The city of Fukuoka, also known as Hakata, is one of Japan’s unsung culinary destinations, not to mention one of the country’s most pleasant and livable urban centers.
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Culinary scenes from Fukuoka, Japan
Ramen in Fukuoka, Japan
Those who are fortunate enough to have visited Fukuoka usually know of it thanks to one of its most famous offerings: tonkotsu ramen.
If you love thick, rich ramen — packed with umami — tonkotsu hits the spot, and Fukuoka is Japan’s tonkotsu capital.
Ippudo, Japan’s most famous international ramen empire (with shops throughout Japan and the world), began in Fukuoka, and it is the tonkotsu variety that ramen lovers outside of Japan are most familiar with.
Ramen in Fukuoka (aka Hakata)
Yatai in Hakata: Japan’s Food Cart Scene
Foodie travelers from around the world tend to speak of street food in hushed, reverent tones, and yet – despite its incredible culinary culture – Japan is notably lacking in street food, especially when compared to other countries in the region.
But thankfully for street food lovers, Fukuoka is Japan’s most notable exception. Yatai are food carts that have all but disappeared from most (though not all) of Japan, yet they remain a staple of Hakata’s culinary landscape.
Tonkotsu Gyokai ramen (photo courtesy of Brian MacDuckston/Ramen Adventures)
Of course, Hakata is not all ramen and yatai, and despite these casual delights the city has a pleasantly cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Fukuoka is the gateway to the southern island of Kyushu (featured in our post on Japan’s best places most travelers miss). Direct flights to Fukuoka are available to and from throughout Asia, and the shinkansen (bullet train) connects Fukuoka with Kyoto and Tokyo to the east, and Kagoshima to the remote south.
Reclining Buddha at Nanzoin Temple, Fukuoka
Fukuoka also plays hosts the official November sumo basho (tournament) each year!
With all it offers, it’s no surprise that the city was featured in the excellent Rice, Noodle, Fish, a project backed by Anthony Bourdain-san himself.
Fukuoka is a fantastic city for food lovers seeking a unique slice of authentic Japan!
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