The Sakura Season 2024 has officially begun in Fukuoka so I'm really excited for those people who were able to time their Japan travel right since this year's flowers bloomed later than forecasted.

We weren't really expecting to see Sakura flowers during our trip since this was winter season but Kushida Shrine gave us a surprise. There were three full bloom trees as early as February!

Japan 2024: Uminonakamichi Seaside Park -

Plum Blossoms are prelude to Spring

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If you're up for a Cherry Blossom Walking tour,

Book Your Adventure Here: Fukuoka Cherry Blossom Private Walking Tour

The Kushida Shrine of Hakata is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Fukuoka and its famous for its Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival. The float behind me is what they use during the said festival.

This is the last place in our itinerary since it was close to our hotel so after spending a few days without seeing lots of flowers, we were surprised to know that there were three blooming Sakura trees inside the shrine.

Japan 2019: Kushida Shrine and Tocho-ji Temple, Hakata, Fukuoka

If you're staying in Fukuoka, you might want to check the Fukuoka Tourist Pass. Prepare your itinerary beforehand so you'd be able to compute if it's more effective to purchase a day pass vs. buy individual tickets.

Book your adventure here: Fukuoka Day Pass

If you want a guided tour around the must visit places in Hakata,

Book your adventure here: Hakata Highlights Day Tour

Shrine visit highlight:

Another maipilit lang Sakura experience. HAHAHA

Early bloomers of Hakata have never failed me since our first visit in 2019.

Japan 2019: Early Sakura Bloomers in Fukuoka, Japan

oubaitori (n.) the idea that people, like flowers, bloom in their own time and in their individual ways.

Zoro balikbayan

Weather was weird that week.

We were expecting it to be a single digit in Celsius but the temperature during our stay was above 16 degrees Celsius on some days and it kept on raining/drizzling. When we left, it went back to 9 degrees the next day. Anyway, all good. Didn't need to use the bubble jacket I prepared.

Maipilit lang!

Tinanggal ko 'yung Toilet sign sa ni-upload kong picture. HAHAHA

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Everything, in time. 💖

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@xtintina15 Early bloomers of Fukuoka 🌸 Can't believe there are full bloomed Cherry bloosom trees as early as now. We were only expecting Ume/Plum blossoms but this is a very much welcomed surprise. 🌸🌸🌸 #cherryblossom #spring #sakura #hanami #spring2024 #japantrip #japantravel #sakuraflowers ♬ Mori no chiisana restaurant - 手嶌　葵

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The Sakura Season 2024 has officially begun in Fukuoka so let me post about my Winter Day in Uminonakamichi Seaside Park. lol. Well, aside from the Cherry Blossoms, Nemophilia Flowers/Baby Blue Eyes that are found on a Flower Hill in this park are also well-known Spring attractions. We were able to visit that hill on its blooming phase before so I'll be linking the post below.

Japan 2019: Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, Fukuoka

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We went here after Nanzoin Temple so we rode the train going to Satoizaki.

If you were to ride the train, there are two stations near this place. One is Uminonakamichi Station, which is close to the EAST entrance and Uminonakamichi Marine World and there's Saitozaki Station after that which is close to the park's WEST entrance.

If you prefer to go there via Ferry, just make sure you're aware of the updated Ferry schedule to minimize the waiting time. I'll be posting the updated schedule at the end of this post.

You may refer to Google Map to have an idea but if you're heading to the Flowerhill, Garden, and Zoo, I think it's better to alight at Saitozaki.

The walk from the train station to the park may look short on Google Map but it's kinda long when you're there. We didn't find it tiring but it was winter so it was freezing and there was a gale warning which was evident walking through this bridge.

UMINONAKAMICHI IN 2019:

Japan 2019: Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, Fukuoka

We visited March before so there were some Baby Blue Eyes already. This visit was in February 2024 so we were already thrilled to see blooming plum blossoms, tulips, and daffodils because all the Spring flowers have yet to bloom.

We didn't cover a huge portion of the park and just stayed at those plum blossom trees.

Entrance Fee as of Feb. 2024: 450 Yen per person.

The park closes at 5 PM.

Book your adventure here: Fukuoka Day Pass

If you have an entire day to spend in Uminonakamichi, the Marine World should also be worth checking out.

Book your adventure here: Marine World Uminonakamichi Admission Entrance

I think this walkway is one of the new additions since 2019. Most of the flowers were in their bud phase though. My mom was having intrusive thoughts while walking and she asked me whether or not the pond water is deep if I fall into it. Hahaha

Yet to bloom yellow daffodils with Doraemon's door.

Better to bring snacks and drinks going here 'cause I didn't see any vending machine inside and you'd have to walk A LOT.

Blooming plum blossoms are prelude to Spring.

Behind me is an Apricot Blossom Tree. For someone living in a tropical country, recognizing these flowers are confusing. Good thing Google Lens exists so I was able to confirm which tree was this.

We were lucky to have seen three early Sakura bloomers at Kushida Shrine.

Japan 2019: Kushida Shrine and Tocho-ji Temple, Hakata, Fukuoka

More winter flowers

The rest of the areas were still bare that time but it's okay. Bloom at your own phase, dear flowers.

