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Thursday, July 2, 2026

Depachika Food Adventures in Hakata, Fukuoka

Hakata Hankyu (博多阪急)

As I mentioned in my earlier entry, my husband and I visited Japan in March for our ningen dock (人間ドック), the full medical checkup we do every few years. This time, we chose Fukuoka as our destination.

For the final meal on the day before the checkup, we were planning to have udon at Daichi no Udon (大地のうどん) — a famous udon restaurant in Fukuoka that we fell in love with during our last visit. It’s a perfect option for a light pre‑checkup meal, especially if I avoid tempura. However, when we arrived a little before 4 p.m., the restaurant wasn’t open yet. The staff told us they wouldn’t open until 5 p.m., so we decided to change our plan.

Since we were already near JR Hakata Station, we headed to Hakata Hankyu (博多阪急), the department store connected to the station. Its basement level (B1) is a depachika (デパ地下) — Japan’s iconic underground food hall. In Japan, most major department stores have delicatessen floors in the basement, and the word depachika comes from depa (デパ, department store) + chika (地下, underground floor).

Depachika are filled with beautifully presented foods from well‑known restaurants, confectioneries, and specialty shops. Everything is prepared with such care that even simple dishes feel special. Depachika foods are truly on another level compared to convenience stores or supermarkets — everything feels fresher, more flavorful, and made with so much care. They’re not inexpensive, of course; depachika meals are usually a little luxurious, but the quality makes them worth it.

Hakata Hankyu (博多阪急)

We originally planned to keep dinner light and healthy before the checkup, but once we started browsing the depachika, that plan disappeared quickly. Surrounded by so many tempting dishes, I found myself thinking, “Oh well… I’ll just eat what I want today.” Everything looked too delicious to resist.

DONQ in Hakata Hankyu

We picked up a mentai france (明太フランス) from DONQ for 496 yen — a crusty baguette generously filled with spicy, salty mentaiko. I’d watched a YouTube video saying how popular mentai france has become in Japan, and since Fukuoka is known for its mentaiko, I felt like we had to try it. It was our first time, and it was even better than I imagined. We enjoyed it so much that we later tried mentai france from other bakeries too.

Imokkoya (いもっ子屋) in Hakata Hankyu

Since I’m a big fan of noriben (のり弁), we couldn’t resist buying this one from Imokkoya (いもっ子屋) in Hakata Hankyu for 532 yen. The deep‑fried fish, isobe‑age, and kimpira gobo over seaweed and rice made such a comforting combination. It tasted perfect — the kind of humble bento that always makes me happy.

Imokkoya (いもっ子屋) in Hakata Hankyu

Kinjo Seika (金城製菓) in Hakata Hankyu

We also bought his favorite ohagi (おはぎ) and my favorite ikinari dango (いきなりだんご), both 216 yen each, from Kinjo Seika (金城製菓) in Hakata Hankyu. Ohagi is a comforting sweet made of rice covered in red bean paste, and ikinari dango is a Kumamoto treat with sweet potato and red bean paste wrapped in a soft flour dough. I loved the ikinari dango — the sweet potato and red bean paste together were just perfect for me.

Kinjo Seika (金城製菓) in Hakata Hankyu

We also added a pack of salad and dressing from a convenience store to balance things out a little. It wasn’t the healthiest dinner before a medical checkup, but we were honestly very satisfied. The real highlight was discovering mentai france — we enjoyed it so much that it became the reason we visited multiple bakeries during this trip.

We visited the depachika in Hakata in 2024 as well, so it felt familiar to return this time. If you’re interested in depachika, you can check out my previous entries.

Tasty Trails: 7 Depachika Favorites from Hakata Hankyu and Ming

Find Delicious Foods at Depachika, Must Go to Place in Japan

There are my entries related to Fukuoka.

Top 3 Seafood Restaurants to Visit Around Hakata

Hakata’s Udon Gems: Two Must-Try Udon Restaurants in Hakata, Fukuoka

A Tempura Lover’s Guide to Hakata: Two Must-Try Restaurants in Fukuoka, Japan

Best Breakfasts in Hakata: 3 Must-Try Restaurants

5 Best Delicious Souvenirs from Fukuoka

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Thursday, June 25, 2026

Hotel Room Tour and Review – Returning to ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka

ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka

As I mentioned in my previous entry, my husband and I visited Japan in March this year. One of the main reasons for our trip was to undergo a complete medical checkup, known as ningen dock (人間ドック). This time, we chose to have it done in Fukuoka.

