Kurume, Japan
Region: Fukuoka
Geographic Coordinates: 33.316700, 130.517000
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 30.0°C (50°F to 86°F)
Climate: Seasonal with hot summers and mild winters.
Population: 302858
Language: Japanese
Kurume is a city in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, Known for its natural beauty, Rich history, And unique cultural traditions. It has a population of about 300, 000 people and is located in the northern part of the prefecture. One of Kurume’s most popular attractions is its beautiful gardens. The Kurume City Traditional Garden has over 2, 500 cherry blossom trees that bloom every spring. Visitors can walk along winding paths through picturesque landscapes while enjoying the vibrant pink blossoms overhead. Additionally, There are several other parks and gardens throughout the city that offer stunning views and relaxing atmospheres.
Kurume also has a thriving traditional crafts industry. Local artisans use traditional weaving techniques to produce high-quality textiles such as silk fabrics and cotton yarns that have been passed down through generations. Many visitors purchase handmade souvenirs to take home with them. The city also boasts a rich culinary culture with many delicious local specialties to try. Tonkotsu ramen is one popular dish featuring thick noodles served in savory pork broth made from simmering pork bones for hours until it becomes creamy and flavorful.
Another must-try food item in Kurume is karashi mentaiko spicy cod roe which originated in nearby Fukuoka City but became popular throughout Kyushu thanks to Kurume’s role as a regional hub. In addition to its natural beauty and cultural offerings, Kurume played an important role in Japanese history as one of the earliest centers for Christianity during the Edo period (1603-1868). Many churches were built during this time by missionaries who came from Europe to spread their faith throughout Japan including St.Mary’s Cathedral which was built by French priest Bernard Petitjean in 1889 now considered as national treasure.
Kurume hosts several festivals throughout the year showcasing its unique cultural traditions such as drumming performances at Kuruma Taisai held every October or Chikugo River Fireworks Festival held in August, Where visitors can watch colorful fireworks light up the night sky over the scenic Chikugo River. Kurume offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, Rich history, Traditional crafts and cuisine as well as lively cultural festivals. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or an immersive cultural experience, This charming city has something for everyone to enjoy.
- Kurume Castle Ruins
- Suitengu Shrine
- Tachibana Gardens
- Ishibashi Cultural Center and Museum
- Kora Taisha Shrine
- Kusano-machi Old Town Area
- Kurume Bird Sanctuary
- Yanagawa River Cruises
- Kyushu National Museum
- Kurume is known for its production of textiles, especially denim and cotton fabrics.
- The city is also home to several major pharmaceutical companies, including Daiichi Sankyo and Kyowa Hakko Kirin.
- Other important industries in Kurume include electronics manufacturing, food processing, and machinery production.
- There are also many small businesses in the city, particularly in the retail and service sectors.
- The Battle of Kurume: In 1868, during the Boshin War, a battle took place in Kurume between the forces of the Meiji government and those of the Tokugawa shogunate.
- Seiichi Hatano: A famous Japanese novelist who was born in Kurume in 1889. He is best known for his novel Kuroi Ame (Black Rain), which depicts the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.
- Totoya Hokkei: A renowned ukiyo-e artist who was born in Kurume in 1780. He is known for his depictions of landscapes and nature scenes.
- Chikugo River Fireworks Festival: This annual fireworks festival held on August 1st has been a tradition in Kurume since 1949 and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
- Kusano Shizuka: A female painter from Kurume who gained recognition for her unique style that combined traditional Japanese painting techniques with modern abstract art.
- Tadashi Yanai: The founder and CEO of Fast Retailing, which owns popular clothing brand Uniqlo, was born and raised in Kurume.
- Yoko Ono: The avant-garde artist and musician spent part of her childhood living with her grandparents in nearby Kumamoto prefecture but often visited relatives in Kurume as well.
- Fukuoka Airport Bombing: In 1986, a bomb exploded at Fukuoka Airport located near to kurum city killing two people including one American civilian employee working at Yokota Air Base near Tokyo.
- Kurume City Museum showcases the history and culture of Kurume, including exhibits on traditional crafts, local festivals, and famous figures from the area.
