[Drive] Enjoy a wide range of experiences, from tours of cat spots to markets offering great deals, hands-on experiences, and BBQs

[Drive] Enjoy a wide range of experiences, from tours of cat spots to markets offering great deals, hands-on experiences, and BBQs-1

This is a driving route that takes you around the Chikuho area, located in the center of Fukuoka Prefecture. In addition to covering destinations that are associated with cats, it also offers an exciting range of nature, history, and hands-on craft experiences. You can also enjoy shopping and dining at popular markets, and even a barbecue at night! Take off on a trip that is packed with highlights, and immerse yourself in all the delights of traveling.


  • Days required
    2 Days
  • Transport Options
    Car

START

[Day 1] Fukuoka Airport

Use a travel pass to get greater value out of your road trip
[Day 1] Fukuoka Airport

Rent a car at the airport and get going! You can use Kyushu's expressways for an unlimited number of times with the Kyushu Expressway Pass (KEP), a discounted service for foreign tourists. Tour efficiently while enjoying a good deal. For those living in Japan, we recommend using the Gyugyutto Kyushu Mankitsu Drive Pass.


Telephone Number 092-621-6059(福岡空港案内所(国内線))

Approximately 40 minutes by car

[Day 1] Miyakawa Oidashi Neko Hompo

A painting experience that brings you good luck
[Day 1] Miyakawa Oidashi Neko Hompo

The Miyawaka Oidashi Neko is a cat figurine with origins in the legend of a cat which drove away a giant mouse that was destroying a temple. The figurine has faces on both sides of its head, and is considered a good luck charm for dispelling misfortune and bringing happiness. In addition to buying handmade merchandise, you can also enjoy painting your own figurines in this shop. You can paint a palm-sized unglazed clay figurine with a pen and finish it in about 30 minutes! Why not try making your own original cat?


Telephone Number 0949-52-3666(宮若追い出し猫振興会)
Open 10:00~16:00
Closed Monday (excluding public holidays)

Approximately 10 minutes by car

[Day 1] Nekozuka Park

A park with a massive cat-shaped bus stop
[Day 1] Nekozuka Park

A park has been developed in the place where the legend of the oidashi neko is said to have taken place. A cat mound, built to mourn the cats that were sacrificed to drive out the large rats that were destroying the temple in the olden days, remains in the park. There is also a unique bus stop at the front of the park that is shaped like an oidashi neko, making it a popular photo spot.


    Approximately 25 minutes by car

    [Day 1] Nogata Ganda Bikkuriichi (Lunch)

    Savor local flavors as you take a walk through these food theme park!
    [Day 1] Nogata Ganda Bikkuriichi (Lunch)

    This is one of the largest weekend markets in western Japan, held only on Fridays and weekends. An extensive range of ingredients can be found here at reasonable prices, such as meat, fresh fish, and vegetables. There is also a great selection of gourmet food that are easy to eat on the go, such as sushi, yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (dough balls containing octopus). and nikuman (pork buns). The specialty here is ishiyaki bibimbap (a Korean mixed rice dish served in a stone bowl), a dish that you will no doubt find satisfying both in terms of taste and volume.


    Telephone Number 0949-26-5111(明治屋産業株式会社 びっくり市営業部)
    Open 9am-7pm
    Closed Monday to Wednesday

    Approximately 10 minutes by car

    [Day 1] Mt. Fukuchi Flower Park

    Enjoy seasonal views of nature
    [Day 1] Mt. Fukuchi Flower Park

    This flower park is located at the foot of Mt. Fukuchi, and is designed to take advantage of the natural terrain. The park is adorned with cherry and acacia blossoms in spring, lotus and lilies in summer, autumn foliage in fall, and Japanese allspice and daffodils in winter. In addition to the seasonal plants, you can also see a variety of insects and wild birds. Inhale deeply and have a relaxing time here.


    • Address 1498 Yuribaru, Eimanji, Nogata City
      Telephone Number 0949-23-4187(福智山ろく花公園)
      Open 9am - 5pm (admissions until 4:30pm)
      Events
      Bingo games, tug of war and others!
      (Open during the spring and fall for seasonal flower viewing)
      Closed Mondays
      December to February
    • See Details
    Address 1498 Yuribaru, Eimanji, Nogata City
    Telephone Number 0949-23-4187(福智山ろく花公園)
    Open 9am - 5pm (admissions until 4:30pm)
    Events
    Bingo games, tug of war and others!
    (Open during the spring and fall for seasonal flower viewing)
    Closed Mondays
    December to February

    Approximately 10 minutes by car

    [Day 1] Aganoyaki

    Experience a historic traditional craft
    [Day 1] Aganoyaki

    Aganoyaki (Agano ware) is a traditional craft with a history of more than 400 years. Compared to other types of ceramics, it is lighter and characterized by its rich, vibrant colors. Fukuchi is known as the “hometown of ceramics" and is dotted with Aganoyaki pottery kilns. They not only sell Aganoyaki, but also offer hands-on pottery sessions for visitors. The instructors are patient and attentive, so even first-timers have nothing to worry about. Why not try making your own one-of-a-kind ceramic item?


