Overnight it had been raining though luckily when we checked out rain had stopped briefly until we’re on the airport limo bus en route to the Matsuyama airport.  Airline checkin was brief and easy and so we had more than an hour to stroll around the shops and had a casual lunch before security. While we’re waiting rain became downpours with thunderstorms – bad sign!  All the while the departure time / gate was missing for our flight to Fukuoka while most other domestic flights were not affected. re the local announcement it was due to the same thunderstorm affecting flights from Fukuoka. Our almost full plane was delayed for 1 hour and it was a fairly bumpy ride. Over the entire trip of less than 1 hour we hardly saw anything outside except clouds and rain until the last 5 min before landing when we finally caught sight of the city below.  Thank God it touched down smoothly.  Checked into a hotel opposite to the Hakata station in less than 30 min by city subway direct.  

 

On next morning rain had stopped though it was cloudy. Visited the Fukuoka castle ruins / Maizuru park (2nd time) where sakura was at peak blossom (was late for several days). It was one of the highlights in this trip. Though it was a normal weekday it was fairly crowded. We stayed for about 2 hours. 

 

Fukuoka Castle ruins / Maizuru Park

 

Upon return we strolled along the Ohori park with plenty of food stalls opening for business. Had unagi-don for lunch in Hitsumabushi style, paired with famous sake also from Aichi Prefecture in Nakasu. Afterwards strolled to Canal city had coffee/cake before returning to hotel. 

On the next day we went for shopping. Overall had some delicious yet inexpensive meals in the dining floors of AMU Plaza on top of Hakata station.  Also discovered a local coffee house serving coffee from Americas, Africa, Oceania before we left. It was a nice finale :))

 

 

 

 

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