Street life in Hakata: Delicious food and surprises on a day trip to Watanabe Street 🍜✨

#FukuokaItinerary Hakata, the vibrant city of Kyushu, attracts every traveler with its unique cuisine and charming streetscapes. This time, I planned a one-day tour centered on Watanabe-dori to explore the charm and surprises of this area. From the fresh aroma of the market in the morning to the lights of the stalls at night, every moment here surprises me. 09:00 - Departure from Hakata Station The morning sun shines in front of Hakata Station, and I take the Fukuoka Municipal Subway Airport Line to Watanabe-dori. The ride took only about 5 minutes and the fare was 210 yen. After arriving at Tenjin Station, I walked for about 10 minutes through the bustling Tenjin shopping district. The high-rise buildings and small shops along the way make me look forward to this day. The sea breeze in the air indicates that the journey will be closely connected with the city soul of Hakata. 09:30 - Yanagibashi Union Market: The starting point of popular food When I arrived at Watanabe-dori, I chose Yanagibashi Union Market, which is about a 5-minute walk away. The market has been in operation since the early Showa era (1920s) and remains a hotspot for locals to buy fresh ingredients. The market is filled with fresh seafood, vegetables and fruits. It does not have the hustle and bustle of a tourist market, but is full of a strong sense of life. I ordered a plate of freshly cut sashimi (700 yen) at a seafood stall. The sweet and fresh taste instantly awakened my taste buds and made me feel the most authentic side of Hakata. 11:30 - Lunch near Watanabe-dori: Ramen heaven After visiting the market, my stomach started to growl, so I decided to have lunch near Watanabe-dori. After about a 10-minute walk, we arrived at Ichiran Ramen Tenjin Nishidori Store, which is just across the street from Watanabe-dori and offers affordable prices. A bowl of classic tonkotsu ramen costs about 900 yen. I sat in a unique partition seat, quietly enjoying the rich soup and chewy noodles, and a sense of happiness arose spontaneously. 13:00 - Tenjin Underground Shopping Mall: Shopping Surprise After eating and drinking, I walked about 5 minutes to Tenjin Underground Shopping Mall, which is the largest underground shopping street in Fukuoka with more than 150 stores. Walking into this European-style space, I was amazed by its prosperity! I bought some Japanese limited edition skin care products (about 2,000 yen) at Matsumoto Kiyoshi, and ordered a cheese tart (300 yen) for afternoon tea at BAKE. The convenience here forms an interesting contrast with the street atmosphere of Watanabe-dori, allowing me to enjoy the diverse charm of Hakata. 15:00 - Ohori Park: Natural tranquility After shopping, I took the subway Kuko Line to Ohori Park. This vast park is an oasis in the heart of Fukuoka City, with ponds taking up more than half of its area. I strolled along the lakeside trail, admiring the tranquility of the water and the quacking of ducks in the distance. The sun shimmered on the lake and the ocean breeze blew gently. The tranquility here was in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city. 16:30 - Return to Watanabe Street: Prelude to the night at the yatai The afternoon sun gradually softened, and I took the subway back to Tenjin Station, then walked back to Watanabe Street, ready to welcome the night at the yatai experience. Along Showa-dori, I picked a stall selling oden and ordered a few steaming skewers of ingredients, paired with a beer (500 yen). Sitting on a simple wooden bench, with lively laughter and the sound of bubbling pots in my ears, I was completely immersed in the night atmosphere of Hakata. 18:00 - A nighttime walk along Watanabe Street: A warm ending After finishing my time at the yatai, I strolled along Watanabe Street and enjoyed the night scene. The lights and shops here exude a warm atmosphere. Overlooking the neon lights of Nakasu in the distance, you can feel the pulse of Hakata at night. At about 18:30, I took the subway Airport Line back to Hakata Station, ending the day's journey. This one-day trip to Watanabe-dori made me fall deeply in love with the common customs of Hakata, from the fresh flavors of the market to the tranquility of the park to the bustle of the food stalls. This is not only a gourmet adventure, but also a relaxation for the soul. If you also want to experience the street charm of Hakata, this route is definitely worth a visit.