    Address 2811 Agano, Fukuchi Town, Tagawa County
    Telephone Number 0947-28-5864(上野焼協同組合)
    Open 10am-5pm
    Closed Closed on Tuesdays

    Approximately 20 minutes by car

    [Day 1] Mitsui Temple (Byodo-ji Temple of the Omuroha sect of Shingon Buddhism)

    A unique Jizo statue welcomes visitors to this temple
    [Day 1] Mitsui Temple (Byodo-ji Temple of the Omuroha sect of Shingon Buddhism)

    From spring to summer, a tunnel of wind chimes stretching for about 50 meters appears in the garden next to the main hall of Mitsui Temple. From autumn to winter, around 10,000 pinwheels are displayed, delighting the eyes of visitors. The adorable Jizo statues are also a highlight. Take a walk around the grounds to look for distinctive Jizo statues, such as the Jizo in a victory pose or the smiling Jizo. If you are lucky, you may even meet some friendly cats!


    • Telephone Number 0947-42-7206(真言宗御室派平等寺(通称:三井寺))
      Open Wind Bell Festival May 21, 2022 (Sat) - September 30, 2022 (Fri) 
      *The festival was canceled on September 14 (Wed.) due to a typhoon.
      Light-up: September 17 (Sat.), 18 (Sun.) 7:00pm-9:00pm
      【Reception】6:30pm~8:30pm, gate closes at 9:00pm 【Admission】Adults 1,000 yen (Free for high school students and younger) *Canceled in case of rain or typhoon.
      *The lighting-up in 2022 has been cancelled due to a typhoon.
      Regular hours are 9:00am-5:00pm.
    • See Details
    Telephone Number 0947-42-7206(真言宗御室派平等寺(通称:三井寺))
    Open Wind Bell Festival May 21, 2022 (Sat) - September 30, 2022 (Fri) 
    *The festival was canceled on September 14 (Wed.) due to a typhoon.
    Light-up: September 17 (Sat.), 18 (Sun.) 7:00pm-9:00pm
    【Reception】6:30pm~8:30pm, gate closes at 9:00pm 【Admission】Adults 1,000 yen (Free for high school students and younger) *Canceled in case of rain or typhoon.
    *The lighting-up in 2022 has been cancelled due to a typhoon.
    Regular hours are 9:00am-5:00pm.

    Approximately 10 minutes by car

    [Day 1] Michi-no-Eki Oto Sakura Kaido

    One of the largest roadside stations in western Japan, offering an extensive array of products
    [Day 1] Michi-no-Eki Oto Sakura Kaido

    This roadside station comes with a variety of facilities, including a hot spring, a playground, and a flower park. The direct retail store is full of fresh agricultural and marine produce. At the food court, enjoy the popular ramen and curry made with the local specialty, shijimi clams. Don't forget to buy some “Menbei,” which are mentaiko senbei (rice crackers flavored with spicy cod roe), a classic gift to bring back from Fukuoka.
    The luxurious toilets, which cost 100 million yen to build, and the winter light-up, are also worth seeing.


    Approximately 25 minutes by car

    [Accommodations] Iizuka Sports Resort, The Retreat

    Rejuvenate your mind and body in the great outdoors!
    [Accommodations] Iizuka Sports Resort, The Retreat

    This is an attractive hotel and glamping facility that offer a wide range of activities, including tennis, yoga, and campfires. There are four types of guest rooms to suit various travel style. Choose from a hotel building for families and groups, stylish tents with private wooden decks, luxury camping trailers, and cottages with private jacuzzi.
    For dinner, enjoy a special barbecue made with fresh ingredients. Have a memorable time outdoors while experiencing the blessings of Mother Nature.


    Telephone Number 0948-82-3177
    Open Open 24 hours
    Closed Open year round

    Travel by car everywhere

    [Day 2] Get to your next destination using the Kyushu Expressway Pass (KEP)!

    [Day 2] Get to your next destination using the Kyushu Expressway Pass (KEP)!

    If you use the KEP to travel widely across multiple prefectures and cities, you'll enjoy even greater value from it! Travel far and wide to all parts of Kyushu to enjoy its attractions to the fullest.


    GOAL

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