If you have an entire day to spend in Uminonakamichi, the Marine World should also be worth checking out.

Book your adventure here: Marine World Uminonakamichi Admission Entrance

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Click this: Fukuoka Ferry Terminal (Ferry Schedule) if the photo above is difficult to read.

Fukuoka, Japan: Arrival and Airport Money Withdrawal via Seven Bank (2024)

Everything, in time. 💖

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Strawberries are winter fruits so they're one of the food that I look forward to eating whenever I go on winter trips. We were able to spend a few days in Fukuoka, Japan last month and while I was searching for things to do, I saw that there are strawberry farms that were offering strawberry picking/eat-all-you-can experience for 1 hour.

Book Your Adventure Here: Strawberry Picking Group Tour

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I have been to several strawberry picking farms before (South Korea, California, and in Baguio) and so far, the one in Yame, Japan is my favorite because it's an eat all you can experience.

These are the rates.

Each person is given their own scissors and a cup to place the calyx in.

We were also given a wrist strap before accessing the greenhouses.

If you want to take away some strawberries, you can also pick your own or choose from these.

We were able to access four greenhouses - F, G, H, and I. My top two are those strawberries are from tent F and the Fukuoka exclusive AMAOU strawberries from tent H. I wish I knew how to read all these but all I can remember are those AMAOU strawberries. :))

Aside from being able to eat a lot of sweet strawberries, this was a perfect activity for us that day since it kept on raining. All the strawberries are placed inside greenhouses so they're weather proof.

Photos from the tents. Let the photos speak for themselves 'cause I've got no words - I just kept on eating. lol The fruits are also away from the soil so no need to wash them before taking a bite.

Sweet red strawberries, wrist strap, scissors, and paper cup.

You are to cut the part above the calyx.

Crossed the street for the other greenhouses.

These strawberries from this greenhouse are really sweet as well but I found them gritty.

I haven't seen strawberries this red and big before. This was the last greenhouse and I felt quite full from the first three but I just couldn't resist getting a few more pieces.

We meet again, my forever favorite fruit! 🫶 And it's unlimited for an hour! 🍓🤭🇯🇵

AMAOU strawberries are called the "King of Japanese Strawberries." Its name is an acronym which stands for amai (sweet), marui (round), okïi (big), and umai (tasty). We were able to taste four varieties in the strawberry field, but it definitely stood out.

One bite is enough to let you know why it deserves to be called that way, but one bite is also not enough. 🍓🍓🍓

After exiting the greenhouse, you are to throw all your trash and return the scissors here.

This is a seasonal activity. I believe you'd have another fruit to pick during a different season. I actually am hoping to visit during autumn or for whenever grapes are in season because of Shine Muscat. 😂😂😂

Book Your Adventure Here: Strawberry Picking Group Tour

If you prefer a DIY trip, here are the farm details:

Farm Name: プーさんのいちご園

Address: 600-3 Baba, Yame, Fukuoka 834-0023, Japan

Instagram Username: pusannoichigo

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Everything, in time. 💖

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@xtintina15 We meet again, my forever favorite fruit! 🫶 And it's unlimited for an hour! 🍓🤭🇯🇵 AMAOU strawberries are called the "King of Japanese Strawberries." Its name is an acronym which stands for amai (sweet), marui (round), okïi (big), and umai (tasty). We were able to taste four varieties in the strawberry field, but it definitely stood out. One bite is enough to let you know why it deserves to be called that way, but one bite is also not enough. 🍓🍓🍓 #amaou #amaoustrawberries #strawberry #strawberrypicking #fukuoka #japantravel #japan #kurume #fruitpicking #yame #kyushu #fukuoka #strawberry #japanfruits #wanderlust #winteractivities #ichigo ♬ 秋の予感 - KOZO

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I went back to Fukuoka, Japan last month. It's the first city I visited in Japan back in 2019 and I actually would love to come back again. I've yet to visit Uji in Kyoto so until that day arrives, my favorite is still Fukuoka.

First time in Japan: Fukuoka
Second time in Japan: Tokyo
Third Time: Fukuoka

Fourth time... in Osaka???? ⭐🙊⭐

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Book your adventure here: Klook Pass Fukuoka

Whenever I go out of the country, I'd bring PHP with me or I withdraw in the country I'm visiting because reserving foreign currency here in PH is a hassle. Actually, BDO offers competitive rates but I am no longer patient enough to purchase from them especially since my branch is in SM North EDSA, sobrang daming tao lagi.

...

Recently, I've been noticing people compare rates of their different cards but I have not seen PSBank's Prepaid Card in any list - the usual cards being compared are Gcash, GoTyme and Maya. I've never had problems with my PSBank Prepaid Card and I actually think it has good exchange rate but like everyone, I want to get the most out of my peso so I'm also confused.

Anyway, I have compared rates in Woori Bank's Machine and a foreign currency exchange counter in Myeongdong before. I was frequently visiting South Korea and my options were to either bring PHP or withdraw and these rates put my heart and mind at ease so I stuck with the latter.

