Nicocosity: September 2018

To be completely honest, I think culture-wise, our 2nd day or 1st full day in Fukuoka has been the most productive day we had during our trip in Japan. During this day, we have been to temples, a park, a heavenly place, a couple of malls, a couple of questionable places, and a sensory overload haven!

Yes, and of course I'm pretty sure we have had more steps than indicated.

As I have previously blogged, we booked for an AirBnB experience Temple tour around Hakata. It was fun, educational, and made me feel as cultured as a bottle of Yakult.

Ooooh

Since the tour lasted for around 3 hours, by the time it ended we still have a lot of time to waste. Originally, as per our itinerary (which was not followed to a t) we should have lunch then embark on a journey to Ohori park, where we could feed some ducks and just chill ~~before turning my art-obsessed mode on for Yamamoto Bumpodo~~ . But like every thing else in this world, the inevitable change happened- and I'm glad it happened.

After the tour, our newfound friend and co-AirBnB Temple Tour tourist, Zain asked us if we would like to check out the Reclining Buddha. Initially, that wasn't part of our itinerary even for the succeeding days, because I thought it's too far, and I have already seen a reclining Buddha back in Bangkok, so what's the fuzz? Hahaha! But seeing how Imman looks intrigued about it, I gave in, and with that the rest is history.

HAHAHA!

The Reclining Buddha is in Nanzoin which houses a couple of temples and shrines. Nanzoin is in Sasaguri, and coming from Hakata it took us around 20 minutes to get there via the JR train line. The nearest (literally just across the street kind of near) train station is the Kido Nanzoin Mae station which looks like those provincial train stations you get to see in Ghibli movies ♥

Here's a 'map' so you can have an idea how far it is from Hakata station

The fare going to Kido Nanzoin Mae station is 370 yen, or roughly Php 180+.

Going to the temples, you'll pass by this bridge that will make you feel like you're a character from a Ghibli movie!

After passing by the bridge, then a road, you'll see this alley which will lead you to the whole Nanzoin complex.

Origin of the photo here

As you can see in this map, you'll pass by a lot of shrines, and different places that will make you think, "How come every thing I see is beautiful" before you get to see the big reclining Buddha on the topmost part of the complex.

Huji version haha

Normal version lels

Me, after all the ramen.

Upo ng behave

The reclining Buddha of Fukuoka is actually 5 meters shorter than the one in Wat Pho in Thailand. Unlike the one in Thailand, I think this one is made of copper and seems a bit hollow, because we try to knock it lightly, and we hear a faint gong sound. I actually like this one better than the one in Thailand, and I think the main reason is it isn't infested with a lot of rowdy tourists. Here in Nanzoin, you can feel that you are one with the nature, because the place itself is surrounded by lush green trees, and the air is soooo fresh- well, I think the whole of Japan have nicer atmosphere, since they don't have that much pollution unlike in Manila.

After saying our prayers, and checking out every nook of the place, we decided to head over to Ohori park. Going to Ohori park, we returned to Hakata Station, and from there we took the Kuko Line train going to Ohori Koen Park.

Photo c/o Wikipedia

That is the duck situation I was referring to hahaha! Though, there's a 4 seater boat, which is the one we took for a ~~stressful~~ relaxing pedalling through the huge lake. I decided to seat in the back, and let the 2 boys do all the work hahahaha! I remember that day, we saw a man playing with a violin, then an electric guitar, minding his own business- but daaaayum, he's soooo good! We kept on going back to his location to listen to him play, then every after song we burst into a round of applause, which he responded with a gratuitous bow. Oh how I love Japan!

After Ohori park, we dashed going to Yamamoto Bumpodo, which I think was a kilometer or 2 away from Ohori-koen. We walked SOOOO fast (yes, not run haha) in order to make it, since the shop closes at 7pm pronto! For reference on what is this heavenly place I'm talking about, you may click here!

After Yamamoto Bumpodo, the next moments have been pretty much a blur. All I can remember was eating at a yatai with a couple of people from different countries, then a quick trip to the Canal City mall, and capping it all off with some highball at Nakasu. Phewww!

I badly miss Japan! Can't wait to go back sooooooon

Love always,
Nicole <3 p="">

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Hellooooooo friends, and countrymen! These past few days (weeks even), I've been sooooo busy with a lot of stuff, particularly new job, and a couple of travel-related preps. Among the things that have caused me less sleep, and bad nails is this:

Basically, the event serves as an avenue for crafters and artists to showcase their masterpieces for sale! Also, there are a lot of workshops available, so if you are a budding artist as well, you may join and start on your art journey!

As mentioned, my little brand, Class Act will be joining this fun this coming Sept. 22- 23 at the Ayala Vertis North mall! You can definitely expect to see some of these goodies for sale: