What if your first solo trip to Japan didn’t start in Tokyo…but with a moment of peace? Not in a crowd. Not with a checklist. But with something slower. Still. Grounding.
This is exactly how I felt when I visited Nanzoin Temple in Fukuoka—just twenty minutes outside the city center and home to one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in the world. It was quiet. Humbling. And for me, deeply personal.
I was born in Fukuoka, but I wasn’t raised there. I was adopted as a baby and grew up in Los Angeles. So, every time I return to Japan, it’s more than a trip; it’s a search. For history. For connection. For something that feels like home. Nanzoin was the first place that gave me a sense of that.
This blog post is a companion to the first episode of my new YouTube series, If You’re Dreaming of Japan…, where I share soft solo travel stories and peaceful destinations to help you plan your own mindful journey through Japan, especially if you’re traveling alone.
🌿 A Quiet Visit to Nanzoin Temple
To reach Nanzoin Temple, take a short 20-minute train from Hakata Station to Kido Nanzoin-mae. From there, the walk to the temple is gentle and scenic—you’ll even cross a “Melody Bridge” with a built-in xylophone you can play as you pass.
The temple path winds past mossy statues, forested corners, and quiet places to reflect before opening up to the Reclining Buddha. Its larger-than-life presence made me feel more at peace than I’ve felt in a long time.
What I love most about Nanzoin is that it doesn’t ask anything of you. You don’t need to perform. Or rush. Or even understand it all. It just asks for respect and offers you a space to arrive as you are.
✨ Other Peaceful Places to Add to Your Fukuoka Itinerary
If you’re visiting Fukuoka and craving a slower-paced experience, here are a few more soft, peaceful places I’d recommend:
🛶 1. Yanagawa Canal Ride
Just a short train ride from Fukuoka, this charming town is known for its slow riverboats and nostalgic atmosphere. You’ll float quietly through neighborhoods, sometimes serenaded by your guide, and can try the local specialty: unagi no seiro-mushi (steamed eel over rice).
⛩️ 2. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Visit early in the morning for a peaceful stroll through Fukuoka’s most well-known Shinto shrine. If it gets crowded, you can slip away to nearby cafés, museums, or gardens tucked just outside the main path.
🚃 3. A Day Trip to Yufuin Floral Village
Take the Yufuin no Mori Limited Express train for a scenic ride to this cozy, whimsical town. It’s filled with character-themed shops, warm cafés, and charming streets that feel like something out of a childhood storybook. Read my Yufuin Floral Village day trip itinerary here.
🌊 4. Nagasaki
While not in Fukuoka Prefecture, Nagasaki remains one of the most peaceful places I’ve visited in Japan. Its coastline, museums, and memorial sites create space for reflection, quiet, and healing.
🏨 Where to Stay in Fukuoka: My Hotel Picks
When choosing a hotel in Japan, my top priority is always the same: easy access to a train station. In Fukuoka, staying near Hakata Station makes everything easier, whether catching the Shinkansen, hopping on local trains, or heading to the airport. You’ll also be surrounded by food, shopping, and convenience stores.
Here are a few beautiful and convenient options I’d personally recommend:
- 👉 ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka (by IHG)
- A trusted international hotel with larger rooms, great service, and amenities ideal for a comfortable stay.
- 👉 Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station
- Directly across from the station, it’s super convenient if you’re arriving by train or leaving early.
- 👉 Mitsui Garden Hotel Fukuoka Gion
- Sleek design, peaceful public baths, and a short walk to both Hakata and Gion stations.
- 👉 Miyako Hotel Hakata
- A beautifully designed hotel right across from Hakata Station, featuring elegant rooms, a rooftop onsen, and a quiet atmosphere perfect for winding down after a day of exploring.
✨ Remi’s Tip: Japanese hotel rooms (especially business hotels) can be smaller than you’re used to—always check the square footage before booking, especially if you’re bringing larger luggage or staying more than a night or two.
I may earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work and helping me keep these guides ad-free and thoughtfully created.
💭 Final Thoughts
Coming from LA, I’m used to a pace that rarely slows. But every time I return to Japan, I look for places like these where I can breathe, reflect, and reconnect with something deeper.
That’s what this series is all about.
So, if you’ve been dreaming of Japan, especially solo, I hope this gives you a gentle place to begin.
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🎥 Watch the Full Episode
▶️ Soft Solo Travel in Fukuoka | If You’re Dreaming of Japan…
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📌 More Japan Travel Resources:
- 📝 Get my full 4-Day Fukuoka Travel Itinerary
- 🎥 Watch the full 4-Day Fukuoka Vlog
- 📺 Explore the “If You’re Dreaming of Japan…” Playlist
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Subscribe to my YouTube channel or follow me on Instagram for more soft solo travel stories, slow-paced itineraries, and behind-the-scenes Japan moments.
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