The Least Useful Guide to Fukuoka

Fukuoka’s moist soil and relatively hot weather (though this year it has been exceptionally cool) seems to be a perfect condition for houttuynia plants which prefer wet ground and humid air. Whether or not you like it, it will cover your garden unless you deploy strict weed control measures, and smell rather peculiarly. The smell is in a way refreshing, but most of you would say it ‘disgusting’.

However, it is the smelly substances of the plant that makes houttuynia stand out from other weeds. Actually the plants have been used as a herbal remedy, thought to help your digestive and circulatory system, and brighten your skin when used as a skin lotion. Indeed, the houttuynia has another Japanese name which means ‘ten medicines’.

This natural remedy is absolutely free because they spring up everywhere where the ground is wet or shady.

The problem is, where you can pick up this plant would usually be open to dogs or cats hanging around. The chances are your houttuynias have grown with the help of hygienically unpleasant fertilisers; direct shower of their pee....