Day 13 - Hakata
After breakfast, we take another bullet train, this time to
Hakata. On arrival, we take a sightseeing tour, taking in the
Dazaifu Tenman-gu Shrine, dedicated to the Shinto god of
literature, Komyozenji Temple, a Zen temple and rare 'karesansui',
or Japanese rock garden, dating back to the 13th century, and the
Kyushu National Museum. The first national museum opened in Japan
for 100 years, the museum reveals the history of Japanese culture
through an impressive collection of artifacts and modern
displays.
This evening, we explore Hakata after dark, visiting the food
stalls that spring to life in the evening. Known as 'yatai', these
pop-up kitchens line the river banks, serving authentic local and
national dishes, and are synonymous with the city's culture. After
time to explore the vibrant market, we head to a local restaurant
for a farewell dinner, to celebrate the end of our fantastic tour
of the 'Land of the Rising Sun.'
