Hisayama-machi ???

at a glance

? Known among JETs for the Torius shopping complex (home to Costco)

? Well-known among locals for its abundance of natural mountain onsen

? Visit http://www.town.hisayama.fukuoka.jp/ for more information on local shrines and festivals

getting there

See directions for Torius Mall.

points of interest

Torius Mall ????This giant complex includes Nafco, Uniqlo, Best Denki, an Asics Outlet, three or four outdoors shops, Power’s Surf and Snowboarding store and more, but the highlight is Costco Wholesale (see below).

getting there…

By bus…

-board #27B at either Kashii-Sando (in front of Kashii Miyamae Station on the Nishitetsu Kaizuka Line) or in front of the Central Post Office in Tenjin; get off at Koga-bashi Torius-mae.

By train…

-take the JR Fukuhoku- Yutaka Line to Sasaguri Station. From there catch the Nishitetsu bus to the mall. Buses on the top of every hour. www.torius.co.jp

Costco Wholesale is a great place to stock up on foreign products. It’s exactly like the Costco back home–foreign memberships are honored. Come here when you realize the Japanese can’t make cheese. It also has cheap one-hour film developing service. Membership is \4200 a year and entitles you to bring three guests. Costco will also deliver your purchases for a small fee. Tel 092-931-9092.

Yu Ami Chaya Onsen – Tsurezure No Yu ?? ????????? A good place to relax after shopping, especially in winter. The baths are spacious and clean and there are two saunas and a small rotemburo. \700 10am-9pm, \500 9pm- 2am.

getting there…

Opposite Torius Mall. 991 Yamada, Hisayama-machi. Tel 092-931-9222. supersentou.com/6_kyushu/turezurenoyu.htm

Stage 9 is a newly opened gym in Torius. It has a pool, weight machines and a studio with a few aerobics classes every evening, as well as swimming lessons. Different levels of membership are available depending on peak/off peak times. Full membership is \9000/month. Some of the staff speak English. Tel 092-976-3990.

TOHO Cinema lies on the opposite side of Torius from Costco and runs the latest movies on its 14 screens. Tickets are \1800 but if you show your alien registration card they’re just \1000. \1000 tickets also available on the 1st of every month and Wed for ladies’ night. Late shows after 9pm are \1200. Tel 092-957-5555.