Thursday, August 21, 2025

A 6.85-Mile Stroll Across Fukuoka: Nishijin Street, Ohori Park, Fukuoka Castle & Yanagibashi Market

Ohori Park (大濠公園)
       As I mentioned in a previous post, my husband and I visited Hakata in Fukuoka last year. One of the things I most looked forward to was walking through Ohori Park (大濠公園) and the Fukuoka Castle Remains (福岡城跡地) as part of our fitness routine—we both love walking and hiking. I had only visited this area once before as a teenager during the Nishinihon Ohori Fireworks Festival, so it had been many years. Revisiting it felt nostalgic and refreshing. 

       We began our walk from Fujisaki subway station (藤崎駅), since I had a check-up appointment with an ophthalmologist nearby. From there, we passed through Nishijin Shopping Street (西新商店街), Ohori Park, the Fukuoka Castle Remains, and finally the lively Yanagibashi Rengo Fish Market (柳橋連合市場), ending our journey at the ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka by IHG, where we stayed just a short walk from JR Hakata Station. In total, we walked 6.85 miles (11 km)—a lovely urban hike through some of Fukuoka’s most charming neighborhoods. If you’d prefer a more direct route to Ohori Park, starting at Ohori Park Station may be more convenient.

My Walking Summary

My Walking Summary
My Walking Summary



Nishijin Shopping Street (西新商店街)

Houraku Manju (蜂楽饅頭) in Nishijin Shopping Street (西新商店街)

        While walking along Nishijin Shopping Street (西新商店街), we stopped by Houraku Manju (蜂楽饅頭), a shop specializing in a beloved Japanese dessert known by several names: Imagawayaki (今川焼), Kaitenyaki (回転焼), and Obanyaki (大判焼). These treats are made by baking a batter filled with sweet azuki bean paste in a round iron mold, creating a warm, fluffy cake with a rich, comforting center.

Houraku Manju (蜂楽饅頭) in Nishijin Shopping Street (西新商店街)

             My husband adores sweetened red bean paste, and the Houraku Manju were baked fresh on-site—the warm aroma drifting through the street was impossible to resist. We bought one for 110 yen and later enjoyed it while relaxing at Ohori Park (大濠公園).

Houraku Manju (蜂楽饅頭) 

4-9-18-1 Nishijin
Sawara-ku, Fukuoka-City
Fukuoka






My Walking Summary (Ohori Park to Fukuoka Castle Remains)
My Walking Summary (Ohori Park to Fukuoka Castle Remains)



Ohori Park (大濠公園)

Ohori Park (大濠公園)

       Ohori Park (大濠公園) is a historic and scenic oasis in the heart of Fukuoka, featuring a large pond, islands, bridges, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Ohori Park (大濠公園)

             The centerpiece, Ohori Pond (大濠池), is expansive and serene. A walking path encircles the pond, stretching just over two kilometers—popular among joggers, pet walkers, and those enjoying a peaceful stroll by the water. 

Ohori Park (大濠公園)

         We spotted a graceful egret expertly catching small fish, adding a touch of nature’s drama to the calm surroundings.

Kangetsu Bashi (観月橋) at Ohori Park (大濠公園)
          In the center of the pond lies Naka no Shima, a small island accessible by bridge. As we crossed Kangetsu Bashi (観月橋), we admired the vibrant Nishikigoi (錦鯉)—large, colorful Japanese koi carp gliding through the water below.

Nishikigoi (錦鯉) in Ohori Park (大濠公園)

Ohori Park (大濠公園)


Ukimi-do Pavilion (浮見堂) at Ohori Park (大濠公園)

       Our destination was Ukimi-do Pavilion (浮見堂), one of the park’s most iconic features. This elegant structure sits on an island and is connected to the shore by four bridges: Kangetsu (観月), Shogetsu (松月), Chamura (茶村), and Satsuki (皐月).

