Monday, April 6, 2026

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.


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