Where is Kurume?
Kurume City is on the island of Kyushu, Japan's third-largest island and the most southerly of the main islands. It's located in Fukuoka prefecture.
This city is situated in the center of the prefecture, surrounded by beautiful mountains and scenic landscapes, and it's known for its rich history, culture, and traditional crafts.
It has a humid subtropical climate, and a population of a little over 300,000 people.
Kurume Gourmet
Kurume Ramen
Fukuoka local food, tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen originates in Kurume and is characterised by its rich pork bone soup stock.The ramen is said have been created at a city food stall called 'Nankinsenryo' back in 1937.
The very first owner of the store was from Nagasaki, and it is thought that he created the recipe by combining elements from Nagasaki's own famous noodle dish, champon, along with Chinese Shina Soba which was taking off in Yokohama at the time.
Early versions of the soup were clear in color, until a food stall called 'Sanyku' overboiled the broth on a high heat by mistake. The resulting cloudy broth was mellow and rich in taste, and became the base for tonkotsu broth as we know it today.
Kurume Yakitori
Kurume is one of Japan's leading contenders when it comes to great yakitori(chicken skewers), and it is considered one of the region's top 3 foods in terms of casual dining.
Furthermore, Kurume yakitori is considered one of the country's top 7 yakitori spots recognized for regional uniqueness, along with Muroran, Higashi Matsuyama, Imabari, Nagato, Bibai and Fukushima.
Besides chicken, Kurume also offers beef, pork and horse skewers letting diners enjoy a wide range of unique flavors.
Amongst these interesting types of yakitori, there is a variety known locally as darumu. Darumu (known to the rest of Japan as shiromotsu) refers to the soft organs of the animal, and the number of yakitori restaurants in Kurume that feature this dish as their trademark has been on the increase, making darumu synonymous with yakitori culture in the region.
Kurume Udon
Known as one of the region's top 3 foods to be enjoyed casually, Chikugo udon is characterised by fluffy tender noodles, and a delicate base flavor of konbu seaweed, dried sardines or flying fish.
Chikugo river's drainage basin provides an ample supply of water to the region, bringing fertile soils. This regional characteristic makes it possible to harvest wheat, the primary ingredient in udon, twice a year.
Thanks to this, there is a long history of wheat farming in the region, and eating udon on a daily basis is a local custom.The soft noodles absorb liquid easily, so childen and the elderly can enjoy them too. They are often eaten in soup or as a side dish to accompany rice.
Kurume Nihonshū (sake)
The natural surroundings of the Mino mountain range and the Chikugo river basin are home to Kurume city's 15 sake breweries.
These breweries are considered some of the best in the country along with breweries in Nada in Kobe, and Fushimi in Kyoto.
Kurume has a long history of producing sake. The oldest brewery in the Chikugo basin, 'Wakatake Sake Brewery' is at the top of the list a with proud history of more than 300 years.
Then there is Yamaguchi-Shuzo Brewery, known for its signature brand sake, 'Niwa-no-Uguisu'. These and the many other breweries have solidified the area's reputation with their respective creations.
Kurume Tourist Spots
Kurume Forest Azalea Park
This famous park is home to around 61,000 azalea bushes, featuring 100 different varieties of the flower.
The park offers excellent views of the Chikugo Plain and is a nature lover's paradise, with greenery in the spring and vibrant foliage in the fall.
Visitors can enjoy the park's natural beauty year-round and it is a popular spot for trekking and taking the Kyushu OLLE trekking course.
Kurume Castle Ruins
During the Edo Era (1603-1868), the Arima Clan ruled over the Kurume area as domain lords for approximately 250 years and resided in Sasayama Castle. Although only the castle keep built in Hirayama style still stands today, the magnificent castle walls and inner moats at the entrance serve as a reminder of its former grandeur.
In the spring, visitors to the Kurume Castle Ruins can enjoy the tranquil beauty of the castle walls and moats, enhanced by the vibrant pink hues of 30 cherry blossom trees in bloom.
Kora Taisha Shrine
At the westernmost point of the Mino foothills, Mount Kora rises 312 meters above sea level and is a major shrine of the Chikugo region. Kora Tamataregu Shrine, said to have been constructed in 400 A.D. during the reign of Emperor Richu, received the highest ranking of a shrine in 897 and has maintained its status as an important cultural site, listed in the Engishiki, an ancient book of Japanese laws.