Ukimi-do Pavilion (浮見堂) at Ohori Park (大濠公園)


Ukimi-do Pavilion (浮見堂) at Ohori Park (大濠公園)

Ohori Park (大濠公園)
      After exploring, we continued along the path to Starbucks Coffee Fukuoka Ohori Park, where we ordered a Matcha Cream Frappuccino (抹茶クリーム フラペチーノ) and took a restful break. We watched runners pass by as we relaxed—it really looked like a great place to jog. Ohori Pond is actually one of the most popular running spots in Fukuoka, with peaceful water views and a well-maintained loop that attracts locals and visitors alike.

Starbucks at Ohori Park (大濠公園)

Starbucks Coffee – Fukuoka Ohori Park
1-8 Ohorikoen
Chuo Ward, Fukuoka
Hours: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM




Fukuoka Castle Remains (福岡城跡地)

Maizuru Park (舞鶴公園)

             From Maizuru Park (舞鶴公園), we made our way to the Fukuoka Castle Remains (福岡城跡地), a historical site that preserves the remnants of one of Kyushu’s largest castles, originally built in the early 17th century.

Najimamon (名島門)


Fukuoka Castle Remains (福岡城跡地)

Fukuoka Castle Remains (福岡城跡地)

Fukuoka Castle Remains (福岡城跡地)

           Nestled within the park’s greenery, the area felt serene and almost hidden—we saw only a handful of visitors, likely fellow tourists. It’s an ideal spot for those who enjoy peaceful walks surrounded by history and nature.

Fukuoka Castle Remains (福岡城跡地)

Fukuoka Castle Remains (福岡城跡地)

Fukuoka Castle Remains (福岡城跡地)

Fukuoka Castle Remains (福岡城跡地)

        The views from the castle grounds were breathtaking. From the elevated walkway, we could see the cityscape of Fukuoka stretching out before us, with landmarks like Fukuoka Tower (福岡タワー) and the Fukuoka PayPay Dome (福岡PayPayドーム) clearly visible in the distance. The contrast between ancient stone walls and modern architecture was striking.

Fukuoka Castle Remains (福岡城跡地)

The View from Fukuoka Castle Remains (福岡城跡地)

      We snapped this photo from the Fukuoka Castle Remains—an incredible view of Fukuoka city unfolding beyond layers of summer greenery and a wide, open sky.

           After soaking in the scenery, we continued our walk toward Yanagibashi Rengo Fish Market (柳橋連合市場), ready to explore another layer of Fukuoka’s vibrant culture.




Yanagibashi Rengo Fish Market (柳橋連合市場)

Yanagibashi Rengo Fish Market (柳橋連合市場)

          By the time we arrived at Yanagibashi Rengo Fish Market (柳橋連合市場), we were starving—perfect timing for lunch. This market is one of the most popular in Fukuoka Prefecture, known for its compact layout and vibrant stalls. Some vendors specialize in fresh seafood, while others offer dried goods and local groceries, creating a lively mix of sights and smells.

Yanagibashi Rengo Fish Market (柳橋連合市場)

         As I mentioned in a previous entry, the market is home to several seafood restaurants, and we chose to eat at Koga Sengyo (古賀鮮魚)—a fishmonger that also runs a small restaurant. That means the seafood they serve is incredibly fresh, often sourced straight from their own stall.

Koga Sengyo (古賀鮮魚) in Yanagibashi Rengo Fish Market (柳橋連合市場)

📍 Koga Sengyo (古賀鮮魚) 1-6-4 Haruyoshi, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka Open Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM (Last order: 2:30 PM)

Kaisen don (海鮮丼)

         We ordered a Kaisen don (海鮮丼) for 1,100 yen, a Makanai don (まかない丼) for 900 yen, and a Deep-Fried Horse Mackerel (アジフライ) for 350 yen. Each dish was beautifully prepared and bursting with freshness. It was easily one of the best lunches we had during this trip—so satisfying after walking for nearly four hours.

Makanai don (まかない丼)
Deep-Fried Horse Mackerel (アジフライ) Half Size


           After that satisfying meal, we made our way back to the hotel feeling full, happy, and a little tired from all the walking. It was the perfect way to wrap up a day of exploring Fukuoka on foot.




