Fukuoka｜Time Spent in Tea Rooms and Gardens

A week in Fukuoka was filled with leisurely strolls through various Japanese gardens. 🍵 One of my favorite moments during this trip was the afternoon spent at Yorozu Tea Room in Fukuoka, where all five senses were delighted. The tea master’s pairing of tea, sweets, and utensils perfectly embodied the beauty of wabi-sabi. (Reservations can be made by phone 24 hours in advance, and staff can communicate in Chinese.) 🌳 Drinking matcha and feeding koi fish at Yusentei is an experience not to be missed, while the Japanese garden in Ohori Park is somewhat conventional. If you’re visiting the museum to see Kusama’s pumpkin, it’s worth stopping by. 🌊 During your week in Fukuoka, consider staying on Itoshima Island for two to three nights. The vibe is reminiscent of a Japanese version of Malibu, where you might encounter young surfers. Don’t miss the oyster huts on the island; the oysters are sweet and the atmosphere is lively and fun. Stay in a room with a sea view where you can wake up to the ocean and cook your own wagyu ramen for breakfast in the kitchen. (For those who aren’t solely focused on taking photos, it’s highly recommended to avoid the Itoshima Seafood Hall. It’s a restaurant entirely centered around social media appeal, with quality so poor it’s hard to believe it’s located in a seaside city in Japan.)