[Fifth in the Japanese series] Return. Return to Fukuoka's solo trip

After a 3-year post-pandemic gap, I return to Fukuoka to check my remotely purchased property. I explore Ohori Park, savor local delicacies, and immerse in Fukuoka's warm, tranquil charm.
MirandaMirandaMar 13, 202611 min read11 views

Japan, for me, only 0 times and countless times. Between the fifth and sixth times, looking at it from a distance, it was a full three years.

During this period, the sky was angry and the people were resentful, and the people were miserable. In the post-epidemic era, at the beginning of liberation, what flashed in my mind was to immediately use a weekend to go to the place of revision to see the real estate I purchased remotely during WFH. 

After three years, I set foot on the land of Dongying, and the wind of Fukuoka was wrapped in warm sea meaning, blowing in my face, and the familiar streets and scenery were all in front of me, and the original intention of this trip was to go to a reunion with my Fukuoka.

The first stop is Ohori Park, an urban oasis in Fukuoka, which is still in my memory. The lake surface is like a mirror, reflecting the pines and cherry trees on the shore, although it is not the cherry blossom season, but there is a clear beauty hidden between the branches, the black canopy boat on the lake sways gently, and the sound of the boat's oars is loud, crushing a pool of waves. Walking along the lake, the stone path winds, occasionally koi jump out of the water, splashing fine water splashes, and the pavilions and water pavilions are hidden in the shade of greenery, with the unique elegance and tranquility of Japanese gardens. Walking deep into the park, I encountered a Japanese food festival, which was a sudden surprise that made the journey a little more fireworks. The stall's burnt aroma, the fresh aroma of takoyaki, and the rich bone broth flavor of Hakata ramen wafted in front of the stall, and the stall owner greeted the guests in the soft Fukuoka dialect, and I tasted a bowl of freshly cooked Hakata tonkotsu ramen, with a mellow soup base, chewy noodles, paired with a soft-boiled egg and char siu, a bite into the soul, or the familiar taste in my memory, the liveliness of the food festival blended with the tranquility of the park, becoming a gentleness unique to Fukuoka.

Walking from Ohori Park to the Fukuoka City Museum, this venue that hides Fukuoka's years and culture is a sight to behold. At the entrance of the museum stands a huge pumpkin sculpture, the bright yellow background color is embellished with inky black polka dots, which is very visually impactful, it is Kusama's classic art style, rounded outline, iconic polka dot pattern, instantly reminiscent of the same pumpkin on the Seto Inland Sea island, the artistic romance in the sea breeze, actually met Fukuoka here, became the most eye-catching check-in scenery in front of the museum. Entering the museum, the various works in the collection are even more amazing, and the cultural relics and works of art on display are all carefully selected, from pottery from the Jomon period, bronze swords from the Yayoi period, to Hakata weaving in the Edo period, and Western artifacts from the Meiji Restoration period. There are also many modern works of art in the museum, which reflect the ancient cultural relics, and the design of light and shadow makes the exhibition more atmospheric, stop and read, you can not only touch the historical texture of the land of Kyushu, but also feel the delicacy and ingenuity of Japanese art.

In the afternoon, you can climb Fukuoka Tower and take the elevator directly to the sightseeing hall at the top of the tower, where you can see a 360-degree view of the scenery without blind spots, and you will be instantly amazed by the scenery in front of you. The blue sea spreads out in the field of vision, the sparkling sea surface glows with gentle silver light, and the sea breeze blows lightly, with a faint salty and humid smell; The port not far away is busy, with all kinds of ships shuttling in an orderly manner, and cranes operating slowly, outlining the vivid vitality of the city. In the blink of an eye, I caught a glimpse of the white flower pavilion by the pier, a romantic seaside wedding ceremony was underway, and the figure of the newlyweds hugging each other was particularly beautiful against the background of the blue sea and blue sky, adding a bit of tenderness to the scenery. Looking down at the entire Fukuoka Castle, the streets are neatly planned, the houses are scattered, and the greenery is dotted with greenery, and the whole city is so clean that it makes people happy, and the prosperity and tranquility are just right. Find a place by the window and sit down, order a cup of mellow coffee, take a sip, raise your eyes to the beautiful scenery of the sea and sky, and the gentle sea breeze in your ears.

The streets of Fukuoka always make people can't help but slow down and look at it, the boys here are handsome and upright, or casual clothes are casual, or simple formal clothes are neat, and the eyebrows and eyes have a Japanese gentleness and freshness; Girls are even more familiar with how to dress, simple clothing with exquisite small accessories, clear and natural makeup, full of atmosphere, like Chengdu in China, the streets are full of pleasing scenery. As night falls, the streets and alleys are at their peak, with warm yellow lights bursting through the sliding doors, accompanied by the crisp sound of laughter and wine glasses clinking, making it the most moving scene in Fukuoka at night. I also followed the fireworks into a street-facing izakaya and ordered a local specialty beef intestine pot, the stewed soft beef intestines were full of rich sauce, paired with cabbage and konjac knots, fresh and mellow, extremely delicious. The owner is a gentle uncle, seeing that I am a foreign tourist, he intimately introduced the dishes, and the tea and water refills were particularly thoughtful, and the gentle "call up" made the night in a foreign land full of warmth.

