What's that you're eating, and can I have some.: and then I made it to Kyushu

Fukuoka:

My first stop on Kyushu—the third largest and southernmost of the four major islands of Japan. I’ve rejoined my buddy from Tokyo, and am using his place as a launching pad of sorts--- I’ve only got a few days left on my rail pass (aka: FREE FAST travel to ANYWHERE), so I’ve been waking up around 8 every morning, running to the nearest train—and exploring nonstop until nightfall, when I return back to Fukouka, and crack into some scotch with my pal.

Wait: I need to gush for a second.

Japan’s train system: UN-fucking-believable. I thought Europe’s rails were impressive. Compared to Japan, they’re ancient bumbling excuses for cross-country travel. Japanese trains are faster then the speed of sound. Well, almost. It takes 5 hours to get from Fukuoka to Tokyo. FIVE HOURS. Tokyo to Kyoto? 2 ½ hours. Kyoto to Osaka? .06 minutes. The trains run basically every 4 minutes, and are NEVER late. I can judge where I’m at in my travels based on what time it is. If my train is set for Kyoto at 14:43, and my watch says 14:41? We’re not there yet. Should you ever decide to visit Japan, get a JR Pass before hand—as it is absolutely incredible. I simply show up at the station, find where the next train departs (max, I’ve had to wait 10 minutes), flash my JR Pass on the way in, bypass the crowds, climb aboard, find a seat, store my backpack, and turn on some Sabbath. Done and done.

That said, my current location is pretty convenient. I spent a full day exploring Fukuoka--- a super chill city. It’s warm here, with an almost Mediterranean feel. While there are no exceptional ‘tourist attractions,’ this is a city you simply wander around to soak up ‘the vibe.’ Fukuoka has about a billion restaurants, and 8 billions bars--- thus is has a pretty wild nightlife. Even my guidebook from 1998 states: ‘The people of Fukuoka like to drink, and know how to have a good time.’ Looks like I found my people.