Fukuoka Tower – Japan’s tallest seaside tower

I had the chance to visit Fukuoka Tower (http://www.fukuokatower.co.jp/, English site available) on my last trip to Japan. Being afraid of heights, it’s a wonder that I like to visit these tall structures at all, but Fukuoka Tower is definitely worth a visit.

Standing at 234 meters, it is Japan’s tallest beachside tower and located in the Seaside Momochi area. It offers stunning 360 degree views and only takes a little more than a minute to get to the 123 meter observation room. A nice touch for the non-Japanese speakers is that the introductory tower information is also offered in English by the elevator personnel.

Be ready to have your picture taken before you get onto the elevator to the observation deck. You can then purchase this photo in a cute paper frame for 1,000 yen after taking the elevator back down.



There are also 2 restaurants, a 7-11 convenience store, a few specialty stores and a souvenir store in the lobby area.

There are a number of ways to get to the Tower. We caught the high speed ferry from Uchinonakamichi (20 minute ride for 1,000 yen), but you can also catch the bus from Hakata Station (takes approximately 30 minutes) or the subway.

Blogger’s Tip: Foreigners with a valid passport and coupon (we got our coupons at our hotel) or those using a valid JR Rail Pass can receive a discount to their entrance fee – from 800 yen to 640 yen.

Fruit Picking

While it may not be something that pops into the mind of many visitors to Japan, fruit picking is a fun, family-friendly activity that can be enjoyed year-round.

I recently visited Pooh's Strawberry Garden (http://gennousya.com, Japanese-only) in Fukuoka, where I got to eat the "Amaou" strawberry, which is a regional specialty.  I was also able to sample other varieties of strawberries, such as the "akahoppe," "saga honoka," and "tochi otome."  I've never had fruits that were so juicy and sweet until I had the chance to pick them myself!



Of course, as with all places with four seasons, the fruits available change with the season  and the prices also vary depending on the fruit, with most operations charging a flat fee for 30-60 minutes of fruit picking and this includes whatever you eat on the premises, plus an additional charge for any extra you want to take with you.  For example, I paid 2100 yen per person for 30 minutes of all-you-can eat strawberry picking, with an additional 500 yen/100 grams for any amount I wanted to take home.

While that sounded a little expensive at the time, considering the price of fresh fruits in Japan and the fun, unforgettable experience (plus the delicious fruit!), it was a price well-worth paying.  If you're looking for a family-friendly activity and a chance to eat delicious fresh fruit, think about going fruit picking on your next visit to Japan!

For more information about fruit picking, including what fruits may be in season when you visit, check out Japan-guide.com (http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2268.html)

Directions to Pooh's Strawberry Garden via train:

• From Hakata Station, catch the 8:41AM JR Kagoshima Line Rapid bound for OMUTA on Track 6 (49 minutes)


• Get off at JR Hainuzuka Station


• Catch Horikawa Bus to BENGARA-MURA

*Specific times are due to the limited number of buses running to Pooh's Strawberry Farm.