At night, you can walk to Canal City Hakata, and when the lights are lit up, it becomes Fukuoka's starry land. The canal passes through the city, the buildings on both sides are lit up with neon, the colorful lights are reflected on the water, the waves flow, and the cruise ship slowly passes through the canal, reflecting the shops, cinemas and restaurants on the shore. The evening breeze blows, the musical fountain by the canal dances with the melody, the light and shadow are intertwined, the whole canal city is full of vivid breath, standing on the bridge and looking, the eyes are full of brilliance, this unique Japanese night scene, gentle the whole night.

Naturally, shopping is indispensable on this trip, and the favorable yen exchange rate makes shopping for luxury brands a pleasure. In front of the LV store, there was a long queue, and tourists from all over the world waited in an orderly manner, chatting with their expectations for their favorite items. After entering the store, a dazzling array of leather goods and accessories, exquisite design, in addition to the selection, the service of the clerk is meticulous and thoughtful, the whole process is patiently explained, after some selection, I bought a few favorite items, compared with the domestic price, it is really cost-effective, and the air fare has been earned back. This long queue has also become a different shopping experience.

After shopping, I suddenly remembered that there was a coffee shop hidden nearby, which is said to be the best coffee in Fukuoka, so I followed the guide and went to the coffee shop on the first floor of a gorgeous office building, with a simple door and a low-key but stylish door. Order a classic hand-drip and watch the barista focus on grinding, steaming, and pouring water, every step is extremely exquisite, and the slow work is hidden in every detail. The moment you enter the mouth, you will be amazed, the fruity aroma of the coffee and the caramel aroma will melt layer by layer, the taste is mellow and smooth, and the aftertaste is long, and it really lives up to the reputation of "the best in Fukuoka", and later I learned that this store has also given birth to a world champion in the coffee industry, so it is no wonder that it can make a cup of coffee to the extreme.

Follow the navigation, take the subway to the train, and go all the way to Ohashi Station, where my real estate is located in Miyake Apartment. Japan's rail transit is still accurate and efficient, and there is no panic between transfers, and after arriving at Ohashi Station, you will arrive at a quiet residential area within a few minutes' walk. The Miyake Apartment is hidden deep in the streets and alleys, and it feels comfortable at first sight, the whole community is spotlessly maintained, the stone pavement is as clean as new, the green plants are neatly trimmed, the walls and corridors are not mottled, and the Japanese delicacy and rigor are everywhere. The property here pays great attention to details, respects private privacy, and the public areas are quiet and orderly, without noise or random disturbance, leaving only a proper peace of mind.

Next to the apartment is Miyake Park, which is small but exquisite, with a flat lawn and cherry blossom trees, making it a good place for nearby residents to relax. There are also many exquisite shops hidden around, including handmade utensils shops, Japanese dessert shops, and retro grocery stores, pushing the door in, all of which are surprises, most of the shopkeepers are gentle, greet softly, and the slow-paced atmosphere makes people feel comfortable.

The next day, I got up in the morning and followed the seafood to the nearby wharf morning market, only to understand what the aroma of wine is not afraid of the deep alley, this morning market hidden in the wharf alley, there is no eye-catching signboard, but it is crowded with local diners, all for a mouthful of fresh seafood. I chose a popular stall and ordered an assorted sashimi rice, freshly cut tuna, salmon, sweet shrimp, and arctic shellfish layered on the soft and glutinous rice, the sashimi is all freshly salvaged seafood in the early morning of the same day, glowing with natural luster, dipped in delicious wasabi soy sauce, sweet and soft in the mouth, the deliciousness of the sea melts on the tip of the tongue, there is no fishy smell, a bowl of belly is full of sweetness, such an ultimate freshness, but the price is particularly pleasant, simple deliciousness, hiding Fukuoka's most authentic human fireworks. Standing in front of the apartment window, looking out the window at the quiet streets and alleys, listening to the light laughter from the park in the distance, my heart is full of peace, this small corner of Fukuoka hides the beauty of Japanese life, and it has also become my deepest connection with this city.

This time I returned to Fukuoka, looking at real estate, enjoying the scenery, tasting the food, regaining the beauty of three years ago, and I also understand better why I always think about Japan. Every detail here, every tenderness, makes people feel nostalgic, and this small real estate that belongs to me is the warmest bond between me and Dongying, and in the future, I will definitely come often and go to this meeting with the promise of beauty.

— published on Mar 13, 2026
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