In October 2025, we bought our first place in Japan. That’s crazy to say out loud! More on that story over at
and i’m sure you’re wondering why…
WHY BUY A PLACE? 🤔 Why not just visit? Well… have you been to Fukuoka?? Because WOW. ✨✨ It’s truly magical. Everything you’d want from Tokyo, packed into one perfectly sized little city. 🏙️
We always knew we wanted to invest in Fukuoka over Tokyo, over Osaka, over Hokkaido… and here’s why ⬇️
Convenience to the city
I like to land ✈️ and be in a city. Forget those hour-long airport transfers — that extra commute time means less ramen time 🍜😏 Fukuoka Airport is smack dab in the heart of the city, just two stops from Hakata Station (aka city center). Our place? One stop away. 🥇 HUGE plus.
Hakata Station = THE BEST.
Busy, but not overwhelming. All the wonderful train station shops, cafés ☕️, bakeries 🥐, and onigiri stands 🍙 — without the confusion and chaos. And I’m a creature of habit, 😌 I like knowing the croissant shop is across the Shinkansen gate and the grand escalators lead to Hands. Familiar, cozy, just how I like it. 💛
Relaxing countryside
We just discovered the charm of the countryside when we lingered a little longer and ventured outside the city. 🌿 We biked along the coast 🚲🌊, ate at an egg farm 🥚 in Itoshima, and perused a farmers market. 🧺 The coast is only 30 minutes away and has an epic hiking / glamping / fruit-picking culture 🍓
Kupuna & keiki friendly
Wide streets, flat roads, and tons of kupuna & keiki activities. Dazaifu is so fun for walking and food crawling, 🍡 we had the best vegetarian meal when visiting the gigantic reclining Buddha, and theres a massive oceanfront park with an aquarium 🐠, zoo 🦁, and tree-lined bike paths. 🚴🏻♀️ All of this at our fingertips… with a Suica card.
All-star food & shopping scene 🍱🛍️
I’m a huge shopper. Bryson’s a huge eater. So food + shopping have to rank high wherever we go — and Fukuoka does not disappoint. 
Let’s just say… all the same killer shops and restaurants as Tokyo, without the crazy crowds.
Ichiran is originally from Hakata 
(OG ramen energy), and iconic yatai stands pop up every night along the river.
So no… we didn’t just buy a place.
We found a city that fits our rhythm and routines. A home base for konbini potlucks, lingered stays, and a place that “Atsumaru’ed” people. 🫠
That’s so Eden! 🫶