Insider: Fukuoka, Japan

01 Feb 2012

TAMAO YAMAUCHI, a sales support clerk with Singapore Airlines, shares some unique experiences and must-eats in Kyushu’s largest and most vibrant city.

BEST WAY TO GET AROUND

Public buses that ply most city roads will get you to attractions like Tenjin, one of the largest shopping areas in Fukuoka, and the Momochi area, where you can take a boat across Hakata Bay to Uminonakamichi Seaside Park. All buses have announcements in English, Chinese and Korean.

QUINTESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE

For a taste of local street food, head to the yatai (above) or stands along Meiji, Showa, Watanabe and Kokutai Streets. Most operate from 5pm to midnight, purveying ramen and mostunabe (hot pot with beef or pork offal). A hallmark of Fukuoka, you won’t find as many yatai anywhere else in Japan.

FAVOURITE PLACES TO SHOP

Connected to Tenjin subway station, Tenjin Chikagai is an underground arcade that connects to many of the city’s famous department stores and fashion buildings including Mitsukoshi and Daimaru. The arcade itself has shops retailing clothes, fashion accessories, jewellery, kimonos and Japanese tea.

A PLACE CLOSE TO MY HEART

A 30-minute drive from downtown Fukuoka is Kubarahonke Kayanoya restaurant (395-1 Kushiya, Hisayamamachi, Kasuya-gun, Tel: 81 92 976 2112; above). It serves good organic coffee and even has an on-site vegetable garden. Or pick up organic soya sauce and jam from the shop next door.

GREAT EATS

Hyotan zushi (2-3F, 2-10-20 Tenjin, Tel: 81 92 711 1951) is the place to indulge in fresh
sushi that’s offered on a conveyor belt. For excellent sake and sashimi, head to Hyotei Restaurant (2-4-28 Imaizumi, Chuo-ku, Tel: 81 92 737 7804): Their seasonal offerings like bamboo shoots and horse mackerel are worth a try.

A WALK IN THE PARK

Fukuoka’s answer to New York’s Central Park, Ohori Park is just a few bus stops away from Tenjin; don’t miss the spectacular fireworks display in early August. A stone’s throw away is the ruins of Fukuoka Castle, whose grounds are especially stunning from late March to early April when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom.

BEST SPA EXPERIENCE

Just across central Fukuoka lies Shikanoshima, a resort island in Hakata Bay, where Luigans Spa & Resort (above) is located. Pamper yourself with facials and massages using customised blended oils. A beautiful ocean view and splendid spa treatment will rejuvenate you after a day of shopping.

QUICK GETAWAYS

The famous hot springs in Oita Prefecture are just a 2.5-hour train ride away from Hakata station. Beppu Yufuin Oyado Yufuintei (1027-3 Kawakami Yufuin-cho, Yufu-shi, Tel: 81 977 85 4296) and Beppu Yufuin Iyashi no sato Kanputei (1065-2 Kawakami, Yufuin-cho, Yufu-shi Tel: 81 977 28 8818) are two spots worth checking out.

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