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Juicy shrimp and pork wontons in savory broth. Features an easy folding technique and freezer tricks for quick weeknight meals!

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Atago Shrine is located atop Mount Atago in Nishi Ward, Fukuoka City. It is one of Japan’s three major Atago Shrines, along with the well-known shrines in Kyoto and Tokyo. Surrounded by nature and overlooking Hakata Bay, it is a peaceful destination where history, faith and beautiful scenery come together. 

Atago Shrine History

Photo by: PIXTA/ Ay create

Atago Shrine has a history of nearly 1,900 years, making it one of the oldest shrines in Fukuoka. Originally referred to as Washio Shrine, this site was established during the reign of Emperor Keiko. The first deities worshipped here were the creator deity Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Ame-no-Oshihomimi-no-Mikoto. In 1634, the second lord of the Fukuoka domain brought Homusubi-no-Kami, the god of fire, from Kyoto. The mountain was then renamed Mount Atago, and in 1901 Washio Shrine and Atago Shrine officially became a single shrine. Visitors pray here for protection from fire, family safety, success in business and studies and even strength to overcome unhealthy habits such as smoking or drinking.

Highlights Around the Shrine Grounds

Photo by: Abhijit Sen

There is more to see here beyond the main shrine. The Uga Shrine is known to bring visitors business success, good luck with money, family safety, and even improved eyesight. The Inari Shrine is easy to find because of its row of bright red torii gates. People visit this shrine to pray for good harvests and prosperity. The Jizo Hall is also known as “Winning Jizo,” which is especially loved by local sports fans.

Walking through the shrine grounds is a pleasant experience, especially along the forest-lined approach or the steep Otoko-zaka, also called the “Stairway of Success.” One of the main attractions is the observation deck. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Hakata Bay, Fukuoka Tower and the city skyline from there. The scenery is popular at sunset and at night, and it was also selected as one of the “Top 100 Night Views,” making it an excellent date spot.

After sightseeing, many visitors stop at the long-established sweet shop Iwaiya to enjoy its famous Iwai Mochi.

Festivals and Seasonal Beauty

Photo by: PIXTA/ TOSHI.K

Atago Shrine is lively year-round, hosting festivals that celebrate both tradition and nature. From late March to mid-April, the Cherry Blossom Festival draws visitors who want to see about 2,000 cherry trees in bloom. The evening lights make the scenery even more beautiful. During summer, the Hozuki Summer Festival features colorful lantern plants, family-friendly events and prayers for health and good fortune.

One special event at the shrine that happens on December 5 is the Great Fire Ritual and Fire-Walking Ceremony. After praying, participants walk barefoot across hot embers as a symbol of purification and protection. This shrine is one of the most popular places in Fukuoka to watch the first sunrise of the New Year.

Every city and town in Japan, big and small, has meibutsu (local specialties) and Kagoshima is no different. Located in Kyushu’s southernmost prefecture, Kagoshima City is famous for kurobuta (premium Blackshire pork), Sengan-en, a 17th-century traditional Japanese garden, and Sakurajima, the active volcano lying off its coast. Here are five popular souvenirs in Kagoshima that make perfect keepsakes.

1. Karukan Manju 

Photo by: PIXTA/ 毒島みるく

This traditional manju confectionery from Kagoshima uses rice flour and Japanese mountain yams. The manju are stuffed with a smooth and sweetened red bean paste and become especially light and fluffy when steamed. While this traditional sweet was originally for high society, it soon spread in popularity and continues to be sought after as a souvenir from the area. Try fresh karukan manju during the autumn and winter when the yams are newly harvested.    

• Price: ¥648 (set of 4) 
• Website

2. Satsuma Imo Tart

Photo by: Elizabeth Sok

This Western-style tart features a cookie-crust made with almond powder and filled with sweet potato paste produced from 100% Kagoshima-grown sweet potatoes. The tart also comes in two varieties—white sweet potatoes (Beni Satsuma and Beni Haruka) and purple sweet potatoes (Ayamurasaki). The creamy sweet potato filling has a simple, natural sweetness that makes excellent use of Kagoshima’s bounty. This omiyage is also popular for its cute shape since the filling looks like a flower.

• Price: ¥880 (set of 8) 
• Website

3. Satsuma Kurobou

Photo by: Elizabeth Sok

Satsuma Kurobo is a traditional brown sugar confectionery. Using baking dough, these sweets are made from flour and eggs, then soaked generously in brown or black sugar syrup before drying. It is popular for its bite-sized pieces, crisp texture and the simple, rich sweetness of brown sugar. It pairs perfectly with green tea and coffee.

