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Catch this postcard view next to the water on the border of Nakasu.
Goodbyes are never easy. It’s a cliche statement but it’s true. The best way I’ve found to soften emotions is to know that everything comes to an end at some point. The best effort one can make is to appreciate that the moment was experienced.
Garry Ho
Garry was born in Hong Kong but moved to Sydney, Australia at an early age.
Saying goodbye to Busan (for now) at its international airport.
It pays to read those pre-flight reminder emails. Extra weight purchased on-the-spot is expensive.
It always feels better to arrive at airports earlier. That way, unpredictable waits at check-in don’t feel so stressful, and you have time to process the memories of the city you just spent time in. Airports can simultaneously bring out excitement, tearfulness, and nostalgia.
After you check-in your baggage at the counter, Jeju Air tells you to wait for a moment to make sure the baggage is cleared.
The airport always gives me a feeling of renewed adventure.
Gimhae International Airport is the main one serving Busan, and is located on the western side of the city. I appreciated the soaring curvature of the roof and the clean, efficient environment inside.
After security check and before boarding the plane.
A simple brunch. I prefer arriving early at airports.
Jeju Air is South Korea’s largest low-cost airline. It was my first time flying with them and as with usual first-time experiences, I was excited. My flight ticket cost 110 AUD. Although it’s more expensive than the option of catching a ferry (to Fukuoka), the 45-minutes it took to arrive was among the fastest plane rides I’ve experienced.
Jeju Air is South Korea’s first low-cost airline.
The flight took around 45 minutes. The service was polite and efficient.
Fukuoka is in the north of Japan’s Kyushu island. It’s the busiest city there, well-known for Tonkotsu ramen, “yatai” outdoor stalls, and temples. If you’re looking to go straight to Fukuoka’s central area of Hakata, you can catch a shuttle bus from the airport. Payment can be via international credit card.
Shuttle buses are available from Fukuoka Airport to Hakata Station.
Hakata Station is the main transport interchange area in Fukuoka.
A tip for travelling in Japan is to keep cash on you at all times. International credit cards and payment systems like Visa & Mastercard are accepted at chain shops and department stores. However, many of the ticket-based small restaurants only accept cash, or PayPay (a Japanese application).
Shopping malls surround Hakata Station and performances are regularly played.
Taxi drivers are courteous and responsible (I got this impression from multiple taxis I caught during this trip).
If you haven’t stayed in a Japanese accomodation before, be prepared for lower ceilings, narrower corridors, and generally smaller rooms. The word to describe my Airbnb near Befu station is … compact and mini.
The most fascinating observation on arrival at my Airbnb. Electric toilet with many functions (including cleansing by water).
A friendly little restaurant called Udon Wasuke, near Befu station and Ropponmatsu station.
If you’re in the areas of Ropponmatsu or Befu in Fukuoka, there’s a restaurant called Udon Wasuke that’s worth visiting. Their noodles are made from the moment you order (I watched this happen), and there is an English menu.
Udon Noodle soup with Mentaiko (spicy cod roe).
Rice with grated yam (yam seems to be a popular ingredient in Fukuoka).
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