Omoide Yokocho

If you’ve ever wandered into a place that feels like a real-life maze of color and creativity, then you’ll understand exactly what it’s like exploring Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan, South Korea. We started our day venturing up one of the narrow walkways that snake through the hillside — and honestly, we had no idea where it would lead. Some of the streets were so tight my husband could barely stand elbow-to-elbow! Between the winding alleys, steep stairways, and vibrant walls, every turn felt like part of an adventure. Fair warning — this spot is a bit of a workout. If you have mobility issues, it’s best to admire this one from the lower levels or enjoy it through photos. But if you can make the climb, trust me, the views (and the vibe!) are 100% worth it. As we climbed higher, we started hearing soft piano music drifting from one of the shops, mixed with the gentle hum of people chatting above us. That’s when we knew — we’d reached the top!

Imagine sipping a refreshing drink… that literally floats down from the sky. Sounds like something out of a dream, right? But this isn’t fantasy — it’s reality at the Blue House on the Stairs in Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan. And let me tell you, it’s even cooler than it sounds.

Would you believe there are public exercise machines just sitting out on the street in Gamcheon Culture Village? Yep — no gym membership required! Just hop on and go. I actually owned one of those gazelle-style machines back in the 2000s, so of course, I had to jump on for a quick nostalgia workout. We picked up right where we left off — heading up a steep hill toward the village. The drive up was a mystery adventure in itself. Our driver stopped in what felt like the middle of nowhere — no people, no tourists, just us and a quiet street that seemed to climb straight into the clouds. I guess it was uphill from there! As we started our climb, Gamcheon’s magic began to reveal itself. Bright murals appeared around every corner, golden sculptures shimmered in the sunlight, and giant flower installations decorated the streets. It felt like walking through an open-air art gallery — every wall had a story to tell.

After days of sailing through Japan, we finally made it to Busan, and let me tell you… this city is even more stunning than I imagined. Our ship pulled into the harbor under bright blue skies, the sun reflecting off the water, and mountains framing the city in the distance. From the deck, you can see modern skyscrapers rising above the coastline — sleek, shiny, and so clean. It’s that perfect blend of nature and modern design that makes Busan instantly captivating.

Tell me you’re about to have the best meal of your cruise… without telling me you’re about to have the best meal of your cruise. That’s exactly how Day 10 of our Celebrity Cruise in Japan finished off in Fukuoka, where we decided to treat ourselves to one of the ship’s most talked-about specialty dining options — the Tuscan Grille.

When you think of Japan, what comes to mind? Sushi? Temples? Cherry blossoms? Well, let me tell you — there’s so much more. On Day 10 of our Celebrity Cruise, we docked in Fukuoka, and wow, this city surprised us at every corner. From color-changing tea to ceiling-hanging gas pumps, Japan truly knows how to keep things interesting! 🍱 The Art of Fake Food (Yes, Really!) Before you even sit down for a meal in Japan, you’ll probably stop in your tracks at the fake food displays. These hyper-realistic plastic dishes, known as “sampuru,” are an art form in themselves. They were invented in the 1920s to help customers visualize menu items — and honestly, they’re so realistic that I almost wanted to order everything. Fun Fact: Some sampuru displays cost as much as the real meal — and there are even workshops where you can make your own!

You know those travel days when everything goes off-script but somehow still turns out amazing? That was today in Fukuoka, Japan — our 100th Japan vlog from our Celebrity Cruise adventure! 💨 The Great Uber Escape (and the Sneaky Couple!) We started the day at Nanzoin Temple, home of the incredible reclining Buddha, and when it was time to head back, we thought we’d grab an Uber — easy, right? Wrong. 😂 The moment we stepped out of our Uber, a couple with two little kids slid right in before we could even close the door. They knew exactly what they were doing! I couldn’t even be mad — it was smooth. So, when it came time to leave… surprise! No Ubers. No taxis. Nada. We were stranded. Luckily, Japan came to the rescue — in the form of its famously reliable train system. 🚆

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 🦶🍀), we thought the excitement for the day was over. But Fukuoka had one more little wonder to share — a xylophone bridge!

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. 🛕 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.