After hours of fretting over what to pack and what I’m likely forgetting, I made it to the Honolulu International Airport to board the inaugural flight to Fukuoka on Hawaiian Airlines.

I had already booked a trip to Japan, slated to leave on Wednesday, when I was invited on this flight. I had planned to tour around Kyoto and Tokyo with the Old Guys, then visit Chigasaki. Now I’ve got another city to experience — and eat through!

While this is my third trip to Japan, it’s my first to Kyushu, the southern island where my family hails. And I have a loooong list of things to do, places to see and, of course, food to eat.

Looking around the gate, I already see folks I need to share a meal with, including foodie and blogger Melissa Chang, Gov. and Joyce Ariyoshi, and master sommelier Chuck Furuya.

I’m so glad I brought my running shoes!