Because of that, we decided to stay at ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka, which is conveniently located just a five‑minute walk from JR Hakata Station. We had stayed at this hotel before and loved how close it is to the Depachika, making it easy to pick up something delicious whenever we wanted.

This time, the location felt even more perfect. After a long journey — Los Angeles → Seoul → Fukuoka — we were exhausted. On top of that, we went to see an ophthalmologist that same day to check on my eye condition. Being able to walk everywhere without thinking too much, especially when we were tired, made such a difference. The hotel’s convenience and familiarity gave us a small sense of comfort right when we needed it.

ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka

Queen Standard (21㎡ / 226ft²)

We stayed in a Queen Standard Room — compact, but thoughtfully designed and perfectly comfortable for two. It had everything we needed for a pleasant, relaxing stay, and the cozy layout made it easy to unwind after a long day of travel and appointments.

Fresh pairs of pajamas were laid out on the bed, a small touch that made the room feel instantly welcoming.

A compact charging cube sat on the bedside table, and with its multiple connector types, it made charging all our devices incredibly convenient during our stay.

On the desk, there was information about the Front Equipment Lending Services, where you can request complimentary items such as a baby bath, wheelchair, hair iron, or facial steamer; During my previous stay, I rented a Panasonic Nanoe Facial Steamer and loved it so much that I even wanted to buy one, but after this long trip I was simply too tired to borrow it again.

The mini bar area under the TV held a small refrigerator and a cabinet stocked with tea, coffee supplies, cups, and a kettle, making it perfect for enjoying a relaxing drink in the room.

The minibar selection included two black tea bags, two Yame green tea bags—premium tea from Fukuoka known for its deep umami and smooth sweetness—and four packs of instant coffee, perfect for a quick and comforting drink anytime.

The clean bathroom space was minimal but immaculate, creating a calm and comfortable place to get ready.

The bathroom was well stocked with toothbrushes, a shaver, a comb, Q‑tips, and two kinds of bath salt, making it easy to settle in comfortably.

The bathroom setup offered Antipodes Fig & Feijoa hand and body wash, lotion, shampoo, and conditioner, which added a lovely touch of luxury. Antipodes is a New Zealand–based natural skincare brand that uses sustainably sourced ingredients, including Vinanza antioxidants and mānuka honey.

This time, we skipped the fitness center because we were very tired from the long trip. If you’re curious about the facility, you can check out my previous entry where I wrote about the fitness center at ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka.

Overall experience

We had a wonderful stay at this hotel. The location was incredibly convenient, making it easy and enjoyable to walk around Hakata. One of my favorite moments was picking up delicious foods from the depachika and savoring them back in the comfort of our room. I’ll write more about that next time.

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Thursday, June 18, 2026

Koga Sengyō Fukuoka Review – Fresh Seafood Bowls at Yanagibashi Market

Koga Sengyo (古賀鮮魚)

As I mentioned in my previous entry, my husband and I visited Japan in March this year. One of our main reasons for the trip was to undergo a complete medical checkup, known as ningen dock (人間ドック). This time, we chose to have it done in Fukuoka.

After arriving in Fukuoka, we dropped off our luggage at the hotel and went out to find lunch. Since our checkup was scheduled for the next morning, we wanted something not too heavy but still satisfying. We decided to return to Koga Sengyō, located inside the Yanagibashi Rengo Fish Market (柳橋連合市場), about a 20‑minute walk from JR Hakata Station.

We had visited Koga Sengyō in 2024 and instantly fell in love with it—the freshness, the simplicity, the warmth of a true market eatery. Coming back felt comforting, almost like revisiting a small ritual we didn’t realize we had started.

Koga Sengyo (古賀鮮魚)

Koga Sengyo (古賀鮮魚)

1-6-4 Haruyoshi
Fukuoka Chuoku
Fukuoka

Open Monday through Saturday

Hours 10 am through 3 pm (Last Order 2:30 pm)

We arrived around 11 a.m. on a weekday, and there were already several people seated. Before coming, we had promised ourselves we would stick to something light for lunch, but the moment we sat down and looked at the menu, our plan almost disappeared. “Oh no… everything looks amazing.” We looked at each other and nearly changed our minds on the spot.