- Ishibashi Memorial Center features a collection of Japanese paintings, ceramics, and calligraphy from the Edo period.
- Kora Taisha Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of agriculture and is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.
- Tachibana Castle Ruins are all that remains of a castle built in the early 17th century by Lord Tachibana Muneshige.
- Kurume Forest Nature Park offers hiking trails through lush forests as well as picnic areas and playgrounds for families.
- Higashimachi Shopping Street is a bustling shopping street that’s great to experience local culture while picking up souvenirs like traditional sweets or handmade pottery.
- Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Garden located just outside Kurume in nearby Kitakyushu city is famous for its stunning displays of wisteria flowers during peak season in April-May.
- Chikugo River Fireworks Festival held annually in August along the banks of the Chikugo River features spectacular fireworks displays that light up the night sky over Kurume city.
- Kurume is a city in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan and has several sports teams.
- The Kurume Baseball Club was founded in 1976 and plays competitive baseball in the Industrial League of Fukuoka Prefecture.
- The Kurume Football Club was founded in 1973 and plays football in the Kyushu Soccer League, winning various championships over the years.
- The Aeon Mall Kurume Basketball Team was established in 2018 and plays professional basketball within B.League’s third division, B3 League.
- KFC Lady Pirates is a women’s volleyball team that competes at various levels of Japanese volleyball since its establishment in 2009. They play within V.LEAGUE Division 2 Women’s league.
- Nippon Bunri University Rugby Football Club is a rugby union team based out of Nippon Bunri University located within Kurume City itself. They compete within Kyushu Rugby Union leagues as well as national university competitions such as All-Japan University Rugby Championship etc.
- Kurume Hyakunen Matsuri (Kurume Centennial Festival) is held every 100 years, with the next one scheduled for 2022.
- Kurume Ramen Matsuri is a festival that celebrates the local specialty of ramen noodles.
- Chikugo River Fireworks Festival is a summer fireworks display held along the Chikugo River.
- Kurume Azalea Festival is a spring festival featuring blooming azaleas in various parks and gardens around the city.
- Kurume Taiho Festival is an annual traditional Japanese drumming festival held in November.
- Koinobori Matsuri (Carp Streamer Festival) takes place in May, where carp-shaped streamers are flown to celebrate Children’s Day.
- Yame-Cha Green Tea Festival celebrates green tea from nearby Yame City and takes place just outside of Kurume.
- Fukuoka International Film Festival is an annual film festival that takes place at venues throughout Fukuoka Prefecture, including some screenings in Kurume.
- Tachibana Shrine Autumn Grand Festival is a traditional autumn matsuri with parades and performances at Tachibana Shrine.
- Kurumeyaki Takoyaki Contest is a cooking contest where participants compete to make the best takoyaki (octopus balls), which are a popular Japanese snack food.
- Tonkotsu Ramen: Kurume is famous for its delicious tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen. Some popular ramen shops in Kurume include Ajisen Ramen, Ichiran Ramen, and Hakata Ippudo.
- Mentaiko: Mentaiko is a spicy cod roe that is often served as a topping on rice or noodles. Some popular places to try mentaiko in Kurume include Yamauchi Shokudo and Hikari Shokudo.
- Chicken Nanban: Chicken Nanban is a dish of fried chicken topped with tartar sauce and served with rice. It originated in Miyazaki Prefecture but has become popular throughout Kyushu, including Kurume.
- Yakiniku: Yakiniku is Japanese-style barbecue where diners grill their own meat at the table. Some popular yakiniku restaurants in Kurume include Gyu-Kaku and Hanamasa.
- Soba Noodles: Soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour and are a specialty of the Fukuoka region, which includes Kurume. Some recommended soba restaurants in Kurume are Sobanomiyabi Katsukiya and Tsuruyasoba.
- Izakaya: Izakaya are Japanese-style pubs where people gather to eat small dishes of food while drinking alcohol with friends or colleagues after work or on weekends.There are many izakayas throughout Kurume, including Torikizoku, Watami,and Kushikatsu Tanaka.
- Taiwanese Food : Taiwanese food has become quite famous among locals over the years , some places like Taiwan No Oka , Momo Cafe serve authentic Taiwanese dishes like Bubble Tea , Dumplings etc .
