From Hiroshima we took the Shinkansen to the end of the line - a station called Hakata, but the city is actually known as Fukuoka. This was where we were basing ourselves for the next 3 nights. We also found a bargain of a hotel which was out of town, a 4 star resort, that came up cheaper than the hostels in town - called the Luigans. Since we have the Japanese rail pass it didnt matter to us that it was out of town so we took advantage saving about a tenner a night.
The Luigans is obviously a summer resort, because its got its on private white sand beach, 3 swimming pools, and is opposite a national park area. Well let me tell you we were not dissappointed, the rooms were lovely with ocean views, fridge, TV, Twin double beds, free bottled water and tea - the list goes on! But the real highlight of this place were the staff, they were so nice. We were obviously the only westerners at the hotel and probably the only British backpackers they have ever had. Although most of the staff had only basic english skills they were lovely, always ready to help, bowing everytime you walk passed and generally being great at customer service - it made us feel very welcome. One especially called Nami whose english was superb was so friendly, interested in our trip and generally excited to see us everyday - if you are reading this Nami - Thank you so much we loved our stay. One of the highlights also was the concierge staff who welcomed Megan back home when we came in one evening - the Japanese really do know how to treat people - love it.
Anyhow as fabulous as the hotel was, the city was in contrast just a city... We walked around the main sites including some of their top attractions - a place called Canal city which in essence is a big shopping centre. We think it may have been that we were so awe-struck by Tokyo that Fukuoka and Osaka just looked smaller and not as wow! Another highlight was a local Ramen shop called Fukuoka Ya where we both had a huge bowl of ramen noodles in a creamy sause, a rice bowl and to top it a choice of beef or pork for only 500 Yen - thats very cheap, and it was superb - a real find.
So it's off to Nagasaki tommorrow - hopefully it will be as intriguing as Hiroshima.