According to my notes in my Seoul 2020 travel,

PSBank Withdrawal Rate in 우리은행: 0.04542115, 22,000 KRW was P 999.2653

Myeongdong Currency Exchange: 0.45454545, 22,000 KRW was P 1,000.00

If this isn't reliable in 2024 or for a GoTyme comparison, it's probably time for me to go back to South Korea. HAHAHA. Yes, Universe?

...

Total of GoTyme withdrawal was P 3,814.94 for 10,000 Yen.

Total of PSBank withdrawal was P 3,938.29 for 10,000 Yen.

Actual Yen rate that day was P 3,725.74

Difference of actual Yen rate and Gotyme withdrawal was P 89.20.

Difference of actual Yen rate and PSBank withdrawal + Transaction Charge was P 212.55.

This was the computation last time when I withdrew in Narita Airport's Seven Bank ATM,

Withdrew 50,000.00 Yen using a Mastercard Debit Card.

ATM Withdrawal Charge: 500 JPY/ 194.11300 PHP

50,000 Yen * 0.388226 PHP = 19,411.3 PHP

Plus 194.11300 for the ATM Withdrawal Charge

Total amount debited: 19,605.413 PHP

Actual Yen Rate that day: 19,360.00 PHP

Difference including card withdrawal charge: 245.413 PHP.

🙎🙎🙎

In Fukuoka, since GoTyme incurred smaller charge during my first withdraw, I decided to use it again the next day and the difference between Google Rate that day and the amount debited in my account was P 503.70 for a 100,000 Yen withdrawal.

🙎🙎🙎

I've got no budget to compare another 100,000 withdrawal via PSBank. I just don't know if there's an increase in charges for withdrawals of more than 50,000 Yen in PSBank. But still, P 503.00 may be enough to buy myself more matcha, it is still less than the cost of the rides to and from SM North.

At this point, I conclude that it's just the matter of reliability and convenience. I've been using my PSBank Mastercard for years on all my travels and I've never encountered problems in withdrawing money and for debit transactions. While I never had problems with withdrawal, the GoTyme card was declined three times for debit transactions.

However, I appreciate the higher interest rates and free fund transfer of GoTyme so I want to try using it more and just have my PSBank Card as a spare if GoTyme gets declined again abroad... someday. I'm rarely abroad anyway but fund transfer these days is soooo frequent so I'm thankful for zero fees - still able to save more in the long run.

What do you think?

Digital Banks in the Philippines: GoTyme Bank and Seabank

From Fukuoka International Airport, we took a cab to Hakata which amounted to 2,300 Yen or around 900 PHP. We had three luggage (1 large, 2 medium) so taking the train nor the bus was definitely not an option especially since we were travelling with our mom.

If you prefer more affordable transfers and you're capable of lugging your luggage, you have to transfer to the domestic terminal for the airport train or ride the airport bus outside the international terminal. The train fare from the domestic airport to Nakasukawabata station should be 210 Yen.

I think one of the advantages of travelling to Fukuoka is the proximity of the airport to the city, the cab ride was less than 20 minutes. Since it was a cab and we were driven near the entrance of our hotel, we didn't need to lug around the subway and physically lift our luggage in stations without escalator. I can say that 2,300 Yen from and to the airport were 2,300 Yen well-spent especially since we left Japan with 1 large luggage, 2 medium luggage, 1 small luggage, 2 foldable duffel bags, and 2 backpacks. Definitely sounds like a Japan travel, noh? 😂

Book your adventure here: Klook Pass Fukuoka

Everything, in time. 💖

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Japan Travel Sim? Purchase yours here.

Japan 2019: Kushida Shrine and Tocho-ji Temple, Hakata, Fukuoka

Japan 2019: Early Sakura Bloomers in Fukuoka, Japan

Japan Travel Sim? Purchase yours here.

Japan 2019: Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, Fukuoka

Japan Travel Sim? Purchase yours here.

Japan 2019: Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, Fukuoka

We visited March before so there were some Baby Blue Eyes already. This visit was in February 2024 so we were already thrilled to see blooming plum blossoms, tulips, and daffodils because all the Spring flowers have yet to bloom.

Japan 2019: Kushida Shrine and Tocho-ji Temple, Hakata, Fukuoka

Japan Travel Sim? Purchase yours here.

Click this: Fukuoka Ferry Terminal (Ferry Schedule) if the photo above is difficult to read.

Fukuoka, Japan: Arrival and Airport Money Withdrawal via Seven Bank (2024)

Japan Travel Sim? Purchase yours here.

Japan Travel Sim? Purchase yours here.

Japan Travel Sim? Purchase yours here.

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Japan 2019: Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, FukuokaWe visited March before so there were some Baby Blue Eyes already. This visit was in February 2024 so we were already thrilled to see blooming plum blossoms, tulips, and daffodils because all the Spring flowers have yet to bloom.

Click this: Fukuoka Ferry Terminal (Ferry Schedule) if the photo above is difficult to read.

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Japan 2019: Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, Fukuoka

We visited March before so there were some Baby Blue Eyes already. This visit was in February 2024 so we were already thrilled to see blooming plum blossoms, tulips, and daffodils because all the Spring flowers have yet to bloom.