I went by ferry to Fukuoka (uh, that's Foo-COKE-uh), on the southwest coast of Japan, in December 2003 to renew my employment visa for Korea. By a bureaucratic miracle, Korean visas must be renewed in another country. But the trip gave me a small taste of Japan, and here are my first impressions.
Coming to Fukuoka seems like coming to Legoland sometimes.. everything is small and very tidy. There are lots of bicycles everywhere, even on a cool December day. And we had a teeny hotel room. Pictured is a group meeting room for sixteen. The subway is pure Japan: Quiet, efficient and expensive; people even wait for others to get <i>off</i> before getting <i>on</i>. It would not last in Seoul! Japanese women are easy on the eyes, and are stylish dressers. But sometimes the Sailor Moon look can get a little creepy. It's not just for kids. It's an orderly society, but people still like their vices. This was a very crowded casino. "Wait.. I think I'm just seeing someone's clothes dry!" A cigarette machine! Compared to Canada, where people break the law for<i> thinking</i> about cigarettes, it's a real novelty to see one on the street. Here was the reason for my journey: the Korean consulate. The Fukuoka economy might collapse without the stream of foreign teachers coming here for visas. Sometimes you just have to rely on the taxi driver. "And then turn left at Yokatopiabashi Nishi. You sure you don't want to write this down?" Fukuoka Tower. Every city in Asia seems to need some pointy thing aimed at the sky. Well, no one will ever attack Asia with hot air balloons. Metal Curl on Bridge. Such an efficient country. If you decide to end it all, you can conveniently hang your umbrella here while you jump. Night Time near Tenjin. Everything is small but there are wide, tree-lined roads. They even make travel convenient for Godzilla, I suppose. Fukuoka Garrison. It looks a little overgrown. "Everytime we hire a new gardener he kills himself ritually with his sword." Mangyogi Temple, Fukuoka Castle. It would have been an attractive temple centuries ago. But once it's last year's model no one wants it! Park Street in Fukuoka. Just like Korea, there seems to be some fashion law that all must wear black in wintertime. Because winter is not depressing enough already. Fukuoka Beach. Like everything else in Fukuoka, even the <i>beach</i> is immaculately clean. Sheesh. Do they wash the sand with soap? Sashami, Canal City Mall. We had sushi in a shopping complex. Dinners are such a work of art here I feel guilty consuming them.. until you get the bill.