Jul 7

Jul 7 Kyushu Quest Chapter 9: A Farewell to Kyushu

The final leg of our Kyushu road trip brought us to Fukuoka for two packed days, and just like that, our two-week adventure felt as fleeting as a weekend. Every moment was incredible, and we were filled with gratitude for the experiences we had in this beautiful region.

Day Two in Kitakyushu

We began the day with a visit to the Takamiyama Environmental Museum (タカミヤ環境ミュージアム), a 20–30 minute drive away. Though modest in size, the museum left a significant impact with its innovative approach to environmental education. Kitakyushu’s industrial history, once marred by severe pollution, serves as the backdrop for this museum’s narrative. Through compelling exhibits and interactive experiences, visitors are invited to learn about issues like water contamination, air pollution, and industrial waste that affected local ecosystems and communities.

The museum uses modern technologies, including virtual reality, to illustrate the spread of pollution and its effects. A particularly inspiring aspect is the focus on community-driven solutions and sustainable practices. By addressing past mistakes, the museum fosters hope and a call to action for a greener future.

Next door, Space Labo, Kitakyushu’s science museum, offered a completely different yet equally fascinating experience. Focused on space exploration, this interactive center blends education with entertainment. Highlights include a planetarium, a space simulator, and hands-on workshops where visitors can explore robotics and technologies used in space missions. It’s a must-visit for families, science enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the universe.

This area truly has something for everyone. Nearby, there’s a sprawling outlet mall that also features an ASOBLE, perfect for kids. Naturally, our children had a blast running around and enjoying the games. Afterward, we did a little shopping, picking up a new backpack and some clothes to prepare for the next leg of our journey.

Returning to Hakata

From Kitakyushu, we made our way back to Hakata in Fukuoka to return the rental car. Heavy rain slowed traffic, causing minor delays. After dropping off the car and checking into our hotel, we were running late for a dinner reservation. Unable to find a cab, we ended up walking to the restaurant, arriving over an hour late. Unfortunately, this meant missing out on their goma saba—a dish we had specifically booked the restaurant for.

Goma saba, a Fukuoka specialty, is mackerel marinated in sesame sauce, served either as sashimi or lightly seared. Its exceptional flavor and rarity stem from the difficulty of keeping mackerel fresh. While this was a disappointment, the staff recommended an alternative: odorigui, a dish where seafood, such as squid or shrimp, appears to “dance” due to reflexive movements triggered by salt or acidic sauces. While I appreciated the dish’s scientific intrigue, it wasn’t quite to my taste.

Anpanman Museum

The next day, we visited the Anpanman Museum, a paradise for young fans of Takashi Yanase’s beloved character. With interactive exhibits, themed play areas, live performances, and plenty of crafting activities, it was a magical experience for the whole family. The museum’s bakery, offering character-shaped bread, was a highlight. Though tempted to take some home, we decided to enjoy them on the spot since they wouldn’t keep for long.

Leaving Kyushu

Before departing, we stopped at Hakata Station to book shinkansen tickets. Heavy rains continued to disrupt train schedules, and many tourists were stranded. Luckily, with our Japan Rail Pass, we were able to rebook and eventually board our train with only minor delays.

As the train sped away from Hakata, we reflected on the incredible journey we had experienced. From the food to the history, the onsens to the scenery, every corner of Kyushu had something special to offer. While this chapter of our adventure has come to an end, we’re already dreaming of returning to explore Kyushu’s southern half.