Fukuoka trip for Golden Week (edited to post again)

12 comments

1. I’m also open to museum recommendations. I generally like museums but my bf says he gets extremely tired out by them so we might only hit up one. And I’d like to know the best one if possible.

2. Question 3 – I went there a few years ago and it felt like a normal mall. I didn’t see the light show so not sure what that is like.

3. **Question 1:** I’ve personally never been precisely because it is so far. People I know who have gone have liked it, though. If you’re looking for some aesthetically pleasing Instagram photos, it might be worth the trip.

   There is a lovely wisteria canopy right in between Ohori Park and the Castle Ruins, though, so maybe check that out first and see how you feel.

   Also inside of Ohori Park is the Fukuoka Art Museum. The free exhibits are a bit underwhelming, but they have some interesting traveling exhibits from time to time, so it’s worth looking up or strolling by to see what’s going on.

   **Question 2:** You will be able to find mentaiko-flavored/themed omiyage everywhere. Fukuoka is also known for Hiyoko, though I believe that is easily obtained in Tokyo. Yuzugosho is sold literally everywhere, and if you’re looking for a personal omiyage, various ramen shops sell their versions of (mostly) instant ramen in all the omiyage shops.

   **Question 3:** Canal City is just a mall. The architecture is cool, but the stores are all your average fare (H&M, UNIQLO, etc.) and the restaurants are all major chains that you can enjoy elsewhere.

   The good thing about Canal City is that it’s incredibly close to (practically across the street from) Kushida-jinja, and walking distance or a short bus ride away from both Hakata and Tenjin Station.

   There’s also a large shopping arcade (Nakasukawabata Shotengai) right around the corner that might be a good place to find some less traditional omiyage (non-snack foods), and walking through it leads right up to the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum.

   In short, Canal City itself isn’t really worth spending an entire day at – especially if you already live in Japan – but the surrounding area might be interesting enough to warrant passing through it. Avoid Ramen Stadium if you do decide to go; it’s overpriced smaller portions of ramen shops that exist elsewhere in the city.

   **Question 4:** Marine World is just an aquarium. It’s nice, fairly recently renovated, and worth it if you want to go to an aquarium. But it’s not really any different from other aquariums in Japan.

   Uminonakamichi Seaside Park lovely. Depending on the season, they have massive fields of nothing but flowers. Great for photos. However, that kind of is all it is. It’s not far from the city, so I wouldn’t completely write it off it if you’re interested, but be aware that this is more of a nice half-day trip for families living in the city who want a picnic where the kids can run around than a neat tourist spot.

   **Question 5:** To be honest, any ramen shop you walk into will be better (and cheaper) than Ichiran or Ippudo. They are also truly on every single corner and backstreet in the city. Some popular spots are Daruma, Nagahama Ramen, Taiho, and Shin Shin.

   **Other Suggestions:** Personally, I’d recommend going to Nokonoshima for flowers (check to see what’s in bloom). It’s super close to the city, the ferry ride is quick and relaxing, and the flower fields overlook the ocean and the cityscape. It’s not far from both Fukuoka Tower and the Fukuoka City Museum.

   I would also recommend Dazaifu. The shrine is beautiful and quiet (especially now when there are no tourists), the street leading up to it is full of fun shops to poke around in, and it’s in the same area as the Kyushu National Museum. There is also umegaemochi, which I think everyone needs to eat. It’s very easy to get to via the train line running from Tenjin (Nishitetsu).

   Another nice day trip would be the gondolas in Yanagawa (also easily accessible by train). It’s relaxing, the gondoliers are pretty funny, and the town at the end of the canals is quaint and peaceful. Yanagawa is known for eel, senbei, and its unique hinamatsuri decorations, all of which are easy to find the second you step off the boats.

   YMMV in terms of whats open thanks to coronavirus, but these are still lovely places to look into nonetheless. And which museum is best will vary wildly based on what kinds of museums you like and what exhibits they’re currently showing. I like all the museums I mentioned for different reasons.

   **Other Info:** [Fukuoka Now](https://www.fukuoka-now.com/) is a local website and free magazine that focuses on Fukuoka travel info. They have tons of information about upcoming events, various shrines and temples, restaurants, and every other visit-worthy spot imaginable. Definitely check them out for more info.

