Japan Adventure Day 10: The Magical Xylophone Bridge in Fukuoka!

Siva McAteer • October 13, 2025

The Magical Xylophone Bridge in Fukuoka!

If there’s one thing I’ve learned while exploring Japan, it’s that you can never predict what amazing surprise is waiting around the corner — and today’s adventure was music to my ears!

After our awe-inspiring visit to the Nanzoin Temple (you know, the one with the giant reclining bronze Buddha and those famously lucky feet ๐Ÿฆถ๐Ÿ€), we thought the excitement for the day was over. But Fukuoka had one more little wonder to share — a xylophone bridge!

๐Ÿ›ค๏ธ The Xylophone Bridge — Where Music Meets Travel

On our way to get my Eki Stamp Book stamped (because collecting train station stamps in Japan is basically my new obsession!), we stumbled upon something that immediately caught our attention — a group of people playing a bridge railing like a giant outdoor xylophone! ๐ŸŽต


Yes, you read that right. In true Japanese fashion, someone took an ordinary structure and turned it into a musical masterpiece. The sound of the notes echoing through the air was both magical and so uniquely “Japan.”


At first, it was pretty crowded, so we just stood back and watched as a family joyfully tapped away, turning the bridge into their own impromptu concert.


๐Ÿฅ Discovering the Secret Melody

When we passed by again later (pro tip: never skip a second look in Japan!), the bridge was empty — and we finally got our turn!


Here’s the secret: instead of randomly hitting notes, you have to strike each bar one by one from left to right. And when you do, the melody reveals itself like magic! ๐ŸŒˆ It’s the kind of joyful, unexpected experience that makes traveling in Japan so special — where even the smallest details are designed to bring a smile.


๐ŸŒธ Why Japan’s Creativity Never Stops Amazing Me

Everywhere you go in Japan, you’ll find a blend of innovation, playfulness, and tradition. From high-tech toilets at temples to vending machines that sell everything (seriously, I even saw one selling ramen!), the Japanese find ways to make everyday life feel extraordinary.


The xylophone bridge in Fukuoka is a perfect example — a reminder to slow down, look around, and listen to the magic that’s all around you.๏ปฟ

๐Ÿš† Don’t Forget Your Eki Stamp!

And yes — I finally got my Eki Stamp at the station nearby. These collectible ink stamps are one of the coolest parts of traveling by train in Japan. Each stamp represents the unique charm of the area — temples, landscapes, local icons — and they make the perfect (and free!) travel souvenir.


If you’re planning a Japan itinerary, especially with a Celebrity Cruise stop in Fukuoka, make sure to keep an eye out for quirky little spots like this one. You never know when you’ll find yourself making music in the middle of your adventure! ๐ŸŽถ


โœจ Final Thoughts

From giant Buddhas to musical bridges, Fukuoka continues to surprise me with its beauty, creativity, and sense of fun. Japan truly is a land where art, culture, and curiosity collide — and that’s why I keep falling in love with it again and again. โค๏ธ


So next time you’re exploring, take the road (or bridge!) less traveled — you just might find yourself making music along the way.


๐ŸŽฅ Want to see this in action? Check out my YouTube video: Japan 99 - Celebrity Cruise Day 10 - The Xylophone Bridge! and don’t forget to hit subscribe for more of our Japan cruise adventures!๏ปฟ

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Japan Adventure Day 10: The Giant Buddha of Nanzoin Temple — Big Feet, Big Luck!

By Siva McAteer • October 13, 2025
Today’s adventure takes us deep into the heart of Fukuoka, Japan, where ancient legends, peaceful temples, and some seriously big feet await! If you’ve ever dreamed of standing beside one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world, this stop on our Celebrity Cruise is going to blow your mind. ๐Ÿ›• Discovering Nanzoin Temple in Fukuoka Here we are, right where we left off — climbing those final temple stairs and bam! there it is — the reclining bronze Buddha of Nanzoin Temple in all its breathtaking glory. This statue stretches an incredible 134 feet long and weighs over 300 tons! That’s roughly the weight of 200 cars. It’s officially one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world, and let me tell you — photos just can’t do it justice.

