Reader’s Question: I am planning a 3-day, 2-night trip to Hakata starting from September 18th. It will be a girls’ trip with three of us. We are scheduled to arrive at Hakata Airport around 10 AM and will be staying
at a hotel called “Cross Life Hakata Tenjin,” which is a 5-minute walk from Nakasu Yatai for both nights. Please recommend travel itineraries and delicious restaurants. Also, while public transportation seems convenient, would it be smoother to rent a car?
A Girls’ Trip to Hakata: Eating, Exploring, and Making Memories!
Hey there, lovely readers! If you’re thinking about heading to Japan, let me tell you about my recent trip to Hakata that I took with my two besties. We spent three fun-filled days soaking in the sights, sounds, and the mouth-watering flavors of this vibrant city in Fukuoka Prefecture. So, grab a cup of tea, and let’s dive into this adventure!
Day 1: Arrival and Local Delights
We landed at Hakata Airport around 10 AM, and let me just say, arriving in Japan is always a thrill. The airport is super clean and organized – just like you’d expect from Japan! After grabbing our bags, we hopped on the Airport Line train to Hakata Station, which took about 5-10 minutes. Seriously, the public transport here is so efficient, you’ll hardly miss having a car.
Once we got to Hakata Station, we decided to check in at our hotel, Cross Life Hakata Tenjin. It was just a short walk from Nakasu Yatai, where we had plans to eat later that evening. The hotel wasn’t fancy, but it was cozy and had the perfect location. We freshened up and headed out to explore the area!
First things first, we found a cute little café for lunch called “Café de Lune.” The atmosphere was so welcoming, and I still remember the sweet scent of freshly baked pastries wafting through the air. I opted for a matcha latte and a slice of their signature cheesecake. Oh. My. Goodness. If you love matcha, you HAVE to try this! It was creamy, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet.
After lunch, we wandered down to the nearby Tenjin area, where we stumbled upon some hidden gems. We found a small shop selling traditional Japanese crafts, and I couldn’t resist picking up a couple of cute souvenirs. The best part? The shop owner was so friendly, and she showed us how to fold origami flowers!
Evening Adventures at Nakasu Yatai
As evening approached, we were buzzing with excitement to visit Nakasu Yatai, a famous street food area known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious food stalls. The neon lights and the scent of grilled yakitori filled the air – it was magical! We wandered around, trying to decide where to eat, because honestly, everything looked amazing!
We finally settled on a little yatai called “Yatai Katsu.” I mean, who could resist the allure of crispy fried food? We ordered a mix of yakitori skewers and some tonkotsu ramen. Let me tell you, the ramen was a warm hug on a chilly night – the broth was rich and flavorful, and those noodles? So chewy and perfect!
While we dined, we chatted about our plans for the next day. I love how food brings people together, and we laughed until our sides hurt. We ended our night with some sweet treats from a nearby stall – I had a classic taiyaki filled with red bean paste. Yup, I was in dessert heaven!
Day 2: Culture and More Culinary Adventures
After a good night’s sleep, we woke up ready to explore the cultural side of Hakata. We started our day with breakfast at the hotel, which was simple but satisfying. Then, we made our way to the Tocho-ji Temple, one of Fukuoka’s oldest and most important temples.
I was completely taken aback by the beauty of the giant wooden Buddha statue inside the temple. It was breathtaking! The peaceful ambiance made it the perfect spot for some reflection, and we snapped a few photos to commemorate the moment. If you’re visiting, definitely take your time wandering through the temple grounds.
After our spiritual moment, we headed over to the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, where we learned about the local culture and crafts. We even tried our hand at making traditional Hakata dolls! I must admit, my artistic skills are questionable at best, but we had a blast making a mess and giggling at each other’s creations.
Lunch at Ichiran Ramen
Okay, I have to talk about lunch because it was one of the highlights of our trip. We went to Ichiran Ramen, a place famous for its tonkotsu ramen, and let me tell you, it lived up to the hype! The concept is pretty unique: you sit in a private booth and order via a vending machine. It felt a bit like a ramen version of a secret agent mission!
We all ordered the classic tonkotsu, and when it arrived, we could hardly contain our excitement. The rich, creamy broth was divine, and the noodles were cooked to perfection. You can customize your bowl with a range of toppings, and I went all out with extra green onions and a spicy red sauce. Pure bliss!
After lunch, we decided to take it easy and explore the nearby shopping streets. We visited the Tenjin Underground Shopping Mall – I mean, let’s be real, who doesn’t love shopping? I snagged a few cute outfits and some adorable accessories. There’s something about Japan’s fashion scene that just screams chic!
Evening at Ohori Park
As the sun started to set, we made our way to Ohori Park, a beautiful park surrounding a large pond. It was so serene and perfect for a stroll. We walked along the paths, admiring the cherry blossoms (yes, even in September, we could still see some), and took loads of photos. It felt like we were in a postcard!
We ended our day with dinner at a local izakaya called “Hakata Tofu,” where we indulged in various small plates, including grilled fish, tofu dishes, and, of course, more sake. The atmosphere was lively, with locals laughing and chatting around us, and I loved how welcoming everyone was. It felt like we were part of a big family!
Day 3: Last-Minute Adventures and Farewell
On our final day, we decided to kick things off with a visit to the Fukuoka Tower. It’s not far from the city center, and trust me, the panoramic views from the top are worth it! We took the elevator up and, wow, the sight of the coastline and the city skyline was breathtaking. It was the perfect way to soak in our last morning in Hakata.
Afterward, we made our way back to the hotel, checked out, and decided to grab some brunch. We found a lovely little café called “Le Café de Joël Robuchon.” It felt quite fancy, but I mean, you only live once, right? The brunch was a delightful mix of French and Japanese flavors. I had the eggs benedict with a side of fresh fruit, and it was like a flavor explosion!
Time to Say Goodbye
With our bellies full and a bit of sadness in our hearts, we decided to take a leisurely stroll before heading to the airport. We stopped by a few more shops, picking up last-minute souvenirs and snacks to bring back home.
As the time approached for us to leave, I felt a mix of emotions. I was so grateful for the beautiful memories we had created together, but I also didn’t want the trip to end. We took one last picture at Hakata Station, promising each other we’d return someday.
In conclusion, if you’re planning a trip to Hakata, don’t stress about renting a car. Public transportation is super convenient, and you can get around easily. Plus, you’ll get to soak in the local sights along the way! Whether you’re indulging in delicious food, exploring cultural sites, or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, Hakata has something for everyone.
Until next time, my fellow travelers – I hope you find your own slice of adventure in Japan!
