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#CatTravels: Back to Fukuoka

By Catherine Toth Fox • September 6, 2013 • #CatTravels, Food

Racie and me

Racie and me
Image 1 of 16

It wasn't even 10 hours since I returned from two weeks in Europe before I was back on a plane, this time to Fukuoka with my friend, Racie.

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I’m back!

But this time I’m with my dear friend Racie Botehlo, who has never been here before. So it will be like traveling to this part of Japan through the eyes of a newbie — and that always makes it more fun and interesting.

I was lucky enough to be part of Hawaiian Airlines‘ inaugural flight to Fukuoka last year, marking my first time to the prefecture on the island of Kyushu. At the time, I knew nothing about this city — the sixth largest in Japan with a population larger than Kyoto, believe it or not.

It’s the cultural and historic center of this area with tons of shopping and temples and — of course — great food. I couldn’t wait to take my friend around and introduce her to such Fukuoka delights as mentaiko and tonkotsu ramen.

We landed in the evening, so there wasn’t much to do but walk around. And trust me, that was an experience in and of itself!

Follow my #CatTravels adventures in Europe and Japan on Twitter @thedailydish and on Instagram @catherinetoth.

CatTravelsDormy Inn Hakata GionFukuokaHawaiian AirlinesizakayaJapanRacie Botelhotonkotsu ramentravel
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#CatTravels: Let the derby begin!
#CatTravels: Walking the lively streets of Fukuoka

About the Author

Catherine Toth Fox

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12 Comments

  • Reply Melissa September 6, 2013 at 8:36 am

    I knew it was a fast turnaround, but didn’t realize it was only 10 hours! Geez! Glad you are having fun!!! Yatai yatai yatai!

  • Reply Gary September 6, 2013 at 8:41 am

    Hi Cat

    Wow! Talk about a Jet Setter! Question: why did you come back through Hawaii instead of flying from London to Fukuoka? Or would you have had to fly to Tokyo before continuing on to Fukuoka? BTW, Fukuoka is considered one of the best cities in the world and Asia as far as livability, economy, and lifestyle are considered.

  • Reply NaPueo September 6, 2013 at 8:41 am

    You didn’t teach her your travel with backpack techniques.

    On a foodie note. Here’s something new.

    https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/Blog/2013/09/05/KFS-KFC-Japan-introduces-fried-soup-to-menu/2911378396799/?spt=sec&or=on

  • Reply M September 6, 2013 at 9:57 am

    Hello Cat!
    Just been there in June for the second time myself. The airfares are still cheap so might be going there again before the fares go up.

  • Reply M September 6, 2013 at 10:03 am

    That waffle ice cream is my favorite too! I always have one every night before going back to my hotel.

  • Reply matt September 6, 2013 at 12:05 pm

    so jealous. the best part of japan, imo.

  • Reply Stephanie Mah September 6, 2013 at 1:28 pm

    great shots. Looking forward for more photos. ((:

  • Reply Annoddah Dave September 6, 2013 at 3:04 pm

    CAT: Yikes…on the road again! Keep heading West so you don’t get the jet lag! Does Racie smile?

    • Reply Kehau September 7, 2013 at 2:28 am

      I believe that Cat has written about her friend before. IIRC, she had a stroke either while giving birth -to twins- or shortly thereafter. I believe she also lost her husband to illness.

      • Reply Annoddah Dave September 8, 2013 at 4:41 pm

        Kehau: thanks, I do remember now.

  • Reply DIO September 6, 2013 at 9:06 pm

    10 hours? Sheesh, I don’t know how you did it. I’d be totally lost and confused due to jet lag. Flying from London, UK, to Honolulu, HI, you gained 11 hours. Then you flew from Honolulu to Fukuoka, where you lost the 11 hours you just gained plus several more hours. I’d have to be constantly checking the clock to see what day, date, and time it was. 😆

  • Reply David Jackson September 7, 2013 at 6:31 am

    Would not swear to it but Racie looks like she no like flying on planes! You know it was probably easier to go from London to Fukuoka the other way. BTW: Take a side trip to Kumamoto City and find a hole in the wall country bar called Charlies. japan’s most famous country musician performs there. His name is Charlie Nagatani. But you are likely going the other way.

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About Me

About Me
Born and raised on O‘ahu, Hawaiʻi, Catherine Toth Fox has been chronicling her adventures in her blog, The Cat Dish, for more than a decade. She worked as a newspaper reporter in Hawai‘i for 10 years and continues to freelance—in between teaching journalism, hitting the surf and eating everything in sight—for national and local print and online publications. She’s currently the editor of HAWAIʻI Magazine.

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