For first-time visitors to Fukuoka, I highly recommend staying near JR Hakata Station. Not only is transportation convenient and the trip to the airport incredibly quick, but the area also brings together plenty of places to eat, drink, shop, and have fun, making Hakata travel increasingly popular in recent years.
Inside JR Hakata Station, there is a dedicated souvenir street offering many of Kyushu’s most iconic specialties. My top recommendation is definitely Yumeyume-dori, which can only be enjoyed locally in Japan. It’s served cold, has an addictive texture, and is a real treat with a drink. There’s also Josuian’s Tsukushi Mochi, which has a texture similar to warabi mochi and is sweet without being overwhelming, as well as the popular Kayanoya dashi packets. All kinds of must-buy items are available, satisfying all your shopping needs in one place.
Besides souvenirs, the station’s shopping complex is also connected to the extremely popular Daichi no Udon, a well-loved local restaurant. This simple little place is always packed. If, like me, you enjoy following the locals to try authentic food, you definitely shouldn’t miss this unassuming yet impressive dish!










