Japan: Sayonara!

So we've finally come to the end of the Japan portion of the noodle tour.  The last city we visited is Fukuoka on the southern most island of Kyushu.  Fukuoka is a nice city thats considerably cheaper than other larger Japanese cities.  It was nice staying here because we could easily make day trips to other places and we found a great little guest house for only $33 a night.  I can't believe we're leaving Japan and that our journey is almost complete.  In general, Japan was a refreshing introduction to east Asia.  The people are unfailingly friendly, kind, and helpful.  The world could learn a lot from Japan.  It's clean, environmentally conscious, and nearly crime free.  The standard of living is incredible and we all know about it's fantastic educational system.  It has managed to hold on to it's traditional values while whole-heartedly embracing the future.  Seriously, more industrialized nations should follow Japan's lead.  Well from here we head to Hakata port and take a ferry over to South Korea.  See you then.

After nearly 4 months on the road, I've got some mean sandal tan lines!  ;)

Chantra's Bento Box.  Having a bento box while riding the Shinkansen.  We did it so many times I thought it deserved a picture.

The famous Hakata style Ramen.  The broth is much richer and it's made from pork bones.  Also, they add a delicious spicy pickled mustard leaf to it along with pickled ginger that makes it spicy and delicious.

Shofukuji Temple.  Japan's first Zen temple.

Thats me pulling on the beads. 

Japan's largest sitting wooden Buddha.

Just some chili's the monks are growing.

A performance by a local choir group we happened upon while exploring Canal City.

A whole stadium dedicated to Ramen?!  Love it!

More Hakata style Ramen.  This one had pork rinds in it!

A performance by a local rock band called Blest Room.  They were pretty good actually.

Some adorable kids playing in a fountain. 

This one ran right up to me and posed.  Isn't he a cutie!

Motsunabe.  A type of Japanese hot pot made with a pork and soy broth.  It contains beansprouts, cabbage, tofu, rice noodles, and pork entrails.  Believe me when I tell you it's way better than Shabu Shabu or Sukiyaki.

A local Yakitori stand that was right next to our guest house.  80 yen or about $1 USD a stick!  Doesn't get much cheaper than that.  Especially in Japan.

Spicy Menchanko noodles.  A noodle soup similar to Ramen but with much larger noodles and served in a metal hot pot.

Another Menchanko.  Not spicy but still good.

The Yakitori guy.  He didn't speak much English but he was really nice and tried really hard to communicate with us.