Kurume (久留米市, Kurume-shi) is a city overflowing with generous offerings, where there’s truly something for everyone. Come see what the city has in store—the stunning sights of the goddess of mercy are just the tip of the iceberg!
What Makes Kurume a Must-Visit?
Kurume lies gracefully along the Chikugo River and is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Minou Mountain Range in Fukuoka Prefecture. This historic castle town is dotted with significant cultural landmarks, including the Suitengu Shrine and Bairinji Temple.
With a population slightly above 300,000 and a humid subtropical climate, Kurume is renowned for its exceptional offerings—think fine jewelry, delicious ramen, top-notch green tea, and exquisite crafts like Kurume kasuri textiles and Rantai indigo lacquerware.
It’s a city that offers something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination!
Cloudy Broth Ramen Will Surely Satisfy!
Kurume is celebrated for its array of mouthwatering dishes, but it's the delectable Tonkotsu Ramen that really steals the show. This ramen, renowned for its rich, cloudy white broth, wasn't always that way.
Originating about 80 years ago from a humble street stall on Meiji Street, it marked Kyushu's first introduction to what was then called "Chinese Soba" back in 1937.
Tasting that rich, thick, cloudy white broth once is enough to keep you coming back for more, trapped in a delicious, infinite loop of flavor!
- Did you know? The original version of the soup was actually clear, but a happy accident at a food stall named 'Sanyku' changed everything. They overboiled the broth on high heat, and luckily for us, that mistake turned the broth into the rich, cloudy delight we love today!
The Art of Indigo Dyeing in Kurume
Kurume is a hotspot for fashion lovers, particularly known for its Kurume kasuri. This indigo-dyed cotton fabric holds prestigious titles as both a National Important Intangible Asset and a National Traditional Craft Product.
Originating in the late 18th century, some local shops continue to craft this fabric using time-honored methods, a meticulous process spanning months.
Recently, it's found new life in items like sundries and sneakers, making it a popular choice for everyday use and souvenirs alike!
The Enduring Craft of Rantai Lacquerware
Rantai lacquerware plum-shaped tray featured on ZenPlus
If you're a fan of lacquerware, Kurume has something splendid to offer—Rantai lacquerware. This traditional craft involves weaving thinly sliced bamboo into various shapes and then meticulously coating them with multiple layers of lacquer, followed by a careful polishing process. The result is lightweight, durable, and uniquely beautiful!
Rantai lacquerware grows more characterful with use, making it especially beloved for everyday items such as confectionery utensils and chopsticks.
Spiritual Journeys in Kurume
Visiting Kurume is like walking through a living museum of rich history and profound spirituality. The city is dotted with notable shrines and temples that attract visitors from everywhere.
At Suiten-gu Shrine, people seek blessings from the God of Water and Easy Childbirth, creating a serene atmosphere of hope and reverence. Meanwhile, Bairin-ji Temple is famed for its plum trees and the practice of a particularly ascetic form of Zen meditation, offering a deep dive into spiritual tranquility.
Just outside the city limits, the Daihonzan Naritasan Kurume Temple stands as a beacon of mercy with its towering 62-meter statue of the Mother Kannon, the bodhisattva of mercy.
This statue is not only a majestic sight from afar, visible on the train ride from Fukuoka to Kurume, but it also houses a spiral staircase leading to the top, where open windows offer a breathtaking view across southern Fukuoka Prefecture!
Shop Kurume's Best from Home
Image of Kurume’s products featured on ZenPlus
If you're already fascinated by Kurume and its unique offerings, there’s a way to explore its local products right from your couch!
Over 3,000 Japanese retailers have teamed up with the expansive online marketplace ZenPlus, offering access to a virtually endless selection of over 5 million items. From authentic foods and drinks to traditional crafts, these are all things you’d normally only find by visiting the city itself.
Now, you can start your own Japanese shopping adventure from home, bypass the long flights, and have these unique finds delivered directly to your door with impressive ease—talk about living in a connected world!
About The Writer
Meet Mariam - a freelance writer whose heart beats for the captivating world of Japanese culture. She's fascinated by the breathtaking cherry blossom trees, the irresistible traditional dishes and snacks, the timeless fashion, the adorable natural makeup, and of course, the world-famous anime, just to name a few of her passions. Now, with boundless creativity and determination, she aims to deliver the most valuable content for readers to offer them a glimpse into her passions in life.
