Exploring Rustic Kurume for A Slower, Relaxed and Authentic Japan: 18 Unforgettable Experiences

If you are tired of the bustling city life and eager to immerse yourself in a slower and more relaxed travel pace in Japan, consider visiting one of the smaller Japanese cities outside of the main cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka. To experience an authentic Japanese culture, Kurume is the hidden gem waiting to be discovered. 

Just a short train ride away from Fukuoka City, this rustic city in the southwest of Fukuoka Prefecture offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and gastronomy. 

Fun fact: Kurume is where the world-famous tire manufacturer Bridgestone got started and also the birthplace of Tonkotsu ramen with pork bone broth. 

Here are 18 things to do in Kurume that will make your visit truly unforgettable. You can easily cover most, if not all the experiences in around two to four days. 

1. Visit Kora Taisha Shrine

Discover the picturesque Kora Taisha Shrine, nestled atop the Minou Mountain Range foothills. Immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere and appreciate the historical significance of this sacred site.

Constructed in 400 A.D. during Emperor Richu’s reign, Kora Tamataregu Shrine achieved the highest ranking in 897 and is documented in the Engishiki, an ancient Japanese laws book. In the Middle Ages, it rivaled provincial governors’ influence and received prayers from Prince Kaneyoshi during the Nanboku-cho period.

The current structures, built by Yoritoshi Arima, are designated Important Cultural Assets by the Japanese government. The shrine also houses treasures like a handwritten Tale of the Heike, another Important Cultural Asset, and a coloured silk scroll depicting Kora Taisha’s foundation, a Cultural Asset of Fukuoka Prefecture. 

A good time to visit would be around sunset to catch the glorious view and also the lighting up of the long rows of lanterns leading up to the shrine. 

2. Explore Mt. Kora (Korasan)

Embark on a nature walk on the sacred Mt. Kora, also known as Korasan. On Mount Kora, natural treasures like the Moso Kinmei bamboo grove and sacred rock remains of Kogo-ishi are preserved.

Marvel at its abundant nature and historical significance as you take in breathtaking views of the Minou Mountain Range.

3. Indulge in Tonkotsu Ramen

Savour the flavours of Kurume’s culinary legacy with a bowl of Tonkotsu ramen, featuring a rich pork bone broth. 

Taiho Ramen, the oldest and most established chain since 1953, is a must-try for an authentic taste. The flagship store is just a short walking distance from Nishitetsu-Kurume Station. 

4. Strawberry Picking at Ichigokirari Farm Kurume

Kurume is the largest producer of fresh fruits and vegetables in Fukuoka and it is the place to go to explore farms, particularly strawberry farms. 

Head to Ichigokirari Farm for a delightful strawberry-picking experience. They have two farms in Kurume and you can visit either of them. 

Choose from seven varieties, including the irresistibly sweet white strawberries. You can opt for the all-you-can-eat in 50 minutes and also bring back what you pick by weight. Reservations are recommended for this delicious adventure.

5. Hunt for Kappa Statues at Tanushimaru Station

The city’s mascot is the cute-loking Kappa (河童) and there is a Kappa-themed Tanushimaru Station whereby you can rent bicycles or go on foot to hunt for Kappa statues in the surrounding area.

Hunt for Kappa statues, hidden in the surrounding area, making for a unique and delightful adventure.

6. Kappa-shaped Macarons at Kappa-teria

Indulge your sweet tooth with Kappa-shaped macarons at Kappa-teria, a charming cafe located at Tanushimaru Station. 

These adorable treats are almost too cute to eat! Other sweet treats are available to, on top of other Kappa-themed souvenir items. 

7. Tour Sake Breweries

Discover the art of sake brewing in Kurume, home to one of Japan’s largest concentrations of sake breweries. 

Explore the Jojima area, a hub for sake brewing due to its abundance of water and high-quality rice. Sample a wide variety of sake and appreciate the expertise of Kurume’s skilled craftsmen.

One of the sake breweries worth visiting would be Morinokura Sake Brewery. They have a dedicated tasting area converted from the owner’s original Japanese traditional style home. 

Enjoy original sweets, engage in sake tasting, and compare limited sake varieties, all while appreciating the craftsmanship behind this traditional Japanese beverage.

