Discovering Japan

From a Breakup to a Journey of Exploration

Having spent most of my life in the United States, I often felt like I didn’t know what I was doing or what my goals were. After a tough breakup, I decided to return to Hong Kong to spend some time with my parents—a decision that unexpectedly launched me into a journey of world exploration. Among my travels, one trip stands out as the true starting point: my first-ever visit to Japan.

Revisiting Family Bonds: A Trip with My Parents

This trip was special for many reasons. It was the first time I traveled with my parents in over a decade, and it was also my first time visiting Japan—specifically, Fukuoka. Growing up, my parents’ work often involved company-organized trips to Japan, but I never joined them. My mom used to convince me that there was “nothing to do” on those trips, offering to buy me a Lego set instead. This time, there were no excuses.

I was finally ready to appreciate the things I’d overlooked as a kid: the joy of sightseeing, savoring delicious food, and immersing myself in a rich culture.

Christmas Magic in Japan

We traveled to Fukuoka during Christmas, and from the moment we landed, I was enchanted. The city was adorned with festive decorations—Christmas lights everywhere, from airports to train stations, shopping malls, and skyscrapers. The meticulous attention to detail created a magical, fairy-tale-like atmosphere.

As we made our way to the motel, I began noticing subtle elements of Japanese culture: juniors bowing respectfully to seniors, white-collar workers napping in the streets after evening socials—quirks that might seem unusual elsewhere but are entirely normal in Japan.

A Feast of Flavors: Exploring Japanese Cuisine

It’s often my practice to explore different kinds of food during a trip, and Japan didn’t disappoint. The options were endless—sushi, ramen, udon, tonkatsu, tempura, sukiyaki, yakitori, teppanyaki, shabu-shabu, and so much more. Unfortunately, my parents’ smaller appetites meant we couldn’t try as many dishes as I would have liked, but every meal we did have was unforgettable.

The sushi was fresh and affordable, the ramen’s soup base was so rich it tempted me to order seconds, and the tempura was perfectly light, avoiding that greasy aftertaste you sometimes get from overused oil. And that’s just scratching the surface.

Fukuoka’s Famous Ramen and Soba

Fukuoka is renowned for its tonkotsu ramen (pork bone ramen) and soba noodles, both of which deserve special mention.

• Tonkotsu Ramen: The broth is made by boiling pork bones for hours until they break down into a rich, milky, and fatty soup. It’s paired with thin noodles and often topped with sliced pork, green onions, and a soft-boiled egg. Every bite (and sip!) was a comforting explosion of flavor.

• Soba Noodles: Made entirely with buckwheat flour, soba has a unique earthy and nutty flavor. It’s typically served either chilled with a dipping sauce or hot in a flavorful soup. I tried both styles and loved them equally.

We indulged in so many variations of ramen and soba that I honestly lost count. I’ll save detailed food recommendations for another blog post, but suffice it to say, Fukuoka’s culinary offerings alone are worth the trip.

Cultural Highlights: The Kanmon Tunnel and Karato Market

While the focus of this trip was relaxation, one memorable highlight was walking through the Kanmon Tunnel. This undersea rail tunnel connects the islands of Honshu and Kyushu and is a popular spot for tourists. Naturally, I took the obligatory photos!

On the other side, we reached Karato Market, one of Japan’s most famous fish markets. It’s known for its fresh seafood and local specialty, fugu (blowfish). Unfortunately, by the time we arrived, the market was winding down, and the selection was limited. My parents and I decided not to force ourselves to buy something just for the sake of it, resolving to save the experience for a future visit.

Reflections on My First Japan Trip

Although this trip wasn’t to Tokyo or filled with adrenaline-pumping activities, it was a turning point for me. I began discovering what I truly enjoy most about traveling: food. The vibrant flavors, the cultural immersion, and the shared experiences with my parents made this journey unforgettable.

In my next blog, I’ll dive deeper into the incredible food scene in Fukuoka, especially within the Hakata Ward. Stay tuned!