Made in Japan: You cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if you has not dined well”
FUKUOKA, JAPAN: In this fascinating country, food plays a crucial cultural role. Japanese cuisine is both closely linked to nature and draws inspiration from the four seasons. Before a visit, get insight into Japanese gastronomy, plan a tour of sake breweries, and how to make noodles. We visit Fukuoka, one of the up-and-coming cities of Asia, a meeting place for all sorts of people and cultures, full of energy. We taste some real specialities in a city with low crime rate and high expectation of Japanese food.
Japan’s famous stalls
The area around Hakata and Tenjin in Fukuoka is known as Japan’s largest “yatai-gai” – streets with rows of food stalls. Every night at least 100 “yatai” stay open until 2am. Street food such as ramen, grilled chicken skewers, snails in garlic butter, and much more is served. Each stall has seating for around ten people.
Fukuoka is famous for several things – not least for its food, shopping and nightlife. In addition, nice beaches, varied nature, rich in cultural offerings and with a historical buzz. Popular both for permanent residence and a short visit. This is fruit-region, with year-round harvesting of berries and fruits.
The people of Fukuoka are famous for being relaxed, open-minded and they love a good festival.
The best street-food
This is the only part of Japan that has been chosen as one of the 10 best street-food area in Asia. The stalls in Fukuoka have food at reasonable prices, which makes stall-hopping in Hakata/Tenjin a fun place. This is an excellent option for dinner or after-drinks snacks.
What to do in Fukuoka
Fukuoka has seven wards and Chuo Ward is most trendy.This quarter is a mish-mash of designer boutiques, backstreet bars and quirky coffee shops. It’s popular with the younger crowd and has a lot to offer. Laidback atmosphere makes it the perfect place to sit back and people watch from a café, or to browse vintage clothes and vinyl. Don’t miss the unique street art that makes an appearance — some in less obvious locations and others in plain sight. For after-hours entertainment there are several bars, izakaya and even a couple of British pubs.
The City of Art
Fukuoka is an amazing art-centric city and wealth of creative works to discover. Fukuoka Prefectural Museum of Art features contemporary Kyushu- and Fukuoka-based artists, while Fukuoka Asian Art Museum offers a broad range of Asia-wide artworks
Fukuoka Art Museum’s collection has an extensive selection of pre-modern and modern pieces from all over the world. If you’re interested in more intimate art collections, make your way to Keyaki-dori for high-class art galleries and cozy cafés. You’ll find traditional crafts at Hakata Traditional Craft and Design Museum, where artisans sometimes hold exhibitions and workshops.
Seaside beach park
Walk in the sunset. Not many cities are blessed with a beach on their doorstep, but Fukuoka is one of the lucky few. It’s a stone’s throw away from sights like Fukuoka Tower and Fukuoka City Museum. There’s a shopping complex nearby and a whole slew of restaurants that draw locals at all hours of the day, all year round. In summer, people gather for beach volleyball, marine sports and more, while the rest of the year it’s great for a family day out or a quiet walk at sunset.
FESTIVAL: People meet to get a glimpse of the Geisha passing by at Toka Ebisu Festival, to celebrate the god of fisheries.
What to eat in Fukuoka
The area around Hakata and Tenjin are known as Japan’s largest “yatai-gai” – street with rows of food stalls. Here are around 100 “yatai” set up on any given night. It is also the only part of Japan selected as one of the Top 10 Street Stall Cities in Asia. The stalls offer not only ramen, but also unique Fukuoka dishes like “yakitori” chicken skewers and bite-sized dumplings. Prices are very reasonable, making it fun to go stall-hopping.
Fukuoka Chefs make food magic
When in Fukuoka, Here are some specialities you should taste
Try Udon noodles
Fukuoka is largely known for ramen. However, try Japanese udon, thick wheat noodles, and soba, thin buckwheat noodles. These noodles were brought from mainland China tousand years ago. Udon is adored by locals, and proven by the largest concentrations of udon restaurants in all of Japan!
Udon dishes consist of soft noodles and a clear broth of light soy sauce. Many locals Then many top their udon with hearty burdock root tempura and fried fish cake, along with condiments like yuzu-kosho, yuzu and chili peppers mixed into a paste.
Motsunabe
The energy-boosting and healthy “motsunabe”, or hotpot, is extremely popular among all kinds of people. While the soup varies depending on the restaurant, it is usually soy sauce or miso-based, and eaten with plenty of chives, cabbage, and garlic to complement the offal. After enjoying the ingredients, add champon noodles or rice to the soup and turn it into a second meal! Motsunabe is also cooked in a shallow stainless steel pot, making it very different from typical hotpot dishes.
Yakitori with Cabbage
Fukuoka is home to countless Yakitori restaurants. However, the yakitori culture of Fukuoka is totally different from the rest of the region. Here, pork belly is actually the meat of choice over chicken, and lots of cabbage is served. As pork belly is a juicy, fatty cut, the cabbage gives your mouth and stomach a rest in between helpings. Plus, chicken skin twisted into a spiral is also a staple delicacy in Fukuoka, so be sure to give it a go!
Yaki Curry – Nostalgic in Retro Town
Yaki curry is a fashionable dish born in Mojiko, the northernmost town of Kyushu. This simple meal is made by pouring curry over rice, topping it with cheese and egg, and then baking it in an oven.
An icon of Mojiko, yaki curry is widely popular, and there are more than 20 restaurants serving it today. Despite its simplicity, each restaurant has a completely different take on the spices, presentation, and ingredients.
