Here’s a 1-night, 2-day travel guide for Asakura City, Ukiha City, and Chikuzen Town in Fukuoka Prefecture. It includes recommended sights, hotels, and places to eat, all carefully chosen by Hinotori. We hope this guide helps you plan your trip!
Day 1
Let’s start a journey to explore the beauty of Asakura City and nearby areas in Fukuoka Prefecture. Visit places where you can experience the history and culture of Asakura.
Renting a car is a great idea to make travel easier. It lets you visit nearby attractions comfortably and make the most of your trip. Now, let’s dive into a 1-night, 2-day adventure and enjoy the charm of Akizuki!
11:00 Taruyu Shrine
Taruyu Shrine has been an important place of worship for the locals for many years. Surrounded by a peaceful forest, it offers a calm and soothing atmosphere. The historic main hall is lovely to walk around and relax in nature.
The shrine is also known for its beautiful autumn leaves and cherry blossoms. The area turns into a stunning landscape in fall and spring, perfect for photos.
Located close to the ruins of Akizuki Castle, the shrine is part of the historic Akizuki Castle Town, a popular spot for visitors. After your visit, be sure to check out nearby cafes or souvenir shops to try local treats and specialties.
11:30 Tsukitsukitsuki Akizuki Store
To fully experience the charm of Asakura City, the next stop is the Tsukitsukitsuki Akizuki Store.
This Japanese-style cafe is a must-visit for food and drink lovers, offering a variety of tasty treats. It’s especially known for its apple candies, where you can try bite-sized versions of the famous Ringo-ame from the popular Ringo-do shop. The cafe also serves fresh 100% apple juice, hot apple juice, and more. The food and drinks not only look cute but taste amazing, making it a great spot for photos.
Note: The cafe is open seasonally, during spring and autumn, so be sure to check the opening dates before you go. The menu may change depending on the season.
12:30 Fukurono HIbiki Akizuki Irori Gura
For lunch, head to Fukurono Hibiki Akizuki Irori Gura to enjoy a meal in the charming atmosphere of Akizuki. This restaurant is known for its traditional setting and the fun experience of cooking food over an irori (hearth). They specialize in grilling locally sourced jidori (free-range chicken) right in front of you, simply seasoned with salt to bring out its natural flavor. The more you eat, the richer the taste becomes. Plus, the warm chicken soup, offered as a free refill appetizer, is the perfect way to relax.
The restaurant is popular for its delicious, affordable jidori, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation, especially on weekends.
2:00 Megane Bridge
Next, visit Megane Bridge, a historic stone bridge in Asakura City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Known for its unique arch shape, the bridge has been an important transportation route for many years. Today, it’s a popular tourist spot and was recognized as a cultural asset by Fukuoka Prefecture in 1956.
2:30 Hiroku Kuzuhonpo
Next, visit Hiroku Kuzuhonpo, a historic store in Asakura City known for its traditional Japanese sweets made from the region’s famous kudzu. Founded in 1819 during the Bunsei era, this shop uses 100% natural ingredients from Kyushu and follows old production methods. It specializes in treats made from hon-kuzu (pure kudzu starch), like kuzumochi (kudzu rice cake) and kuzuyu (kudzu starch drink).
The main store, standing for over 270 years, still features its Edo-period architecture. Inside, you’ll find a shop selling kudzu-based products and Kuzusabo Kuzuno Hana, a cozy sweet shop offering a variety of kuzu dishes. The store’s beams show signs of history, including marks from the Chikuzen-Takeyari Rebellion in 1873, and wooden plaques from when it contributed goods during Emperor Showa’s visit. There’s also a sign showing it was patronized by the Imperial Household Agency. Visiting the store is a wonderful way to enjoy delicious treats while stepping back in time.
4:00 Karuna Park Hanatateyama Onsen
To relax after your adventures, head to Karuna Park Hanatateyama Onsen. This peaceful hot spring is set in a quiet, natural area, making it the perfect place to unwind. The water, rich in minerals, is gentle on the skin, leaving it soft and smooth after a soak.
The onsen has both indoor and outdoor baths, where you can enjoy beautiful views that change with the seasons. Whether it’s the fresh greens of spring, the summer foliage, the colorful autumn leaves, or the peaceful winter snow, the scenery adds to the experience. After your bath, you can relax in cozy rooms or take a break in the comfy rest areas to fully enjoy the benefits of the hot spring.
The onsen is available for both overnight stays and day-use visits. So, even if you’re not staying overnight, you can still enjoy its calming atmosphere and rejuvenating baths. It’s the perfect place to recharge before continuing your journey.
Day 2
Day 2 is an active plan to enjoy fruit picking and more
10:00 Hanatateyama Farm
Start your second day by visiting Hanatateyama Farm, where you can enjoy fresh vegetables and fruits in a beautiful natural setting. The farm offers fun seasonal activities like strawberry picking, blueberry picking, and sweet potato digging, making it a great spot for families and friends to create memories. Activities change with the seasons, so there’s always something new to try. The farm also sells fresh produce, and nearby attractions, including a large sports park, let you have a full day of exploring and having fun.
12:00 Kirin Beer Farm
Next, visit Kirin Beer Farm in Asakura City. Here, you can tour the Kirin beer factory and taste delicious dishes made with fresh local ingredients. Beer lovers will enjoy learning about the beer-making process and tasting the famous Kirin Ichiban Shibori (Kirin First Pressed Draft Beer). The on-site restaurant has a southern German farm-style design, offering a relaxing atmosphere where you can enjoy local meals paired with refreshing beer, making it a perfect spot to enjoy both nature and great flavors.
2:00 Sanren Suisha (Three-Wheel Watermill)
Next, visit Sanren Suisha, a historic and beautiful spot in Asakura City where nature and history come together. This watermill is the oldest still-operating watermill in Japan and is important to the local agriculture and way of life. The watermill starts turning on June 17th during the Yamada-sen irrigation ceremony when the gates beneath Suijin Shrine are opened. During the Obon period, the watermill is lit up, offering a unique and magical view that contrasts with its usual peaceful look. It’s a great place to enjoy both the history and natural beauty of the area.
3:00 Ebisu Town Coffee Shop
To end your trip, visit Ebisu Town Coffee Shop in the charming Ebisu Town. This cafe serves carefully selected coffee made from beans chosen by the master, offering a perfect place to relax in a peaceful setting. The cafe roasts its coffee beans on-site with a traditional roaster, and the aroma of fresh coffee fills the air, creating a cozy atmosphere. With a variety of coffee options, you can share your preferences with the master and find your perfect cup. Enjoy a moment of calm and taste the flavors of Ebisu Town, making it a great way to finish your journey.