Tuna Bowl (マグロ丼)

I chose the tuna bowl (マグロ丼), which came with nine thick slices of fresh tuna for 1,500 yen ($9.50). It also included a bowl of wakame seaweed soup. Each slice of tuna was so big, tender, and incredibly fresh. I loved every bite.

Tuna Bowl (マグロ丼)

Kaisen Don (海鮮丼)

My husband ordered the Kaisen Don (海鮮丼), which cost just 1,100 yen and also came with wakame seaweed soup. The sashimi was incredibly fresh and the quality was honestly impressive—we couldn’t believe it was only about $7. For a seafood bowl like this in the U.S., we would easily expect to pay over $50. If you visit Koga Sengyō, the Kaisen Don is an absolute must‑try.

Kaisen Don (海鮮丼)

Fresh Scallop Sashimi (ホタテの刺身)

Finally, we decided to order the fresh scallop sashimi (ホタテの刺身) for 1,500 yen. We hadn’t planned on getting this at all, but my husband loves scallops, so we couldn’t resist trying it. And for only $9.50, it felt impossible to pass up.

Our fresh seafood lunch came to a total of 4,100 yen ($26), which felt almost unbelievable for the quality we received. In the U.S., a meal like this would easily cost several times more, so we couldn’t help feeling a little amazed at how reasonable it was. If you’d like to read more about Koga Sengyō, feel free to take a look at my earlier entry.

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Hakata’s Udon Gems: Two Must-Try Udon Restaurants in Hakata, Fukuoka

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Best Breakfasts in Hakata: 3 Must-Try Restaurants

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Thursday, June 11, 2026

Spring Japan Travel Notes: Korean Air & United Airlines Meal Experience

Cherry Blossom in 2026

My husband and I visited Japan in late March this year. This time, we flew to Fukuoka from Los Angeles with Korean Air. We had a layover in Seoul and spent some time shopping at Incheon Airport. I remembered my Korean friend once telling me that the seaweed sold at the airport is much higher quality than what you usually find in supermarkets — so we bought some. She was right; it was incredibly good.

Anyway, my husband and I ended up loving Korean Air. Even though we were in economy class, their service felt thoughtful and comfortable. They provided disposable slippers for all passengers, and the bathrooms had toothbrushes, Korean skin lotion, and toner. I usually don’t enjoy airplane bathrooms, but somehow I did this time. The Korean Air cabin attendants were also very kind, which made the whole experience even nicer.

Korean Air In-Flight Meal (Los Angeles → Seoul)

We also really enjoyed the in‑flight meal on Korean Air. During our flight from Los Angeles to Seoul, we chose the bibimbap, and it was fun mixing all the ingredients with the rice and adding the gochujang. It turned out to be pretty good and surprisingly satisfying.

Korean Air In-Flight Meal (Los Angeles → Seoul)

Korean Air In-Flight Meal (Seoul → Fukuoka)

Flying from Seoul to Fukuoka took less than an hour, but even on such a short flight they still served a light meal — a Paris Baguette sandwich and chips — which tasted much better than I expected. I also didn’t realize that the Paris Baguette we often see in Southern California is actually a Korean chain. The sandwiches were so good, and the chips were surprisingly delicious too. AI says they’re a Korean non‑fried potato chip made by Nongshim. I want to look for them at a Korean grocery store someday.

On our way back to Los Angeles from Japan, we flew with United Airlines. This time, we were able to use the United Airlines Lounge at Narita Airport. I’ll write more about the lounge next time.

United Airlines In-Flight Meal (Narita → Los Angeles)

I usually love flight meals departing from Japan because they often include more Japanese‑style dishes. Our first meal was a kind of yakitori bento, which felt comforting and familiar. The second meal was chicken omelet rice with demi‑glace sauce — simple but satisfying in that cozy, Japanese‑airline way.

United Airlines In-Flight Meal (Narita → Los Angeles)

Overall, we truly enjoyed our flights on this trip. I usually don’t expect too much from in‑flight meals, but each one turned out better than I imagined. It was a nice way to wrap up our journey.

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Thursday, June 4, 2026

How We Turned a 10‑Hour Transit in Oahu into a Perfect Mini‑Adventure

As I mentioned in my previous entries, my husband and I visited Japan last summer, and for this trip, we flew with Hawaiian Airlines. Normally, we fly directly to Tokyo before heading to our hometown, Fukuoka, but this time the most affordable option was a round‑trip between Los Angeles and Fukuoka with a connection in Honolulu.

