Things To Do
in Kurume
Kurume is a charming city located in Fukuoka Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan. It is known for its rich history in traditional Japanese culture and craftsmanship, particularly in textiles and pottery. Kurume is famous for its unique style of indigo dyeing known as Kurume Kasuri, which has been passed down through generations.
Visitors to Kurume can explore historic sites, enjoy scenic parks, and experience the warm hospitality of local residents.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $40 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $8 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Visit the iconic Kurume Castle and explore its historical significance. Enjoy a leisurely walk in the surrounding park to appreciate the beautiful gardens.
Head to the Amagi Brewery for a tour and tasting session of their famous Suiyoubi beer. Afterwards, indulge in a local ramen lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Wrap up your day by visiting the Kurume City Art Museum. Enjoy a quiet dinner in the city while trying out local delicacies.
Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at a local ryokan. Then, head to the Kurume Ramen Museum to learn about the city’s famous noodles.
Join a cooking class to learn how to make Kurume-style ramen from scratch. Enjoy the delicious meal you prepared during the class.
Take a stroll through the city’s vibrant streets and visit a local izakaya for dinner. Experience the lively atmosphere and try a variety of small dishes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage, including traditional festivals and shrines.
- Delicious local cuisine, particularly known for its tonkotsu ramen.
- Beautiful natural scenery and parks, ideal for outdoor activities.
- A relatively low cost of living compared to larger Japanese cities.
- Good transportation links to Fukuoka and other major areas.
- Less international exposure compared to larger cities like Tokyo or Osaka.
- Limited job opportunities in certain industries.
- Somewhat slower pace of life, which may not appeal to everyone.
- Weather can be hot and humid in summer, with potential flooding during rainy season.
- Public transportation options may not be as extensive as in larger urban areas.
Best Activities in Kurume
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A park with historical ruins, ideal for a leisurely walk and picnics
A beautiful shrine surrounded by nature, suitable for peaceful walks and sightseeing
Perfect for bird watching and enjoying the natural surroundings
Offers picturesque hiking trails and stunning views of the surroundings
Tours
Uncover the best of Kurume with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Kurume
Visit one of these nice places.
A beautiful spot offering great views and picturesque photo opportunities, especially during cherry blossom season.
Ideal for birdwatching and capturing unique wildlife photos in a natural setting.
Scenic park with jogging paths, ponds, and vibrant gardens, perfect for capturing outdoor shots and enjoying the views.
Food in Kurume
Kurume Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hot pot dish featuring beef or pork tripe, vegetables, and tofu, simmered in a savory soy sauce-based broth. It's a local specialty and best enjoyed at restaurants like Kawaya or Mizutaki no Goka.
Must-Try!
Kurume is renowned for its unique style of ramen, known for its rich, pork bone broth and thin, straight noodles. Sample this hearty dish at popular ramen shops like Hachiren and Hidechan Ramen.
Tsukemen is a style of ramen where the noodles and broth are served separately for dipping. Indulge in a flavorsome bowl at Nakiryu Ramen, known for its delicious tsukemen offerings.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Kurume better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit this bustling night market to explore a variety of local street food, snacks, and drinks. Delight in favorites like yakitori skewers, takoyaki octopus balls, and freshly prepared tempura.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Kurume, it is important to show respect for elders by using honorific language and bowing when greeting or departing from them.
It is customary to remove shoes before entering a home or certain traditional establishments in Kurume as a sign of respect and cleanliness.
Maintaining a polite and quiet demeanor in public spaces, such as public transportation, restaurants, and shops, is a common cultural norm in Kurume.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Kurume with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Kurume
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is generally not practiced in Kurume, Japan. It is not customary to leave a tip at restaurants, hotels, or other service establishments.
In Kurume, Japan, cash is the most widely accepted form of payment. Credit cards are also accepted in many places, especially in larger establishments. It is important to carry sufficient cash as some smaller businesses may not accept cards.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Kurume.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Kurume is during the spring season (March to May) to witness the stunning cherry blossoms in full bloom.
During summer (June to August), expect warm weather and occasional rainfall. It's a good time to explore the city's parks and gardens.
Autumn (September to November) offers pleasant weather and beautiful foliage, making it another ideal time to visit Kurume.
Winter (December to February) in Kurume can be cold, but if you enjoy winter activities, it's a great time for onsen (hot spring) visits and enjoying winter landscapes.
Kurume at Night
Hiking in Kurume
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic area with various hiking trails and beautiful mountain landscapes, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
A popular hiking destination known for its lush greenery, stunning views, and well-marked trails.
This trail offers a moderate hiking experience with picturesque views of the surrounding nature and nearby mountains.
Famous for its dramatic volcanic landscape, this national park has numerous hiking routes and natural attractions.
A vast grassland area that provides a serene hiking experience with the backdrop of stunning volcanic peaks.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Kurume through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Kurume by plane.
The nearest major international airport located approximately 60 km from Kurume, serving both domestic and international flights.
Located around 80 km from Kurume, this airport offers domestic flights and some international services.
Situated about 130 km from Kurume, this airport provides both domestic and limited international flights.
Approximately 800 km from Kurume, this airport connects to major cities and offers international flights.
Located around 900 km from Kurume, this is a major international gateway serving the Kansai region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group, encompassing various cultural and ethnic backgrounds within Japan.
A significant ethnic minority in Kurume, often related to historical immigration.
An ethnic group present in Kurume, contributing to the city's cultural diversity.
A growing demographic group, primarily due to labor migration and international marriages.
Includes people from other Asian countries who have settled in Kurume.
A small but notable group of individuals from Western countries residing in Kurume for work or education.
The Soul of Kurume
Discover the essence of Kurume through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
One of the most popular sports in Kurume, with many local teams and schools participating in friendly matches and tournaments.
Soccer has a significant following, with local clubs and youth teams contributing to the sport's popularity in the area.
Basketball is widely played in schools and community centers, with a growing number of enthusiasts and teams.
Volleyball is popular among both men and women, with many clubs forming at schools and local community centers.
Judo is practiced by many in Kurume, bolstered by local dojos and national competitions.
Badminton enjoys popularity at schools and sports centers, with local tournaments taking place regularly.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kurume.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Japanese cuisine often features seafood and meat, some restaurants in Kurume offer vegetarian and vegan dishes. Look for establishments that specialize in shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) for excellent plant-based choices.
Locating gluten-free options may require some research, but some restaurants are accommodating to dietary preferences. Opt for rice-based dishes and inquire about gluten-free soy sauce to enhance your dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Kurume with these cultural adventures.