Celebrity Cruise Day 10: Exploring Fukuoka’s Nanzoin Temple (Part 1)

By Siva McAteer • October 11, 2025
If you’re ever cruising through Japan on a Celebrity Cruise, make sure you don’t miss a stop in Fukuoka — home to one of Japan’s most jaw-dropping hidden gems: Nanzoin Temple. This place isn’t just any temple… it’s where you’ll find one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world! And let me tell you — this Buddha is HUGE! Nestled in the lush Fukuoka mountains, Nanzoin Temple feels like stepping into a peaceful, green paradise. But fair warning — bring your walking shoes, because it’s all uphill from here! (And yes, your legs will feel it… but in the best way.)

๐ŸŒธ Japan Day 10: Fukuoka Adventures & an Unexpected Temple Visit aboard the Celebrity Millennium

By Siva McAteer • October 10, 2025
There’s something magical about waking up to ocean views and knowing you’re in Japan! Day 10 of our Celebrity Cruise through Japan started a little differently — and it quickly became one of my favorite mornings yet.

Celebrity Cruise Day 9: Nagasaki Nights

By Siva McAteer • October 9, 2025
Can we just take a moment for this view? ๐Ÿ˜ Calm blue waters, lush green mountains, and picture-perfect white clouds floating above — Nagasaki gifted us the dreamiest backdrop for happy hour aboard the Celebrity Millennium. We settled into the Rendezvous Lounge, where the live music played softly in the background and the cocktails flowed just right. There’s something magical about sipping a drink at sea — the gentle sway of the ship, the hum of happy conversation, and that golden-hour glow over the ocean. It’s one of those “I never want to leave” moments that cruises do so well.

Stepping Into Ghibli Magic in Nagasaki

By Siva McAteer • October 9, 2025
If you’re a Studio Ghibli fan, get ready — Day 9 of our cruise adventure took us straight into Ghibli heaven in Nagasaki. Our stop? Renka, a tiny but utterly enchanting Studio Ghibli store tucked into Shinchi Chinatown. Why Renka Will Steal Your Heart ๐Ÿ’› Renka may be small, but inside it feels like you’ve stepped into a frame from a Ghibli film. Think Totoro plushies, Howl’s Moving Castle trinkets, puzzles, stationery, and whimsical home goods. Everything is official merchandise, beautifully made, yet surprisingly affordable — perfect for souvenirs that are meaningful, not overpriced. Inside, the lighting is soft, the shelves are cozy, and wandering through feels like a gentle stroll through your favorite childhood movies. Fans online say it’s one of the few places in Nagasaki open even in the evenings. Yelp One standout find for us was the No Face piggy bank from Spirited Away. If you know your Ghibli lore, you’ll get why that’s a holy grail item. (We even compared it to the red cup No Face holds — a “same cup” moment!) Fun Fact: Did you know that Ghibli is derived from an Italian word for a “hot desert wind”? The idea was that the studio’s films would blow a fresh wind through the world of animation. Also: Studio Ghibli was co-founded by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, two giants of anime. Their films have shaped entire generations of dreamers and art lovers.

๐Ÿฎ Japan Day 9: Exploring Nagasaki’s Colorful Chinatown & Delicious Food Finds!

By Siva McAteer • October 7, 2025
Our Celebrity Cruise adventure continues, and today we’re diving into one of Nagasaki’s most fascinating (and flavorful!) neighborhoods — Nagasaki Chinatown, also known as Shinchi Chinatown.

๐ŸŒธ Japan Day 9: Exploring Nagasaki with Celebrity Cruises — A Day to Remember!

By Siva McAteer • October 6, 2025
There’s nothing quite like waking up to the soft sea breeze, the sound of gulls, and the city of Nagasaki slowly coming to life. This was Day 9 of our Celebrity Cruise through Japan, and honestly — I think this stop might be one of my favorites yet.

