Canal City Hakata | Review by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人

Of all the airports I've traveled through in Japan so far, Fukuoka Airport is my favorite. Its biggest advantage is that it's extremely close to the city center. There's no need to rush out early in the morning for your return flight, since you can get there quickly by subway or bus, saving a lot of travel time and hassle.

The best hidden highlight here is the domestic terminal, which is great for shopping. On your way home, you can first check your luggage at the international terminal, then take the free shuttle bus to the domestic terminal and start an exciting food tour. The domestic terminal not only brings together all kinds of well-known local specialty restaurants, but also has a dazzling selection of souvenir shops, with everything looking hard to resist. You can buy all the souvenirs you want in one place and leisurely enjoy one last feast. It completely satisfies travelers who still want to do more shopping. It's an incredibly convenient, comfortable, and perfect airport.

Hakata is very lively at night, and there’s no better place to experience the local atmosphere than the Nakasu food stalls. A whole row of small stalls lights lanterns along the riverbank, and the air is filled with rich aromas. The bustling atmosphere somehow feels familiar and welcoming, like a Taiwanese night market. There’s often a wait, but it’s worth trying if you want to experience authentic Japanese food stall culture.

This time, I made a special trip to stroll through the Nakasu food stalls and enjoy the romantic nighttime view by the river, then went to Hamadaya, a famous mizutaki restaurant in Hakata, for dinner. The intensely rich chicken broth, simmered with simple seasonings, paired with tender, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken, was truly unforgettable. Whether you want to experience the lively food stalls or enjoy a heartwarming meal, I highly recommend both.

ICHIRAN Ramen is an extremely popular must-visit for Taiwanese travelers to Japan, and its main store is right here in Hakata. The entire eye-catching building has an impressive presence, and its most talked-about feature is the lively pop-up performance held every night at 8, when the staff put on special costumes and perform on the balcony.

Unfortunately, because of our itinerary, we weren't able to catch this interesting limited-time evening performance. But as soon as we stepped inside, the familiar, delicious aroma of tonkotsu immediately left us feeling satisfied. Their thin noodles had just the right firmness and soaked up the rich, smooth, yet not overly heavy tonkotsu broth. It was still the same delicious flavor I remembered and could never get tired of. Whether or not you get to see the evening performance, simply enjoying a bowl of classic ramen inside this iconic main store is satisfying enough. I recommend that ramen lovers make a pilgrimage here when visiting Hakata.