8. Learn about Sesame Shōchū at Beniotome Minou Distillery

Beniotome Minou Distillery, manufactures and sells the world’s first Sesame Shōchū, made from sesame. 

A free tour of the distillery is available upon request. Note that the tour is conducted in Japanese language only. The storage warehouse as well as the logo of the distillery is themed like a European church. There is no religious attachment to them, but just something the owners thought would make the place more lively and interesting for workers and visitors.  

9. Savour Fruit Wines at Kyoho Fruit Winery

The Kyoho grape winery was first started in 1972, with particular attention paid to 100% brewing of Kyoho grapes, which were then considered difficult to make into wine. 

A must-try item is their pink hued ‘Baby Kyoho Grape Wine’, described as a virgin wine which is not brewed fully into red wine and has a distinct flavour that is between a white and a red wine. 

The winery now also brews other fruit wines such as kiwi, strawberry, and blueberry besides Kyoho grapes.

10. Restaurant Heurige at Kyoho Fruit Winery

After visiting Kyoho Fruit Winery, dine at Restaurant Heurige. 

Enjoy a great view of the vineyard in a Japanese restaurant housed in an Azuchi-Momoyama-period house setting, with set lunches available.

11. Michi-no-Eki Kurume Rest Stop

Explore the largest farmer’s market in Fukuoka, Michi-no-Eki Kurume, and indulge in fresh local produce, including strawberries, persimmons, and horse meat.

The best-selling item is a locally handmade delicacy of hot sweet potato wrapped in mochi. Do try it if you like sweet treats.

12. Mechanical Taiko Drum Clock at JR Kurume Station

While at JR Kurume Station, marvel at the mechanical taiko drum clock on the ground floor of the building in front of the station.

Watch it move and play at specific times, adding a touch of traditional Japanese culture to your visit.

13. Bridgestone Tire Monument

Don’t miss the giant Bridgestone tire at JR Kurume Station, symbolising Kurume as the birthplace of the world-famous tire manufacturer. 

Capture a photo to commemorate your visit.

14. Experience Hakata Wagyu at Shabushabu Nakatsuru

Treat yourself to a sukiyaki dinner at Shabushabu Nakatsuru, featuring the famed Hakata Wagyu from Kurume, of top marble grading. 

Despite the price, the experience is worth every penny, offering a taste of luxury.

15. Naritasan Kurume Bunin

Visit Naritasan Kurume Bunin, featuring a whimsical giant Guanyin statue beside a Japanese shrine and a Hindu-temple-like structure. 

The temple is said to have to constructed by the abbot dreamt about a giant Guanyin and raised funds from her devotees to have it constructed. 

16. Traditional Hand-Made Udon at Soba TAKEYA

Experience the art of udon-making at Soba TAKEYA, a second-generation family-run restaurant.

Enjoy traditional hand-made udon and even participate in a udon-making workshop to learn about Japanese culture and tradition.

17. Kurobo Saryo Cafe

Visit Kurobo Saryo, a retro cafe paying homage to the 1960s and themed around the traditional ingredient of brown sugar. 

Indulge in the best of both worlds with a range of Japanese confectionery and Western-style cafe treats. Experience the unique fusion of cultures in this captivating spot.

18. Last Minute Kurume Souvenirs at Jibasan Kurume JR Kurume Station Store

If you need to get some last minute souvenir on your way back, fret not, there is a well-stocked souvenir shop at JR Kurume station that features all the best of Kurume. Prices are comparable to the other local stores, so you do not have to worry about a heavy mark-up and shop to your heart’s content! 

Getting to Kurume

Kurume is easily accessible by air from Tokyo, and a flight takes about two hours. 

It is only about 17 minutes by bullet train from Fukuoka City , about 35 minutes by the local JR Line, and about 30 minutes by the Nishitetsu Line.

For Singaporeans, we would recommend flying to Fukuoka Airport and then travel to Kurume via the local trains. 

Where to stay

If you prefer a no-frills stay experience, consider Kurume Hotel Esprit, a short one-minute walk from the Nishitetsu-Kurume station. 

If you prefer a hotel with an onsen, consider Green Rich Hotel Kurume, 12 minutes walk from Nishitetsu-Kurume station, 13 minutes walk from JR Kurume station.