Celebrity Cruise Day 8: The Martini Bar Show – Where Cocktails Become Art!

By Siva McAteer • October 5, 2025
If you’re sailing on a Celebrity Cruise, there’s one show you cannot miss — and no, it’s not in the theater. It’s at the Martini Bar, where the bartenders don’t just make drinks… they perform them. ๐ŸŽญ๐Ÿธ Welcome to the Martini Bar at the Grand Plaza, the heartbeat of the ship. Set beneath that glittering chandelier, this is where music, laughter, and liquid magic come together. The sleek bar itself is literally topped with ice, keeping your martini chilled to perfection while the vibe stays electric. These high-energy bartenders are true showmen, flipping bottles through the air, catching shakers behind their backs, and stacking glasses with flawless precision. Every move is choreographed, every pour perfectly timed. Think Cirque du Soleil meets cocktail hour! ๐Ÿนโœจ And just when you think you’ve seen it all, the grand finale begins — the famous Cascading Pour. One flawless stream of martinis flows across a row of glasses, filling twelve drinks in perfect harmony. The crowd cheers, the music swells, and the energy is contagious. Here’s the best part — once the show’s over, those freshly poured martinis? They’re up for grabs! ๐Ÿธ๐Ÿ™Œ So, yes, stick around till the very end — your patience just might earn you a free martini. This isn’t just a bar; it’s an experience. Whether you’re mingling with new friends, people-watching in the Grand Plaza, or simply soaking in the show, the Martini Bar embodies everything that makes Celebrity Cruises so special — style, energy, and pure fun.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Celebrity Cruise: Le Petit Chef Finale – Lessons, Laughs & a Little Drama at Sea

By Siva McAteer • October 4, 2025
After three magical wishes filled with flavor, fantasy, and a few culinary mishaps, our tiny table-top hero has reached the end of his story. Welcome to the final chapter of Le Petit Chef aboard Celebrity Cruises — where even the smallest chef learns the biggest lesson of all. ๐ŸŒŸ โœจ The Final Chapter: No More Wishes, Just Wisdom Our story begins with Le Petit Chef realizing that he has… well, nothing left. No more wishes. No ice cream. Not even his old robot kitchen. ๐Ÿฆ๐Ÿค– And, being the tiny drama king that he is, he gets a bit melodramatic about it all. But just as he’s about to spiral into despair, the wise fairy reappears to remind him (and us) of an important truth: “There are no magical shortcuts in life.” With a sigh — and perhaps a little flair for the dramatic — Le Petit Chef tosses away the key to the magic book. ๐Ÿ”‘ Of course, he jokes that it might come in handy later… you know, in case the ship gets invaded by vampires or his mother-in-law causes trouble. ๐Ÿง›‍โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿ˜‚ It’s the perfect lighthearted ending to an unforgettable dining adventure.

Celebrity Cruise: Le Petit Chef Wish #3

By Siva McAteer • October 3, 2025
If you’re sailing with Celebrity Cruises, there’s one experience you absolutely must add to your bucket list: Le Petit Chef. This one-of-a-kind dinner and a show is part gourmet dining, part high-tech animation, and 100% unforgettable. โœจ Welcome back to Part 5 of my Japan Cruise Adventure! Today, we dive into Wish #3 of Le Petit Chef’s whimsical story. ๐ŸŒŸ Wish #3 – A World Made of Sweets In this chapter, the magical fairy grants Le Petit Chef’s final wish—a world where everything is edible, so that no one will ever go hungry again. And just like that, the table transforms before your eyes. ๐Ÿญ Chocolate rivers begin to flow. Gingerbread men march in, lending a helping hand. Cookies, candies, and cakes appear at every turn. It feels like stepping straight into Willy Wonka’s factory, but with a French twist. The finale builds to a jaw-dropping dessert presentation—complete with ice cream on top. ๐Ÿจ The perfect ending to an already magical meal.
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