A couple of months ago (November 2024), I find myself going to Fukuoka, Japan. This was my first time to travel to Japan and not opt for my usual Tokyo (I love Tokyo, btw!) so it was really an adventure for me. I was quite excited to try new 'flavors' and that turned out to be a nice decision. I just followed my instincts and Google Map!
First stop was in Lawson, simply because it's just beside my dorm. It has also become a habit to pass by Lawson at least twice a day during the length of my stay in the region. I also love the fact that most of the staff manning the konbini are elderly because they are much more friendlier than their younger counterpart. At Lawson's, I've bought different kinds of bread and liters of milk (I'm a milk drinker) almost every day, Katsudon, Instant Ramen, Soy Eggs, Egg Sandwich, Onigiri, Nori Chips, Meiji Dark Chocolate, etc.
My first day in Fukuoka was at the Canal City Hakata Mall. After some window-shopping, I find myself craving for coffee and the only one with a vacant table was at St. Marc's Cafe where I ordered the lunch set (pizza bread + coffee) which is available from 11am-3pm daily.
Walking distance from my place in Hakata is Rakusuien. It is a traditional Japanese garden that serves tea, the traditional way, of course. I think I went there about four times, but availed of the traditional tea only once. The rest of my visit, I brought egg sandwich or chips plus bottled tea from Lawson, and had a quiet lunch/ snack at one of the benches near the pond.
Then I had Yakisoba at one of the food stalls at the underground food hall in Hakata Station. It was quite cheap at Y500 and serving portion is good for sharing. But I guess I was too tired from exploring Old Hakata Town that I was able to finish all of it. It was a bit salty though or maybe the saltiness came from the generous shavings of bonito flakes.
I also tried the Dorayaki at Sumiyoshi Temple. This was on a weekend though (they don't sell food at the temple during weekdays. Dorayaki is like a small pancake filled with sweetened adzuki (red) beans. It's a bit expensive at Y200 per piece so I only got one. I mean, a bigger one costs only Y150 in Lawson. But it tastes good and freshly made.
My first food splurge (to quote hubby!) was at Pomme-no-ki located in Canal City. I got the Omurice with beef and it was the best omurice experience!
Fall season was just starting when I traveled to Fukuoka but the cold bothered me or it was just an excuse to order coffee. Most of the time, I got my hot coffee from the vending machine. Yes, you can get 'hot' coffee even from vending machines. Amazing! But be careful because the 'canned' coffee is literally hot. I love Georgia Coffee. Here's something funny, there's a time I was too tired from walking and walking and all I wanted to drink was cold tea. Alas, I made the mistake of choosing the 'hot' tea from the machine so instead of having a refreshing drink, I end up drinking hot tea. Lesson learned.
One of the farthest places I've visited in Fukuoka is in Meinohama (iykyk) and after spending more than a few hours there, all I wanted to do was lay down on my bed BUT I was famished so I bought a Chirashi Bowl for take-away at the grocery there. I suddenly miss the local supermarket in Fuchinobe, Sagamihara! But that's another tale.
My trip to Meinohama was so tiring, I felt hungry again after a couple of hours upon arriving at the dorm. This time around, I explored the other end (residential part) of Hakata and discovered this store that sells take-aways only. They have katsudons, ramen, steamed veggies, soups, karaages, etc. I opted for Katsudon and it was the perfect meal for a very chilly night.
I ventured to another far place the following day because of 2nd Street but finding nothing interesting to buy there, I followed Google Map until I arrived at Tenya, a seafood donburi restaurant. You can check link for my separate post about Tenya.
And as if Tenya was not far enough, I rode the train and decided to go down at the last station at the other end of the train line. I mean, I was tired from the long walk going to Tenya and all I wanted to do was sit down which I did, on the train. Then it was KFC time at Hashimoto Station before heading back home (dorm). Did I mention that the KFC fried chicken in Japan are huge and doesn't have gravy? But it tasted like the KFC back home (Manila) and I guess I was longing for 'familiar' flavors by this time.
Too tired from my adventure the previous day, and also because it was raining ... I just stayed close to 'home' and had brunch at Tully's Coffee in Canal City. Thanking my daughter for the Tully's pre-loaded card but I made a boo-boo of adding some Yens! Haha! I got the sandwich + coffee set and did some 'work' since I can't venture far because of the rain.
The Full Full Hakata is a very famous breadshop in Hakata, Fukuoka. It was near my dorm but I dare not venture in because of the snaking line outside whenever I pass by. Luckily, I was able to go in without falling in-line before closing time (2nd to the last night of my trip) and got myself the famous Mentaiko Baguette and Iced Coffee. And the verdict? Read more about it on- The Full Full Hakata.
Overall, Fukuoka has tons of interesting flavors not found in Tokyo and that's enough reason for me to go back. Hopefully soon!