Fukuoka, Akizuki Private Car and E-Bike Tour

Built in the 1600's, the main gate of the fortress still remains standing to mark Akizuki's strong samurai roots. The Sugi no Baba promenade in front of the castle is resplendent with cherry blossoms in the spring and ablaze in color during the fall. A short distance away tucked down a side street is the Akizuki Washi Factory, a small workshop that attracts visitors from around the world to witness traditional methods of making Japanese paper.

reshly grilled trout and skewers of free-range chicken while a tumbling stream flows beneath your feet.

This ancient grove of cedar trees was planted in the 16th century by the Yamabushi, ascetic monks who practiced a mixture of Buddhist and Shinto teachings called Shugendo. The largest of these magnificent giants is over 50m tall and over 8 meters in circumference. Riding thru the forest, the pavement turns to flagstone as we enter Koishiwara pottery village. The streets are lined with galleries and kilns where you can browse freely. Koishiwara was the first pottery village to be recognized as a traditional Japanese art form. The "Mingei" style of pottery emphasizes utility with earthy colored glazes and simple, geometric patterns.

Nestled between the many pottery shops on the main street, this lumberyard showroom features exotic woods from Japan and around the world. Giant tree slabs of every hue line the walls and above the handcrafted furniture hangs an enormous speaker carved from a giant block of wood. Many small items are also available and make good souvenirs.