先日の休日、久しぶりにゆっくりとドライブをしながら、筑前町方面へ出かけてきました。
まず立ち寄ったのは、エコマルシェオニヅカ。
見て回るだけでも楽しい空間。珍しい植物などがいっぱい並び、ついつい長居してしまいました。
自然に囲まれながら買い物を楽しめる場所って、やっぱり良いですね。
その次に立ち寄ったのが、にしよりひろば YORiMiCH!。
赤いロンドンバスが目印で、到着した瞬間からワクワクする空間でした。カフェやおむすび屋さん、ピザ屋さんなどがあり、“ちょっと寄り道したくなる場所”というコンセプトがすごく伝わってきます。
開放感のある雰囲気の中でゆっくり過ごせて、休日らしい穏やかな時間を味わうことができました。こういう「地域の人が集まる場所」って素敵だなと改めて感じます。
そこから足を伸ばして、秋月方面へ。
秋月は、やっぱり何度行っても落ち着く場所です。
城下町の雰囲気や静かな街並み、自然の空気感。
日頃バタバタと動いていると、こういう“ゆっくり流れる時間”がすごく貴重に感じます。
さらに杷木方面へ向かい、途中の景色を楽しみながら、東峰村へ。
東峰村は自然が本当に豊かで、山の空気が気持ちよく、かなりリフレッシュできました。
道中では豪雨災害の爪痕を感じる場所もありましたが、それでも地域の皆さんが前を向いて頑張っておられる雰囲気を感じました。
最後は、小石原へ。
小石原焼も見て回りました。
ひとつひとつ違って、「これ手作業なんだろうな」と感じる温かさがあります。普段使いできそうな器から存在感のある作品まで並んでいてすごく楽しめました。
仕事柄、“人と関わること”や“支えること”に日々向き合っていますが、こうやって自然や地域の文化、人が集まる場所に触れる時間は、自分自身を整える大事な時間だなと改めて感じます。
また時間を作って、福岡のいろんな地域をゆっくり巡ってみたいと思います。
A Relaxing Drive Through Chikuzen and Beyond
The other day, I finally had a day off, so I decided to take a slow drive through the beautiful countryside of Fukuoka Prefecture. Sometimes, the best trips are the ones with no schedule—just following the road wherever it leads.
My first stop was Eco Marche Onizuka, a wonderful garden market filled with unique plants, flowers, and gardening treasures. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s the kind of place where you can happily spend hours simply looking around. Surrounded by greenery, it reminded me how refreshing it is to slow down and enjoy nature.
Next, I visited Nishiyori Hiroba YORiMiCH!, a charming roadside destination that’s impossible to miss thanks to its iconic red London bus. The place has a welcoming atmosphere, with a cozy café, an onigiri shop, and a pizza restaurant. Its concept of being “a place worth making a little detour for” truly comes to life the moment you arrive. Watching local people gather and enjoy their time together made me appreciate how important these community spaces are.
From there, I continued toward Akizuki, one of my favorite places in Fukuoka.
No matter how many times I visit, the peaceful castle town never loses its charm. The quiet streets, traditional scenery, and surrounding nature create a calm atmosphere that makes time seem to slow down. After busy weeks filled with work, moments like these are incredibly valuable.
My journey then took me through Haki and into Toho Village.
The mountains, fresh air, and beautiful landscapes were exactly what I needed to recharge. Along the way, I could still see signs of the devastating heavy rain disasters that affected the region in recent years. Yet, more than anything, I felt the strength and resilience of the local communities who continue moving forward with hope.
My final destination was Koishiwara, a village famous for its traditional pottery.
Browsing through the beautiful Koishiwara ware was a wonderful experience. Every piece felt unique, carrying the warmth and character that only handcrafted work can offer. From simple everyday dishes to stunning artistic creations, each item reflected the craftsmanship and history of the region.
As someone whose daily work centers around supporting people through visiting nursing and rehabilitation services, I spend much of my time thinking about others. That’s why days like this are so important.
Spending time in nature, discovering local culture, and visiting places where communities come together helps me slow down, clear my mind, and reconnect with what truly matters.
Fukuoka has so many wonderful places waiting to be explored, and I hope to continue discovering them—one peaceful drive at a time.