On our return from Fukuoka to Los Angeles, we had a 10‑hour transit in Honolulu — longer than we usually prefer, but perfect for enjoying a little time on Oahu. Today, I’m going to share how we spent those 10 hours during our layover.

We landed on Oahu around 10 a.m. Because we were on a transit flight, we had to pick up our suitcases first, but we were able to check them in again right away before leaving the airport. Thanks to that, we could walk out without carrying any heavy luggage, which made everything so much easier and let us move around freely during the layover.

Rental Car Shuttle Bus

Car Rental

We took the shuttle bus to the Budget rental car office around 12:20 p.m. We had booked our car in advance, so the process was already simple, but it became even smoother because my husband had joined Budget’s Fastbreak program beforehand. We were able to pick up the car at 12:30 p.m. with almost no waiting at all.

Before he joined Fastbreak, we used to wait for more than an hour at the counter, and they often tried to sell extra insurance. The Fastbreak program completely changed that experience. If you plan to use Budget, I really recommend signing up — it saves so much time during a layover.

This time, we wanted to enjoy driving around Oahu, so we chose to rent a standard convertible instead of an affordable compact car. It’s simply more fun to drive with the top down, especially on an island. We were assigned a Ford Mustang, and it was actually our first time trying one.

Usually, convertible cars have smaller trunk space, but since we weren’t carrying any heavy luggage, it wasn’t a problem for us at all.

Hawaiian Poke

We decided to have lunch at Ono Seafood, a famous spot for poke. We had really enjoyed their poke on a previous visit, so we wanted to come back again this time. We arrived around 1:20 p.m., and because it’s such a popular place, especially during lunchtime, finding a parking space was quite challenging.

We ordered a poke bowl with #1 Shoyu Ahi and #8 Wasabi Ahi for $17.80. Both were incredibly fresh and flavorful — just as good as we remembered. It really hit the spot.

#1 Shoyu Ahi and #8 Wasabi Ahi for $17.80

Finding Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles

After lunch, we grabbed coffee at Starbucks and headed toward Papa‘iloa Beach to look for wild sea turtles. We had seen a sea turtle once in the San Gabriel River in Long Beach, California, but seeing wild sea turtles in Hawaii had been on our bucket list for a long time. During our last trip to Oahu, we couldn’t find any, but this time it was August — a season when sea turtles are often spotted — so we were hopeful.

We arrived at the beach around 3 p.m., and sure enough, there were many sea turtles. They were calmly eating seaweed close to the shore — maybe around twenty of them — and it felt almost unreal to see so many in one place.

It felt so good to finally experience something we had been hoping to see for so long.

Kahuku Shrimp

Then we suddenly had a strong craving for Kahuku shrimp, so we decided to stop by Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck. We arrived around 4:50 p.m. We had enjoyed their shrimp before, so we were excited to try it again.

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck

We ordered the Shrimp Scampi for $17.50. It came with a dozen jumbo shrimp in a rich garlic‑lemon‑butter sauce and two scoops of white rice. The shrimp were garlicky, a little olive‑oily, fresh, and absolutely delicious.

Shrimp Scampi for $17.50

Driving to Airport

Then we stopped by Kualoa Regional Park at 5:50 p.m. Up to this point, my husband had been driving around the island, but from here I took the wheel for a while.

The view of the island while driving was beautiful — the lush green mountains rising around us. I especially love the mountains here; they reminded me of the hikes we enjoyed in Oahu on our previous trips.

We filled up the gas and arrived at the airport rental car drop‑off around 7 p.m. Our flight was scheduled to depart at 8:43 p.m. Since it was a domestic flight from Honolulu to Los Angeles, the timing worked out fine, but ideally we should have given ourselves a little more buffer.

Overall, our 10‑hour transit turned into a surprisingly rich little adventure. We circled the island in a Ford Mustang, tasted fresh poke and buttery Giovanni’s shrimp, and seeing the sea turtles up close became one of the most memorable moments of the day. Even though it was a short visit, we felt like we experienced a small slice of Oahu — the beaches, the mountains, the food, and the relaxed island atmosphere. Since accommodations in Hawaii are so expensive, making the most of a long transit can be a great option, as long as you’re not too tired. If you plan to do the same, I recommend resting well on the flight before arriving in Oahu so you can enjoy every hour of your mini‑trip.

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