   If you prefer browsing social media, Micaela ([YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/Ciaela), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mikaeradesu/?hl=ja)) has been posting videos about Fukuoka for years. It looks like she’s also started a [https://fukuokaeats.com/](https://fukuokaeats.com/).

   Edit – museum info

4. I didn’t realize yuzukosho was just a Kyushu thing. It’s really quite good with chicken or steak. Any market should have it.

   Canal City is just a mall attached to a nice hotel. Nothing really special. Kinda feel it catered more to tourist/travelers than actual locals.

   It’s been several years since I ate in Fukuoka City but we liked Hakata Fudo which is a yakitori place near Hakata Station.

5. “I’ve decided to take that risk”

   It’s not about the risk for you. It’s about the risk to the communities you’re planning to visit.
   Please take all precautions to keep them (and yourself) safe.

6. I’ve been to Karachi fujien in full bloom and it was 100% worth it. I loved the smell of the wisteria, super powerful since there was so much of it! The only reason I would hesitate is if someone in your party has a bee allergy…because there are a lot of bees loving on the wisteria just like the humans lol. When I went we got kimono rentals from a place in Fukuoka and took the train and then taxi there. Made for gorgeous pics.

   Canal city is a super normal mall. The seaside park is pretty but too far to be worth it. I once did a chocolate themed 5k there and got super sick haha.

   What you’re missing about Fukuoka is the yatai culture. You can find maps on Fukuoka now.

   Mizutaki is THE best Fukuoka specialty in my opinion.

   In winter it’s really fun to do a nomihodai at isogai menchanko, a rooftop restaurant, they have a special to grill oysters right in front of you.

   I also second what someone else wrote about Dazaifu being the best day trip. Stunning place.l

7. Canal City, I would say offer typical things I would expect from a shopping center. When I went, the light show at night was Evangelion themed, so it was fun. Otherwise, there is just smaller water jet show several times in the day. In any case, it’s right next to Nakasu island and it’s the place to go for yatai, that is one of the interesting food attraction of Fukuoka (they serve ramen among other things), as well as next to Kawabata shotengai, that is one of the other interesting spot in the area with things like Kushida-jinja and some small museum next to it. So for sure I would go. You can check the Fukuoka Navi to have ideas of things in each area [https://yokanavi.com/en/areaguide/](https://yokanavi.com/en/areaguide/)

   Souvenir : [https://yokanavi.com/en/souvenir/](https://yokanavi.com/en/souvenir/) or also chicken cake (it’s like chicken shaped manju) from Hiyoko Hompo Yoshinodo

   As you asked for museum recommendation, then Fukuoka City Museum, super cheap ticket to enter and really great if you are into history museum. It’s also close to Fukuoka tower, so you can do it after or just go check the light show on the tower. You would probably have to eat in the area as I think the museum close at 5 and the illumination start at 7 or something like that, in any case, should be easy to find the schedule on their website.

   ​

   Edit : also, teamlab forest ? [https://www.teamlab.art/fr/e/forest/](https://www.teamlab.art/fr/e/forest/)

8. I picked up a variety pack of Menbei for souvenirs. A company based in Fukuoka makes them. They’re senbei flavored with mentaiko and other flavors. Pretty good if you’re a fan of senbei

9. They might have closed because of covid, but Kapono’s is really good.
   1 Chome-3-4 Maizuru, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0073, Japan

10. For ramen, I recommend Hakata Issou! Also for omiyage, maybe go for the Hamata Torimon and the mentaiko related stuff.

11. Memorable restaurants from my Dec 2019 trip was shabu shabu at Karen, 3-11 Haruyoshi. The food was steamed in bamboo trays, which I haven’t seen done at any shabu place before. Yakiniku with some Korean influence at Tamura, 3-12 Haruyoshi. The chef spent a few years in the US and speaks pretty fluent English.

    If you get yourself out to Itoshima, hit up an oyster hut! Then go to the seasalt factory for the best salted caramel pudding ever. This involved renting a car for us but it was fun, delicious, and memorable.

12. During my trip to Japan I was in Fukuoka in early march and are at two excellent sushiya via reservations obtained from my hotel concierge.

    Kiko Zushi: 3-51-3 Kasugakoen Kasuga-city

    [https://yoshitomi-sushi.com/](https://yoshitomi-sushi.com/)

    Very happy with both.