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Thursday, August 14, 2025

Tasty Trails: 7 Depachika Favorites from Hakata Hankyu and Ming

 

7 Depachika Favorites from Hakata Hankyu and Ming

      Last year, my husband and I spent several days in Hakata, staying at the ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka—a detail some of you might recall from an earlier post. The hotel is conveniently located just a five-minute walk from JR Hakata Station. Surrounding the station are several department stores, including Hakata Hankyu (博多阪急), and a charming souvenir mall called Ming (マイング).

      As I mentioned in my previous entry, in Japan, major department stores often feature gourmet delicatessen areas in their basement floors, known as depachika (デパ地下)—a blend of depa (デパ), meaning "department store," and chika (地下), meaning "underground floor." If you’re planning a visit to Japan, you absolutely must explore a depachika. They showcase top-tier foods from renowned restaurants, confectioners, and other culinary artisans. In my experience, depachika foods are far tastier than meals from convenience stores or supermarkets. During our stay near JR Hakata Station, we visited the depachika several times—and each visit was a delicious adventure.

     We also stopped by Ming (マイング), a shopping mall specializing in gourmet souvenirs and is tucked into the first floor of JR Hakata Station, right near Hakata Hankyu—perfect for grabbing souvenirs after browsing the depachika. Today, I’m going to share seven delightful foods I picked up from Hakata Hankyu and Ming.


Hakata Hankyu (博多阪急)

  • 📍 Address: 1-1 Hakataekichuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka

  • 🕒 Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

  • 📍 Depachika located on B1F (basement floor)


Ming Hakata Ekinaka Shopping (マイング 博多エキナカ)

  • 📍 Address: 1-1 Hakataekichuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka

  • 🕒 Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

  • 📍 Located on the first floor of JR Hakata Station, just steps away from Hakata Hankyu








1. Umegae Mochi (梅ヶ枝餅)

📍 Purchased at: Matsushima Chaten (松島茶店), Ming Hakata Ekinaka Shopping 

🍵 Type: Wagashi (traditional Japanese confection)

Umegae Mochi (梅ヶ枝餅)

      Because my husband loves Umegae Mochi (梅ヶ枝餅), it was a must-try wagashi during our trip to Fukuoka. This grilled rice cake is filled with smooth red bean paste, wrapped in a delicate layer of mochi dough and baked on a hot iron plate until lightly crisp on the outside. Its comforting flavor and nostalgic aroma made it an essential part of our culinary journey.

Umegae Mochi (梅ヶ枝餅)

       At Matsushima Chaten (松島茶店) in Ming, we picked up a freshly grilled one for just 150 yen—around $1 USD. Simple, delicious, and budget-friendly, it was one of his favorite bites from the trip.

Umegae Mochi (梅ヶ枝餅)






2. Ikinari Dango (いきなりだんご)

📍 Purchased at: Kinjo Seika (金城製菓), Hakata Hankyu 

🍵 Type: Wagashi (traditional Japanese confection)

Ikinari Dango (いきなりだんご)

       I’ve always loved Ikinari Dango (いきなりだんご)—a humble yet comforting specialty from Kumamoto prefecture. It’s made by wrapping thick slices of sweet potato in soft flour dough, with a generous dollop of sweetened red bean paste nestled inside. These are steamed to perfection, and the flavor is as nostalgic as it is satisfying.

Ikinari Dango (いきなりだんご)

       We picked up two varieties at Kinjo Seika (金城製菓): the classic for 184 yen (about $1.25 USD), and the Kuromame Ikinari Dango (黒豆いきなりだんご), studded with black beans, for 195 yen (around $1.34 USD). The subtly earthy sweetness of the potato combined with the creamy bean paste made it one of my favorite wagashi on this trip.

Ikinari Dango (いきなりだんご)





3. Hakata Yaki Donut (博多 焼どうなつ)

📍 Purchased at: Satsuma Jokiya (薩摩蒸氣屋), Hakata Hankyu  

🍩 Type: Donut

Hakata Yaki Donut (博多 焼どうなつ)

       I’d heard Hakata Yaki Donut (博多 焼どうなつ) was a popular souvenir in Fukuoka—many visitors grab a few when passing through JR Hakata Station. Unlike traditional deep-fried donuts, this version is baked, making it lighter and a bit more guilt-free.

