Heading to the City to Kurume, Fukuoka
Leaving Shimonoseki behind, I made my way to Kurume City in Fukuoka Prefecture.
I've never been a huge fan of overly crowded, bustling cities, so gazing out at the peaceful, rural landscapes along the way really put my mind at ease.
An Unexpected Tonkotsu Ramen Experience
Since Kurume is famous for it, my very first mission upon arriving was to eat authentic tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen. I walked into a local joint with high hopes, but honestly, it was quite an unexpected experience.
The broth lacked the flavor I was anticipating, and the service left a bit to be desired. It was a surprising letdown, but that's part of traveling! I also passed by the famous mechanical clock at Kurume Station
but decided to skip it this time since I was in a rush.
The Kurume Station Automaton Clock
Located at the entrance of JR Kurume Station, this magnificent Karakuri clock is a tribute to the legendary inventor Tanaka Hisashige, showcasing a delightful mechanical performance every hour. Featuring intricate puppets that depict local history, traditional weaving, and festival dances set to folk music, the clock stands as a proud symbol of Kurume's enduring legacy of craftsmanship and technological innovation.
A Sushi Feast to Save the Day
Shaking off the ramen disappointment, I headed over to my friend’s house. We are so close that I’ve actually stayed at their place for about a month in the past! We treated ourselves to an incredible sushi feast, featuring a wide variety of perfectly seared (aburi) sushi.
It was definitely on the pricey side, but the melt-in-your-mouth flavor completely wiped away my earlier mixed feelings.
Sunset Hikes and the Powerful Tengu of Mii-dera
Completely stuffed, we decided to burn off some calories by hiking up Mount Kora.
It was a bit of a steep climb, but catching the golden sunset filtering through the trees was absolutely magical.
Just off the mountain, we stopped by Mii-dera Temple, where I was greeted by a massive statue of a Tengu (a legendary Japanese creature).
Apparently, the Tengu of Kyushu are incredibly powerful and are counted among Japan's "Eight Great Tengu". It was an awe-inspiring sight. Between the food, the hike, and the local lore, it was a perfectly fulfilling day.
The Tengu Statue of Miidera (Atago-san Tarobo)
Deep within the grounds of Miidera Temple stands the imposing statue of Atago-san Tarobo, a legendary Tengu guardian believed to have flown from Kyoto to protect Kurume from fire and misfortune. This enigmatic "Power Spot" offers visitors a glimpse into Japanese folklore, featuring a fierce mountain-dwelling deity nestled in a serene forest setting that perfectly captures the mysterious and spiritual side of the region's history.
