FUKUOKA, JAPAN

September 2016

The Great Busan-to-Fukuoka Ferry Experiment: Why I Should Have Visited Japan Sooner

Japan has topped my travel bucket list for as long as I can remember. So, when my husband and I found ourselves living in South Korea, we realised we had no excuses left. It was time to finally cross the pond.

Now, instead of doing the sensible, modern thing and boarding a plane, we decided to get a bit adventurous. We’d heard whispers of a ferry that runs from Busan straight over to Fukuoka in about four hours. A maritime adventure! What could possibly go wrong? (Thankfully, nothing did, though I did spend the first twenty minutes making sure I knew exactly where the life jackets were, just in case.

Spot the Difference (Spoiler: Everything)

Because South Korea and Japan are geographical neighbours, my brain had logically assumed they’d share a similar vibe. I expected a bit of cultural copy-and-paste.

I could not have been more wrong.

To my absolute delight, Japan wasn’t just slightly different; it was an entirely different universe. The language sounded totally distinct, the lifestyle had its own unique rhythm, and the overall atmosphere was something else entirely. Even the food—while equally spectacular—was a whole new culinary playground. It turns out that crossing a small patch of sea changes absolutely everything. Who knew?

The Highlights (and My Terrible Time-Management)

Fukuoka completely stole our hearts. The people were incredibly friendly, accommodating, and remarkably patient with our nonexistent Japanese.

If I have one major regret about the entire trip, it’s a severe case of chronological FOMO. If I could somehow turn back the clock, I would have dragged us over to Japan years earlier. I’m genuinely annoyed at myself for waiting this long.

Ohori Park Pavilion: The Ultimate Zen Zone

One of the absolute jewels of our trip was spending time around the Ohori Park Pavilion. If you ever need to lower your blood pressure by about fifty points, this is the place to do it.

The pavilion sits beautifully over the water, looking like something straight out of a watercolour painting. Watching the reflections on the lake while walking around the grounds was pure joy. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to sip matcha tea, speak in hushed whispers, and pretend you’re a deeply spiritual poet—right up until you accidentally trip over your own feet while trying to take a panoramic photo.

It’s safe to say the Japan bug has bitten, and it has bitten hard. It is a truly incredible place. Fukuoka was just the appetite-whetter; next time, I’m packing an even bigger suitcase and an even larger appetite.

Japan, you were brilliant. See you again, hopefully very soon!

Have you ever taken the ferry between South Korea and Japan? Or do you have a favourite hidden gem in Fukuoka? Let me know in the comments below!