I had a chance to visit Japan in Dec 2015 for the first time. Having heard of many wonderful stories my friends had in Japan, I could only imagine Japan from their experiences, and other travelers' articles, photos and blogs.

I chose Fukuoka, as I had a friend doing her PhD with Kyushu University. Stepping out at Hakata Station, I was greeted by beautiful Christmas Lights. The atmosphere was jovial and light-hearted, with many people taking photos with the beautiful lighting. The Christmas spirit is very much alive in the evening!

My first meal was a Ramen Bowl at Ichiran Hakata, at an underground mall linking to Sunplaza. The layout of the restaurant is carefully and delicately designed to suit groups or singles looking for a hot bowl of Ramen noodles from the cold weather of Fukuoka. The texture of the soup and noodles are smooth, leaving a great aftertaste in your mouth. Definitely worth it!

I had a chance to visit Nakagawa Seiryu Hot Spring. Besides having so many 'firsts', my first visit to a hot spring is one of the highlights of my trip. The place is very clean and tranquil, as it is situated near the hills away from the city. I signed a package of about 3000 plus Yen, and it includes a 50 minute dip in a hot spring with your own private room with showers, and a set lunch for 2 persons. Besides the package, there are other facilities and amenities such as rest rooms, massage chairs and pillows. A very good place to relax your mind and enjoy the tranquility of the hot spring.

The Gokushomachi Temple situated near Gion houses one of the largest Buddha statues in Japan, and it is a wooden statue. There is also a pitch-black passageway, where visitors can maneuver through. Within the dark passage, try to locate can feel a brass ring, hanging on one of the sides of the passageway!

My friend and I got to enter an owl café, Fukuro no Mise Hakata. The owls are carefully maintained and looked after. Bearing in mind these are still wild birds, handling these magnificent birds must be of great care and dedicate. There is good crowd control and clear instructions when handling the birds from the staff. For 1000 Yen, there is also a hot beverage served.

There was light snow at the ruins of Fukuoka Castle. It is rare to find green and serene areas within the city in other countries. This park provides visitors a timely escape from the bustling areas of Tenjin and Hakata, for some fresh air and serenity.

Overall, Fukuoka is a very clean and green city. The public transport is efficient and there are many places of interests which visitors and residents alike can go to. The amenities and facilities around Fukuoka are clean and extremely user-friendly. For visitor who prefer a slow paced city, Fukuoka will be the perfect getaway.