Mentaiko
For many, the definitive Fukuoka souvenir is “mentaiko” – pollack fish roe seasoned with salt and spices. Fukuoka is the birthplace of mentaiko, and remains by far its largest producer and consumer in Japan, making it no exaggeration to also call it the “Land of Mentaiko.” Mentaiko has a simple taste, and it goes well with anything, from pasta to rice crackers, and as a topping on rice. It also has its own characteristics brought out by the artisans behind the dish, so definitely take the time to savor it!
Sensational Seafood
Fukuoka faces the Genkai Sea, one of the world’s leading fishing grounds. Fresh seafood is always available. Try the local specialty “goma-saba” – mackerel seasoned with soy sauce and sesame. Along with delights like “ika no ikizukuri” – live squid sashimi, made with translucent squids resembling jewels. Try “uchiwaebi” – fan lobster. Many claim it is more delicious than the coveted Japanese spiny lobster! For unforgettable memories, dare yourself to eat the unusual delicacies of Yanagawa, such as mudskippers and “warasubo”, a species of eel goby, caught in the Ariake Sea!
Fukuoka´s own Strawberry
Amaou is one of two major Japanese strawberry brands. These strawberries are sweet and rich in taste, and their large size makes them satisfying to eat. In fact, an Amaou strawberry was even recognized as the world’s heaviest strawberry by the Guinness World Records! As they are only produced in Fukuoka, Amaou strawberry picking is a must-do while traveling Fukuoka. They are widely cultivated throughout the area, so make sure to try it in whatever area you end up visiting!
This is sake
First came the rice. Then came sake.
Japan is famous for sake, which has been brewed for over 2,000 years. Sake is neither beer, wine nor spirits. It is an alcoholic drink made from polished rice, and more like a rice beer than rice wine.
If you ask for sake in Japan, you might get something other than sake. Because sake is a word for any drink with alcohol. In Japan, sake is called nihonshu or seishu. In the city of Suwa in the Kamisuwa area, two hours by train from Tokyo, you can visit five sake breweries. These have been making sake since the mid-17th century and have greatly benefited from cold winters, local rice and the water from Mount Kirigamine. The five breweries Maihime, Reijin, Honkin, Yokobue and Masumi are located side by side.
Japanese history
Japan is rich with wisdom from samurai, poets, and philosophere. Here are some examples.
“Today´s enemy is tomorrow´s friend”
“Dumplings over flowers”
“Effort never betrays you”
“The one who can change the future, is always yourself”
“Fall down seven times, stand up eight”
And some fun:
“When poisoned, also eat the plate”
“I never had to lift anything heavier than a pair of chopsticks”
About Fukuoka
Fukuoka is the gateway to Kyushu, Japan’s third largest island. A region rich on ancient culture and natural beauty. Fukuoka is a crossroad between cultures, diversity and cosmopolitan citizens who extend their welcome. This is where traditions harmonize with the modern and the urban spaces grow with nature.
The international lifestyle magazine Monocle ranked Fukuoka as one of the most liveable cities in the world, and high marks for shopping and food.
Things to do in Fukuoka
The Japanese love festivals, and Fukuokans are no exception. Not a month goes by without a festival or two. The three largest are Dontaku in early May with parades dancers, music and fun. Yamakasa in July is based about loin-clothed men carrying ornate floats around the city as fast as they can run. Hojoya is a Buddhist festival in September filled with crowds who simply want to enjoy the vendors and carnival atmosphere. But there are numerous traditional festivals and modern events such as Asian Party and Nakasu Jazz Festival.
God´s Festival at Sea
Even a festival at sea take place to celebrate “Island of God”. Three islands come together for the Autumn Grand Festival, held from October 1. to 3, giving thanks for peace, good harvest, safety at sea, and a big catch. On the first day of the Miare Festival, a procession of over 100 fishing boats decorated with flags heading for the ancient ceremony at sea -. an unforgettable sight.
Where is Fukuoka
Population: 1,650.000
Location: Northern Kyushu – the third largest of Japan´s five main islands. 883km from Tokyo.
Weather: Mild winters and hot and often rainy summers, up to +35 in summer, less than +10 in winters. August is hottest month.
Local transport: Use prepaid travel cards, it will help to save time from waiting lines.
Those visiting Fukuoka City can buy the Fukuoka Tourist City Pass available exclusively for foreign tourists.
Free Wi-Fi: Fukuoka City provides a free public Wi-Fi service known as “Fukuoka City Wi-Fi” at all major subway stations and sightseeing and commercial facilities.
Cash: Most hotels and stores accept credit cards. But carry some cash while staying in Fukuoka. Exchange at airport or any city bank.
Buddha statue: Fukuoka is home to the world´s largest bronze statue: Buddha at the moment of death. 41m long and 11m high, it weights 300 tonnes, as much as a full jumbo jet.
Kawachi Wisteria Garden, famous for spectacular wisteria display. 150 plants and 20 different species burst into bright bloom in April / May. Stunning parts are the tunnels made with wisterias, one is 80m long.
Where to stay in Fukuoka
Places to stay: Upscale inns, budget hotels, glamping or camping, dozens of hotels, private guesthouses and B&B.
Tourist office: Fukuoka Tourism Association, 7-7 Higashikoen, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka 812-8577
+81-(0)92-645-0019 +81-(0)92-645-0020
To contact use Facebook “Messenger” or Instagram
Briefly about Japan
Japan is made of 14,125 islands shaped as an arc and stretching 3,300 kilometres from north to south. Japan has a population of 126 million. In terms of area, the country is roughly the same size as Norway or California. 70% is covered by mountains and forest. Especially on Honshu there are high mountains, with Fujisan at 3,776m as the highest.
Nature offers snow-covered Hokkaido in the north and subtropical jungle and coral reefs off Okinawa in the south.
Finally, food advice: If your meal has been delicious, don´t forget to say: “Oishil”
