The Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples is a great place to slow down and explore at your own pace.
Through exhibits on everyday tools, clothing, hunting methods, and spiritual traditions, you can learn about Hokkaido's Indigenous Ainu people and the wisdom of northern peoples around the world in living in harmony with nature.
On your first visit, you'll realize that many details of everyday life are rich in culture and history.
If you're visiting Abashiri, I really recommend setting aside 2–3 hours. Don't just rush through it. Take your time to look around and learn, and you'll get more out of it than you might expect.
Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples | Review by 楊雅雯
Other Reviews by 楊雅雯
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Hakata Gion Tetsunabe
A popular store selling a Fukuoka favorite,“Tetsunabe Gyoza”, which is said to have originated in a yatai stall in Hakata. On a hot pot, small gyozas are packed in a circle, grilling all pieces equally.
When visiting Hakata in Fukuoka, you can't miss this famous local favorite—Hakata Gion Tetsunabe's pan-fried gyoza! When the sizzling hot iron pan arrives at the table, the golden, crispy gyoza immediately make your mouth water! The wrappers are fried until crisp and fragrant, while the filling is flavorful and juicy. Every bite makes you want another one.
Although the restaurant is crowded and you need to wait patiently, and the smell of cooking oil and smoke is a little strong, plus photography isn't allowed inside, so you can't capture what the food looks like, none of that changes how much I like this place. All I can say is, it's worth the wait!
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Kamaage Makino Udon Hakata Bus Terminal Branch
If you're visiting Fukuoka, Kamaage Makino Udon Hakata Bus Terminal Branch is a must-try spot loved by locals. Located on the B1 floor of Hakata Bus Terminal, right next to Hakata Station, it's a convenient place to grab a quick meal between sightseeing.
When you come to Fukuoka, besides tonkotsu ramen, you definitely can’t miss the local soul food—udon. Of all the udon restaurants I’ve tried, Makino Udon is definitely my favorite. I can’t stop thinking about it every time I visit Fukuoka!
The udon here is known for its thick noodles, with a firm texture and distinctive chewiness. Paired with a light, savory-sweet broth made from kombu and bonito, it’s simple but never gets old. Every bite is full of happiness.
The most interesting thing is that the noodles soak up a lot of broth, so as you eat, there’s less and less of it. The restaurant thoughtfully provides extra broth, so you can add as much as you like. Top it with plenty of chopped green onions, and the whole bowl tastes even better!
The restaurant is also near Hakata Bus Terminal, so whether you’re planning a day around Fukuoka or want a quick meal before catching a bus, it’s very convenient.
Some foods are just like this—they don’t need fancy presentation or complicated seasoning, but you fall in love after one bite and even miss the flavor after returning home!
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Hakata Ikkousha Main Store
Of all the different Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen stores, “Hakata Ikkousha” is perhaps the most popular. Operating 5 different diverse brands, Ikkousha’s main store front is located in front of JR Hakata Station.
Hakata Ikkousha Main Store is known for its signature “foamy tonkotsu broth.” When you arrive, first order from the ticket machine at the entrance, then take a seat and enjoy your meal. The restaurant is really popular and filled up in no time. The air was also filled with the rich aroma of pork bones, something tonkotsu ramen lovers will definitely appreciate!
It looked appetizing as soon as it arrived! The surface of the broth was covered in fine, creamy foam, paired with an eye-catching soft-boiled egg. Just looking at it made me eager to dig in. With the first sip, the rich, full-bodied tonkotsu broth was truly appealing. Although it had a noticeable pork-bone smell, it wasn’t as hard to handle as I had imagined. Instead, it became smoother and easier to drink with every sip, making it hard to stop.
However, the broth was slightly too salty for me. Halfway through, you can add the spicy pickled mustard greens and shredded ginger provided by the restaurant. They add different layers of flavor and give the bowl more variety.
Overall, this was a bowl of Hakata tonkotsu ramen with a rich broth and distinctive character! Although the flavor was on the heavy side and a little too salty, it suited my taste, and I personally liked it quite a bit.
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