The shrine houses several treasures, including a handwritten copy of the Tale of the Heike, an Important Cultural Asset of Japan, and a colored silk hanging scroll depicting the foundation of Kora Taisha, which is a Cultural Asset of Fukuoka Prefecture.
On Mount Kora itself, visitors can explore precious natural assets such as the Moso Kinmei bamboo grove, a National Natural Treasure, and the sacred rock remains of Kogo-ishi, designated a National Cultural Asset.
Shop unique Kurume products!
Wain(和音)
Wain is a Kurume-based company that specializes in blended teas made with carefully selected Kyushu tea leaves and herbs.
Their herb blend teas are based on green tea, roasted tea, and black tea that Japanese people have been enjoying since ancient times.
Each herb is carefully chosen to bring out its unique goodness. The herbs are grown under the mild climate of southern Kyushu, without the use of pesticides, at the foot of the Kirishima Mountains in Miyazaki and the Aso Mountains in Kumamoto.
Wain offers a healthy herbal blend tea that does not contain any preservatives, fragrances, or artificial colors, providing a natural reset for the heart and body.
See all productsA set of three herbal teas. Sample Lemongrass, Red Shiso, and Echinacea tea from Japan.
A blend made from Japanese hibiscus and black tea, with a rich and sweet taste you're sure to love.
A delicious blend of Japanese chamomile tea and hojicha that's both refreshing and soothing.
A delightful combination of Japanese green tea & lemongrass for a mellow and calming tea time.
Sanki
Sanki, a food company based in Kurume City, has been delighting customers with their delicious food for over 20 years.
Their commitment to manufacturing and processing food with an unwavering focus on taste has earned them a loyal customer base. Sanki takes pride in continuously adapting to the ever-changing needs of their customers, always striving to create better products that exceed their expectations.
With every bite, customers can taste the passion and care that Sanki puts into every aspect of their food production.
See all productsA savory and delicious noodle dish, featuring a rich and flavorful broth made from pork bone and chicken.
Nutritious and flavorful dried shiitake mushrooms, grown and harvested in the city of Kurume, Japan.
A convenient & healthy way to enjoy natto, a popular Japanese food rich in protein and vitamins.
A seasoning made from dried, fermented bonito, adding a deep and savory umami flavor to your dishes.
Sfidante
Sfidante is a made-to-order suit shop known for crafting one-of-a-kind suits tailored to fit each customer's body perfectly. They understand that a suit, especially for those in the professional world, serves as more than just clothing; it's akin to a suit of armor for battle. With this philosophy in mind, Sfidante believes that their made-to-order suits should not merely be garments but triggers for confidence and the right mindset.
The shop's name, 'Sfidante,' means "challenger" in Italian. They specialize in suits that accentuate individual charm, suitable for a range of occasions, including business, formal events, and even casual wear. Their mission is to provide clients with suits that bring out their best selves.
Akiyama Jewelry
Akiyama Jewelry, located in Kurume, Fukuoka, is a jewelry production and gem identification business. Every piece of jewelry is meticulously handcrafted from scratch, with a focus on precious metals like gold, platinum, and silver.
What makes the jewelry from Akiyama Kikinzoku Accessories Store truly special is the owner's passion and dedication to his craft. As a one-person operation, he pours his heart and soul into each piece, creating beautiful and unique jewelry masterpieces.
See all productsA unique and eye-catching ring featuring a gecko that wraps around your finger.
A cute and charming keychain with a traditional Japanese doll design.
A stunning and elegant ring with a beautiful combination of gemstones.
A delicate and feminine ring with a charming sakura design.
Eishima
Eishima, proudly rooted in Kurume, Japan, specializes in Japanese ceramics, glassware, lacquerware, and more.
Our collection is thoughtfully designed to enhance the presentation of a wide array of dishes, ensuring that each piece is a unique expression of culinary artistry.
At Eishima, we strive to swiftly address customer needs, committing to daily efforts in delivering prompt and tailored solutions to enhance every dining experience.
See all productsRust-resistant stainless steel with the sharpness of traditional carbon blades. Hand-sanded for instant use.
Adorable Miffy graphic capturing your gaze and making your break cuter.
Gorgeous blue bowl that can be used for a variety of purposes.
Modern Elegance: This glass embodies a sleek balance of thinness and strength, adding a contemporary touch to a variety of dining experiences.
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