MUSUBI: Area Spotlight on Ukiha City, Fukuoka

Ukiha is a landlocked countryside city in south-central Fukuoka Prefecture. West of the large urban area of Kurume, it's a little slice of countryside that holds many treasures for the adventurous at heart. Surrounded by the Mino Mountain range, it is an ideal destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Today, we'll spotlight a couple of the city's most beloved charms: its architectural heritage dating back to the 17th century, an expansive and scenic area lined with cherry blossoms, and one of the most distinctive-looking shrines in all of Japan.

During the Edo Period, Ukiha became a very prosperous area thanks to its location along the Bungo Kaido Road as a post town. The area's history can be felt today through its pleasant streets filled with traditional shops and local crafts. Rent a kimono and take a leisurely stroll through its streets, and take in the traditional ardchitecture of its central district of Yoshiimachi. Around 250 buildings have been maintained as part of the Chikugo-Yoshii Preservation District, making the area feel like a literal step back into the past for visitors.

The Nagarekawa district of Ukiha city is a two-kilometer riverside promenade that offers a relaxing, natural place to walk through. But it is in the spring time that it transforms into something truly special. When the cherry blossoms are in season, it becomes a spectacular flower tunnel of pink, with more than 1,000 of the trees lining the path. As gorgerous as it is during the day, the evening sees more magic; from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm, the trees are lit up, allowing an unforgettable evening stroll for residents and visitors alike.

Ukiha Inari Shrine is one of the city's signature landmarks. It is also quite a workout, with 300 steps to climb to reach the top. So take your time, and slowly pass under the 91 red torii gates to enjoy an incredible view of the Chikugo Plain.

On reaching the end of the stairs there is main shrine, where the deities of Fushimi Inari Taisha, Matsuo Taisha, and Dazaifu Tenmangu are enshrined. The shrine actually has a relatively short history- far from being an ancient relic of the past, it was built in 1957! But it serves its purpose as a place of relaxation and contemplation, with its spectacular placement opposite the Mino Mountains.

The accompanying park features a wooden observation deck that in spring becomes a busy hotspot for viewing the cherry blossom views that turn the usually-green hills into many other shades.

Ukiha is a city with spectacular sites and scenic landscapes. But it's also a great place to live, located on Japan's southern island of Kyushu in Fukuoka prefecture, home to one of Japan's biggest cities and sunny, sub-tropical atmosphere. Make it your next destination in Japan for the coming year.

Photo Credits:

Main Image by 丸岡ジョー

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