Hakata Yaki Donut (博多 焼どうなつ)

      At Satsuma Jokiya (薩摩蒸氣屋), the donuts are baked fresh on-site, and the warm aroma drifting through the area was impossible to ignore. I couldn’t resist picking one up—it was just 90 yen (about $0.62 USD), freshly baked and perfectly warm in my hands.

Hakata Yaki Donut (博多 焼どうなつ)

Hakata Yaki Donut (博多 焼どうなつ)

        We enjoyed Hakata Yaki Donut for the first time, and its soft, cake-like texture reminded me more of a madeleine than a typical donut. That subtle buttery flavor and tender crumb made it unexpectedly delightful—I really liked it.




4. Hamburg Steak Bento

📍 Purchased at: Hakata Imokkoya (博多いもっ子屋), Hakata Hankyu  

🍱 Type: Bento (boxed meal)

Hamburg Steak Bento

        Here’s a handy tip for depachika lovers: many delicatessen shops begin discounting items roughly 45 minutes to an hour before closing—perfect for a delicious dinner at a bargain. When we returned to Hakata Hankyu in the evening, we noticed several deli counters marking down their selections, and decided to pick up a few treats to enjoy back at the hotel.

       One of our finds was this hearty Hamburg Steak Bento, marked down to just 432 yen (about $3 USD)—and I’m pretty sure the original price was more than double. The bento featured a juicy hamburger patty with a rich glaze, nestled alongside fluffy rice and a few classic sides. Enjoying it in the quiet comfort of our hotel room felt like a cozy reward after a day of exploring.



5. Tori Meshi Rice Balls (鶏めしおにぎり)

📍 Purchased at: Hakata Imokkoya (博多いもっ子屋, Hakata Hankyu 

 🍙 Type: Rice Balls

Tori Meshi Rice Balls

       We also picked up a pack of three Tori Meshi Rice Balls (鶏めしおにぎり) for just 341 yen (about $2.35 USD)—another great evening deal, as the original price was likely more than double. These rice balls feature Tori Meshi (鶏飯), a savory blend of seasoned rice mixed with tender chicken and earthy gobo (burdock root). I’ve shared my own recipe for this comforting dish in an earlier post titled "How to Cook Tori Meshi – Savory Japanese Rice with Chicken and Gobo."It’s one of those flavors that always feels grounding—warm, slightly nutty, and deeply satisfying.




6. Deep-Fried Fugu (ふぐの唐揚げ)

📍 Purchased at: Sakana Doraku (魚道楽), Hakata Hankyu  

🐟 Type: Deep-Fried Fish

Deep-Fried Fugu

       We couldn’t resist trying deep-fried fugu, a delicacy that’s both uniquely Japanese and steeped in culinary tradition. Though often served in high-end restaurants as sashimi or in hot pots, this version was casual, crispy, and deliciously approachable. At Sakana Doraku (魚道楽), we picked up a portion for just 345 yen (about $2.37 USD)—a steal, especially considering it was likely priced at more than double earlier in the day.

       The golden coating had a satisfying crunch, and the fugu itself was surprisingly tender with a subtle flavor that felt refined yet comforting. It was a wonderful way to experience this luxury ingredient in an everyday setting—no reservations required.




7. Croquette (コロッケ)

📍 Purchased at: Katsui (お肉屋のお惣菜 肉処 かつヰ), Hakata Hankyu 

🥔 Type: Deep-Fried Snack

Croquette

        We couldn’t resist grabbing a few croquettes from Katsui (かつヰ)—the aroma alone was enough to draw us in. These were just pulled from the fryer, filling the air with that irresistible crispy, golden scent. We picked up one original croquette for 108 yen (about $0.74 USD) and a cheese croquette for 183 yen (around $1.25 USD). Both were delightfully hot and crunchy on the outside, with warm, creamy filling tucked inside. It was the perfect savory bite to round off our food adventure.


        Exploring depachika and souvenir shops around Hakata Station turned into one of the tastiest highlights of our trip. Depachika dining might just be my new favorite way to travel.



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