Fukuoka Day 3: Little Kyoto & Suburbs of Water City Hita

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Hita, a small city in Japan known as 'Little Kyoto', offers a quaint and traditional vibe. Located just over two hours by bus from Fukuoka, it is famous for its hot springs and is lovingly referred to as a water town. The city features small streams flowing through it and boasts scenic riverside and valley views. While many visit Mamedamachi, exploring Hita's alleys for their atmospheric vibe or leisurely cycling around the town comes highly recommended.

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A space that preserves the architecture of Japan's Edo period as is. Although there aren't many shops, it's a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll and feel the traditional Japanese ambiance. You can also rent a bicycle from the tourist information center, making it nice to leisurely explore the alleys of Hita.

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Hita's Eel Rice Bowl Specialty Restaurant Hita is a small city where most restaurants are completely local with only Japanese menus available on Google. However, this place had many Korean reviews on blogs and Google, all of which were highly rated. I was half-doubtful if it was too tourist-oriented, but it was groundless worry once I tried it. The meal was most satisfying because it came with various sauces like wasabi, scorched rice, radish juice, and yuzu pepper, allowing for a variety of flavors in one meal. Especially, the eel became incredibly tender when eaten with the soup mixed with wasabi, which seemed to be the tastiest. They give you a Korean menu when you go, so there's no problem with ordering. It's located on Mameda-machi Street, making it a great place to stop by.

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An onsen that lets you enjoy the sound of a valley. For 800 yen per adult, day trips to the onsen are possible, and since it is mostly frequented by locals, it is less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed experience. The scenery en route to the onsen, especially, is spectacular, with parts of the forest still showing autumn colors in December. The view of the Takase Valley and the mountains in front of the onsen is truly magnificent, and you can comfortably soothe your fatigue in the serene onsen below.

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Motsunabe Maedaya, a hot pot restaurant that Korean reviews on Google have bookmarked as a must-visit. There was already a waiting line of about 3 groups when I visited, and we could enter after waiting for around 20-30 minutes. They offer spicy and miso (soybean paste) flavors, both of which are favorably reviewed by Koreans.

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A glass cafe near Hakata Station. The space is open with all glass and a high ceiling. The area seems to have many offices nearby, creating a calm working atmosphere. Open from around 7-8 AM, it's conveniently close to Hakata Station, making it a great place to grab breakfast before heading to the station.