Misscityhopper

We left Busan and headed to Japan. Instead of a plane, we took a jet ferry from Busan to Fukuoka. From there, we were going by train to Hiroshima. However, it has been raining since morning. We hoped that we had a smooth journey and arrived in Fukuoka safely.

We arrived early in Busan port. It was an hour before lunchtime and our boat won’t be leaving before 15.00. This gave us time to do many things before checking in to the immigration. The first thing we did, was return our portable wi-fi to one of the wifi providers both in the terminal. Then we checked in and bought our water and snackies. Lunch was our next priority. The terminal offered a range of meal options, and we chose a modest restaurant that featured robust Korean foods. As we sat down to dine, it dawned on us that this would be our last meal in South Korea for quite some time. The spicy kimchi, beef stew, and savoury bulgogi tastes were a fantastic final taste of the country, and we savoured every bite, knowing that we’d soon be feasting on Japan’s culinary delicacies.

After lunch, it was time to go through immigration. The procedure was simple, but the reality of leaving South Korea became real as we handed over our passports and watched the officials stamp them. After that, we found ourselves in the waiting area, watching the rain fall outside. The grey skies and steady rain added a sense of calm to the atmosphere, making the waiting time feel like a peaceful interlude between the bustling days we had spent exploring Busan and the new adventures that awaited us in Japan.

Finally, it was time to board the JR Kyushu Beetle jet ferry. The ferry’s sleek, modern look was remarkable, and as we got onboard, the anticipation of the ride emerged. The ferry was roomy and pleasant, with large windows offering breathtaking sea views—if only the weather had cooperated. Nonetheless, the trip across the Korea Strait took around three hours, and despite the rain and slightly choppy waves, the ferry ride went smoothly and uneventfully.

Upon arrival in Fukuoka, we encountered rain and a bustling atmosphere at Hakata Port. The atmosphere was less frenetic and more orderly than Busan, yet still full of life. Despite the rain, our spirits remained high as we gathered our belongings and made our way through the port, eager to reach our next destination. Hakata Station, one of Fukuoka’s main transportation hubs, was our first stop. We took a taxi from the port for a quick ride. The city’s blend of modern towers and traditional architecture was breathtaking even in the pouring rain. After arriving at Hakata Station, we exchanged our JR Pass, a valuable tool for travelers in Japan, granting unlimited access to the country’s extensive rail network.

With our JR Passes in hand, we immediately reserved our seats on the next Shinkansen to Hiroshima. Before the journey, we enjoyed dinner at Hakata Station, known for its variety of dining options. We tried Hakata ramen, a famous dish from Fukuoka, which was rich, creamy, and served with tender pork slices and perfectly cooked noodles. The warm ramen atmosphere helped us escape the chill of the rainy evening, surrounded by travelers and locals.

We boarded the Shinkansen for Hiroshima, anticipating a smooth and timely journey. However, the heavy rains that had accompanied us to Fukuoka had other ideas. As the train rushed through the Japanese countryside, the weather deteriorated, and we soon discovered that the rain had caused a landslip further up the tracks. This unforeseen hurdle brought the train to a halt for approximately half an hour. The generally efficient and punctual Shinkansen was delayed, which is an unusual event in Japan. Despite heavy rain, the train’s atmosphere remained calm and tense. After clearing tracks, we resumed our journey, arriving in Hiroshima later than planned. Despite the delay, we were grateful for safety measures and relieved to reach our destination.

It was late evening when we finally arrived at Hiroshima Station. We opted for a taxi to our hotel. In Hiroshima, we would be staying at the Mitsui Garden Hotel. The hotel was located in the heart of the city, offering easy access to many of Hiroshima’s attractions. The check-in process was efficient and quick, and we were able to relax in our comfortable room with large windows offering city views. As we settled in, we felt both fatigue and satisfaction, having successfully navigated multiple transportation forms and crossed international borders from Busan to Hiroshima without any issues.

As we reflected on our journey, we realized that the ferry ride from Busan to Fukuoka and the Shinkansen to Hiroshima had been an adventure in itself. We sat in our hotel room, we felt content and excited about the days ahead. Our journey from Busan to Hiroshima had added depth and richness to our travels, making this day one of the most memorable parts of our trip. It reminded us of the joy of travel and the endless possibilities that come with it.

To order Jet Ferry’s ticket, you check their official website: Beetle| JR Kyushu Jet Ferry