• Price: ¥320 
• Website

4. Bontaname

Photo by: WikiCommons/ hashi photo

Manufactured and sold since the Taisho era, this confectionery is a one-of-a-kind mix of soft candy and caramel. Its base ingredients are starch syrup, sugar, maltose and glutinous rice. The candy’s unique flavor stems from the combination of bontan oil extracted from a pomelo citrus and southern Kyushu-grown mikan oranges. It is a beloved Kagoshima treat. 

• Price: ¥120 (set of 10 pieces)
• Website

5. Yakushima Soft Gummy 

Photo by: Elizabeth Sok 

Yakushima, famous for its beautiful and ancient cedar forests, is also home to tankan, a natural citrus hybrid of navel orange and ponkan. It is a juicy fruit with a vibrant orange color, soft flesh, and strong sweetness. These gummy candies use 100% straight tankan juice and have a pleasing soft texture.  

• Price: ¥270 
• Website

This ramen staple comes together quickly for a comforting weeknight meal. I'll show you how to build a creamy broth and cook the veggie toppings in one pot.

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Tofu is more than a meat substitute. This complete guide to Japanese tofu covers the types, prep tips, and how to cook it at home.

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Ceamy, nutty, sweet, and savory, this Japanese Black Sesame Ice Cream recipe is easy to make at home with my step-by-step instructions.

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Located in the northeastern corner of Japan’s Tohoku region, Iwate Prefecture is the country’s second-largest prefecture and also its least densely populated. Framed by Japan’s longest mountain range to the west and the rugged cliffs of the Sanriku Coast to the east, its dramatic landscape produces everything from premium beef to high-quality dairy products. However, Iwate is most famous for its legendary noodle culture. These famous foods you’ll find in Iwate showcase some of the prefecture’s most iconic flavors. 

1. Wanko Soba

Photo by: PIXTA/ Naoto TAKAHASHI

Few dining experiences in Japan feel as lively as wanko soba. Originating in Morioka, this unique meal sees servers rapidly refill small bowls of soba noodles until diners signal that they are finished. Although the experience feels playful and competitive, chefs carefully make the noodles using buckwheat flour and serve them with toppings like green onions, grated daikon and mushrooms. Many restaurants also display commemorative certificates for guests who eat more than 100 bowls, turning the meal into a memorable local tradition.

2. Morioka Reimen

Photo by: PIXTA/ Ayleeds

Morioka reimen is one of Iwate’s most famous noodle dishes, especially during the humid summer months. Restaurants serve chewy translucent noodles in a chilled beef-based broth topped with sliced cucumber, boiled egg and spicy kimchi. Many also add seasonal fruit such as watermelon or a pear, for extra sweetness and contrast. Taking inspiration from Korean cold noodles, Morioka reimen developed its own regional identity and is now considered one of Morioka’s signature dishes.

3. Maezawa Beef

Photo by: PIXTA/ mintsmile1173

Maezawa beef is one of Japan’s most highly regarded wagyu brands. Farmers typically raise cattle for nearly three years, significantly longer than standard beef cattle. This extended rearing period helps develop the beef’s rich marbling, tender texture and deep umami flavor. Restaurants across Iwate serve it as yakiniku, steak or sukiyaki, while specialty butcher shops sell premium cuts that rival better-known brands like Kobe beef.

4. Morioka Jajamen

Photo by: PIXTA/ ささざわ

Morioka jajamen is all about personal customization and has become one of Morioka’s most beloved comfort foods. The dish features thick, flat wheat noodles topped with rich meat miso, crisp cucumber, scallions and ginger. Diners mix everything together, then adjust the flavor to their liking with vinegar, garlic, or chili oil. Once most of the noodles are gone, diners crack a raw egg into the remaining sauce. Staff then add hot noodle broth to create chitantan, a light and comforting soup served as the final course. Originally inspired by the Chinese dish zhajiangmian, jajamen has evolved into a legendary local obsession you can’t leave Morioka without trying.

5. Koiwai Farm Dairy Products

Photo by: PIXTA/ けんさん

Founded in 1891 beneath Mount Iwate, Koiwai Farm produces some of Japan’s most celebrated dairy products. The farm supplies premium milk, drinkable yogurt and ice cream to supermarkets across the country. Visitors can tour the estate, sample fresh-churned butter and indulge in seasonal sweets.

Which of these famous foods you’ll find in Iwate do you want to try? Explore our Famous Foods in Japan series to discover what to try next!

Asian Coleslaw with Sesame Dressing recipe features crunchy veggies in a tangy-sweet dressing. A healthy side perfect for potlucks and BBQ dinners.

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