Yame Travel Guide (Fukuoka (prefecture)/Kyushu/Japan/East Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Yame

Located in the Fukuoka prefecture, in Kyushu island of Japan, Yame is a small city with a population of around 70,000 as of 2021. Known for its high-quality tea production and traditional crafts, Yame is a culturally rich and naturally beautiful city that offers a unique and authentic travel experience.

List of Places to Visit in Yame

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Yame Traditional Crafts Center: This center showcases traditional Yame crafts, such as ceramics, lacquerware, and textiles. You can also try pottery-making and lacquer-painting workshops.
Miyanohara Rice Terraces: A UNESCO-designated cultural landscape, these rice terraces offer a picturesque view of the surrounding mountains and valley.
Yame Castle Ruins: Once a powerful castle of the Yame clan, these ruins now offer a peaceful atmosphere for strolling and enjoying the cherry blossoms in spring.
Yawata Shrine: A notable Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari no Mikoto, the god of fertility and agriculture, it features a 500-year-old cedar tree and a beautiful torii gate.
Yame Traditional Tea Center: This center offers a comprehensive tea-tasting experience, including traditional Japanese tea ceremony, tea harvesting, and processing.

Natural Attractions of Yame: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Mt. Tenzan: Located on the border of Yame and Kurume, this mountain offers great hiking trails and stunning views of the city and the surrounding areas.
Honami Spur: A scenic drive or bike route from Yame to Kurume, this route offers a panoramic view of the rice terraces and the mountains.
Tenryo Hita Suspension Bridge: This 390-meter-long bridge, located over the Mikuma River, offers a thrilling experience for walking and taking in the scenic view.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Yame

Mt. Tenzan: As mentioned earlier, this mountain offers various hiking routes and levels, including the Mt. Tenzan Loop, which is a 11.8 km trail with an elevation gain of 715 meters.
Honami Spur: This route also offers a great option for biking or hiking, with a distance of around 20 km and easy-to-moderate difficulty level.

Best Things to Do in Yame: Activities and Tours

Tea Harvesting and Processing Experience: A unique experience offered by the Yame Traditional Tea Center, this activity lets you harvest tea leaves and process them into tea.
Ceramics Making Experience: Another hands-on experience offered by the Yame Traditional Crafts Center, this lets you make your own ceramic piece, such as a teacup or a plate.
Yame River Rafting: This activity lets you enjoy the beautiful scenery of Yame while cruising down the Yabe and Mikuma rivers on a raft.

Week-Long Itinerary for Yame

Day	Activities
1	Visit Yame Traditional Crafts Center and try pottery-making and lacquer-painting workshops.
2	Visit Yame Traditional Tea Center and enjoy traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
3	Hike or bike Mt. Tenzan and explore the mountain trails.
4	Visit Miyanohara Rice Terraces for a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
5	Enjoy the Yame River Rafting experience.
6	Drive or bike Honami Spur and enjoy the scenic view.
7	Visit Yawata Shrine and Yame Castle Ruins for a cultural exploration.

Food and Drink Scene of Yame

Must-Try Dishes

Yame Cha Soba: Buckwheat noodles made with Yame tea, a local specialty that has a unique and refreshing flavor.
Tofu Hot Pot: A signature winter dish in Yame, featuring locally produced tofu, vegetables, and meat or fish.
Mentaiko Rice Bowl: A rice bowl topped with spicy cod roe from Fukuoka, a popular local delicacy.

Local Beverages

Yame Tea: Considered one of the best-tasting teas in Japan, Yame tea is a premium green tea that has a delicate and sweet aroma.
Yame Sake: A high-quality sake made with locally grown rice and water from the Yabe River, known for its smooth and mellow taste.

Where to Stay in Yame: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Yame Fukushima Business Hotel: A budget-friendly business hotel popular among business travelers, located near Yame station.
Yame Ryokan: A traditional Japanese inn that offers a relaxing hot spring bath and a Japanese-style breakfast, located near Yame station.
Yame Guesthouse: A cozy guesthouse that offers shared facilities, such as a kitchen and a common area, located near Yame station.

What to Buy in Yame: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Yame Tea: A popular souvenir among tea lovers, Yame tea is available in various grades and packaging, including tea bags and loose leaf tea.
Yame Lacquerware: The Yame Traditional Crafts Center offers a wide range of lacquerware products, such as plates, bowls, and chopsticks, that are perfect for souvenirs or gifts.

Local Culture and Customs of Yame

Tea Culture: Yame is known for its tea production and culture, with several tea-related events and festivals throughout the year.
Crafts Culture: Traditional crafts, such as ceramics, lacquerware, and textiles, are deeply rooted in Yame’s history and culture, and are still being passed down through generations.

Best Time to Visit Yame

Spring: The best time to visit Yame for cherry blossom viewing, hiking, and outdoor activities. Typically from late March to early April.
Autumn: The best time to visit Yame for foliage viewing and outdoor activities. Typically from mid-October to mid-November.

Do’s and Don’ts of Yame

Do:

Respect the local culture and customs, such as taking off your shoes and bowing when entering a Japanese-style room.
Try local food and drinks, such as Yame tea, cha soba, and mentaiko.
Practice proper hiking and outdoor etiquette, such as staying on designated trails and packing out your trash.

Don’t:

Wear shoes inside traditional Japanese-style rooms or onsens (hot springs).
Be loud or disruptive in public spaces, such as trains or restaurants.
Leave your trash or cigarette butts on the street or in public areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Yame

Yame is a safe and peaceful city with low crime rates.
However, be cautious when hiking or biking in remote areas, and always bring enough food, water, and first aid kit.

Health in Yame

Yame has a well-functioning healthcare system, with several clinics and hospitals in the city.
However, travelers should also have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Getting to Yame: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Yame

Fukuoka Airport: The closest airport to Yame, located around 40 km away, with frequent domestic and international flights.
Kumamoto Airport: Another airport near Yame, located around 80 km away, with mostly domestic flights.

Bus Stations Near Yame

Yame Station: The main bus station in Yame, with several routes to nearby cities and attractions.

Other Options

Train: Yame is also accessible by train, with several train stations within the city, such as Yame Station and Hoshuyama Station.
Car: Renting a car is also a good option for exploring Yame and the surrounding areas, as the city has several rental car companies.

How to Get Around in Yame

Bus: The most convenient and affordable mode of public transportation in Yame, with several routes that cover most of the city and nearby areas.
Train: The train is also a good option for traveling between cities, such as Yame and Kurume, or Yame and Fukuoka.
Taxi: Taxis are also available in Yame, but they are relatively expensive compared to buses and trains.

Where to Go Next from Yame: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Kurume: A nearby city famous for its ramen and sake, located around 30 km away from Yame.
Fukuoka: The largest city in Kyushu, known for its vibrant culture and delicious food, located around 60 km away from Yame.
Saga: A prefecture located north of Fukuoka, known for its ceramics and historical sites, located around 80 km away from Yame.

Conclusion

Yame is a hidden gem in Kyushu that offers a unique and authentic travel experience, with its rich culture, natural beauty, and high-quality products. Whether you are a tea lover, a hiking enthusiast, or a culture seeker, Yame has something to offer for you.

Yame Image Gallery

Hyugami Gorge