outside.

Next, we made our way to the serene Shukkeien Garden, a beautifully designed landscape garden with winding paths and scenic viewpoints. Despite the downpour (and my completely soaked shoes—note to self: pack waterproof footwear next time!), it was a peaceful place to wander and capture a few photos.

We eventually took the tram back to the ship, warmed up, and jumped into a trivia game where we met even more friendly faces onboard. Ending the day with laughter and connection was the perfect balance after such a heavy morning.

Here’s hoping for clearer skies tomorrow.

Day 6: Osaka Foodie Tour – Come Hungry (Seriously)

 

Osaka is known as Japan’s kitchen, so naturally, we went all in and booked a foodie tour featuring 15 dishes and 3 drinks. It sounded ambitious when we signed up… and let me tell you, it absolutely delivered.

We hopped on the JR line and made our way into Osaka, spending some time wandering through the lively streets packed with colorful food stalls, quirky game booths, and souvenir shops. The energy here is nonstop—bright lights, sizzling grills, and the smell of street food everywhere you turn.

One of our first stops was Tower Knives, where we got an up-close demonstration of traditional Japanese knife-making. Watching the craftsmanship behind these blades was impressive. Of course, we couldn’t leave empty-handed—we picked out a beautiful Japanese-style knife and even got our names engraved on it (for free if you post on Instagram… win-win!).

Then it was time for the main event—the foodie tour I booked through TripAdvisor. Our guide, Anna, was fantastic—fluent in both Japanese and English, super knowledgeable, and a lot of fun. She kept the group moving while sharing insights about the food and the culture behind it.

Now, about the food… pacing yourself is key. I tried to be strategic, telling myself I wouldn’t eat everything at every stop. That plan didn’t last long.

We made our way through an incredible lineup: crispy tempura vegetables, fresh seafood, tofu dishes, sake tastings, matcha treats, and honestly… a few things I couldn’t even identify but happily ate anyway. Each stop was better than the last.

Johnny and Johnny san.

Johnny's Karaage Bar Stand.

By the time we reached the final dessert—the one I had been looking forward to—I was completely tapped out. I managed a bite, but there was just no way I could finish it. That’s when you know you’ve done a proper Osaka food tour.

One helpful tip: if you’re vegetarian or pescatarian, be sure to let the tour company know ahead of time. Many of the dishes are prepared in advance, so last-minute changes can be tricky.

With full bellies and happy hearts, we wrapped up the tour and made our way back to the train station. A smooth 45-minute ride later, we were heading back… and let’s just say, dinner was definitely not on the agenda.

Osaka, you did not disappoint. 🍣🍶