On our third day in Japan we took the Shinkansen (bullet train) and then a few local trains to Ube city in Yamaguchi prefecture. Brian lived and worked here as an English teacher after college, and we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see how it had changed over the last decade. Many aspects of it reminded us of dying towns in the American Midwest with its depressed downtown, closed shops, and empty streets, but it still had some lovely neighborhoods and some charm here and there. The best part for me, though, was to get to see where he used to live and work.

If you can read Japanese you will see that where his school used to be is now a hairdresser. We didn’t find the new location, but apparently there is a school still in town.

Katta-Kun, one of Ube’s most famous citizens. The pelican was famous for living in Ube’s main park and visiting local schools to play with the children.

The very depressing shopping arcade that was mostly closed.

The parking lot that used to be home to a 7-11 where Brian would buy his lunch everyday.

His old apartment building.

Waiting for my omelette rice at the Dugout. At least Brian’s old dining hangout was still there.

Brian in front of the Dugout.

Finally the train came and took us away from Ube. Goodbye for another 14 years!

On our last day in Fukuoka (sniff sniff) we went to Ohori Park, a lovely city park with a pond, running and cycling paths, and an awesome looking playground. We enjoyed a 7-11 breakfast on the island in the middle of the pond and then walked around marveling at the very fit runners who seemed to lap us every few minutes.

The park was filled with runners.

An egg and baby cheese breakfast. I just could not resist pronouncing baby cheese like Gloria on Modern Family.

Fukuoka is very lush, so much so, that there were plants growing on the trees.

Next to the park are the remains of Fukuoka Castle. It was a bit hard to envision what it looked like. I was often not sure if I was “inside” or “outside” the castle walls, but it was beautiful and peaceful anyway.

The base wall which is pretty much all that is left of Fukuoka Castle. The stone work was very impressive all the same.

Trees don’t seem to get cut down in the castle area. Instead they are tenderly cared for.

Also next to the park, Gokoku Shrine was hosting a flea market when we were there. So many tempting things to purchase.
Our last adventure for this trip was to visit the Fukuoka Tower and dip our toes (okay my toes) into the ocean. The tower was not super tall nor were the views anything amazing, but it was a nice way to get a better feel for how big Fukuoka city is. We will definitely go back to Fukuoka someday!

View to the east.