LOCATION: FUKUOKA, JAPAN
A late afternoon stroll in the scenic man-made lake in Ohori Park
This is my fourth time in Japan, but my second time in Fukuoka on a solo trip. I really love Fukuoka. It is more relaxing compared to the busy cities of Osaka and Tokyo. This was dated September 27-30, 2024. The first time I was in Fukuoka, I was not able to explore Ohori Park, though it was just a walking distance from my accommodation.
Day 1 - September 27
During my departure at NAIA Terminal III
My departure from Manila thru NAIA Terminal III was dated September 27, 2024 boarding Cebu Pacific Airline Flight No. 5J922 at 2:05 P.M. seated at 19A passing thru Gate 10.
The view while on board of my flight to Japan
Arrival at Fukuoka International Airport
The flight we boarded arrived at Fukuoka International Airport at 7:00 P.M with a travel duration of 4 hours and 55 minutes.
Waiting for the free shuttle connecting to Airport Train Station
It took me 44 minutes to process all my needs before leaving the airport since I bought at the airport a Nimoca train card costing 2,000 yen equivalent to P820. Then I bought a load for my train card for 3,000 yen or P1,230. I also had a Wifi rental for 1GB per day good for 5 days for 3,080 yen or P1,262.80.
My accommodation at UNPLAN Fukuoka
Upon exit from the airport, I took Bus 1, a free shuttle going to the Domestic Airport where there is already a train line there. The station where I boarded is called Fukuoka Airport Station (Station 13), then, it stopped at Higashi-Hie Station (Station 12), Hakata Station (Station 11), Gion Station (Station 10), Nakasu-Kabawata Airport Line (Station 9), Tenjin Station (Station 8), Akasaka Station (Station 7), and finally the last station heading to my accommodation, Ohori Park (Station 6).
Inside my comfortable capsule accommodation
From the station, I just walked upstairs and on the same block, my accommodation was already there, the UNPLAN Fukuoka with an address of Japan 810-0074 Fukuoka, Chuo Ward, Otemon, 3-chrome-4-1 where I was billeted at the 5th Floor Room 5C Bed 89 and I was given a room pin number. Aside from the online booking I paid, I was also charged with board and lodging fee at the counter for 200 yen per day totaling to 600 yen or P246. My accommodation is actually a capsule type. I find this type of accommodation very affordable and convenient. Inside, there is a locker for your valuables, charging outlet, a space with a length of a laptop, hangers, it has its own switch for your electric lamp and a very comfortable and clean beddings.
Dinner was available from a convenience store, just as when you go out from Ohori Park Station platform. My meal set was 669 yen or P274.29. I bought a bread for midnight snacks for 184 yen or P75.44 and a bottled drinking water of 500ml for 116 yen or P47.56. Convenience store does not give a plastic bag for your purchases. You have to buy it for 5 yen or P2.05.
Day 2 - September 28
Free breakfast provision at UNPLAN Fukuoka
I had a soundly sleep and I woke up at 7:40 A.M. By 7:52 A.M. I had already my free breakfast at the guests dining lounge at the ground floor. The free breakfast is unlimited bread (plain and choco bread), fresh milk, bread spreads (honey, cheese, butter, margarine, jam, hummus, tapenade, and pate) , cereals, coffee, fresh yogurt and tea. The good thing here is you can refill for a drinking water so that you will no longer buy bottled water from the convenience store or elsewhere.
The clean common shower facility
Their shower facility is very clean and I never experienced that guests had to have a queue waiting for their turn to have shower. Shower cubicles are very private equipped with locked with ample space for drying and other half is for the shower itself. Comfort rooms are in separate location. There is a separate shower facility for males and females.
The spacious guest's lounge
After my breakfast, I had shower and I stayed shortly at the guests' lounge at the 5th floor, since I was working for a report needed to be submitted immediately. Yes, I was on an approved vacation but reports should be submitted when it is being asked online. The guests' lounge is working space. The whole building provides a free wifi. Also at the lounge, guests can store their food for free, can cook, can wash, can iron clothes. I usually stay here to work. I feel comfortable here. Guests are very nice. You can pick conversation and have friends if you want.
The view from the window of the guests' lounge
My accommodation is just a walking distance to the Ohori Park and Fukuoka castle. Afternoon, morning and evening walks are very quite relaxing on this area.
The nearest convenience store to my accommodation
This mini stop is just next to the train station exit of Ohori Park station subway (left) and a walk to the foreground of this photo is just 1 building from the corner turn left and presto, UNPLAN Fukuoka is already there.
While exiting from Tenjin Station subway
Japan has really an efficient train transportation system. So, from Ohori Park, I boarded the train to Tenjin station just 2 train stops. How much it costs? Well, it is just a minimum train fare of 210 yen or P86.10. I went to Tenjin to buy something from Don Quijote.
The following are some photos of how Tenjin looks like. What is Tenjin? It is the largest commercial, business, and fashion district in Fukuoka City located in Chuo Ward. As the bustling heart of Kyushu, it serves as a major hub for shopping, nightlife, and dining, characterized by large department stores, fashion boutiques, and the extensive Tenjin Underground Mall (Tenjin Chikagai).
Finally, to my destination - Don Quijote Store
The Don Quijote Store
The Don Quijote Fukuoka Tenjin Main Store consists of five floors above ground and a basement floor (B1). It is located in the Imaizumi area, this multi-story building offers comprehensive tax-free services, a pharmacy, cosmetics, and various daily goods, operating 24 hours. This is their directory:
Basement 1F: Food, alcohol, beverages, and souvenirs
Ground Floor: Pharmacy, cosmetics, and health products
Second to Fifth Floor: Apparel, household goods, electronics, and luxury goods
Tax - Free: Dedicated tax-free services are located on the 5th floor.
Heading to Solaria Plaza Mall
I bought this for 346 including tax of 26 yen or P123
I also bought this for 300 yen inclusive of tax for 22 yen or P141.45
Their donuts taste so fresh not so sweet but really delicious like the Dunkin donuts. For lunch meal, I decided to buy it in a convenience store for 498 yen or P204.18. A dessert costs 297 yen or P121.77. Plastic for food purchases was 3 yen or P1.23. A 500ml bottled drinking water costs 100 yen or P41.
Boarding the train from Tenjin heading back to Ohori Park station
I did not do much at Tenjin just a leisurely stroll and window shopping. I spent longer time at Don Quijote to buy a lot of cosmetics ordered by my best friends: Teresa Corpuz and Thelma Bautista and also some pasalubong for my family. Then, after that, I strolled and relaxed in some open space parks. For the train fare, I spent 210 yen or P86.10 from Tenjin to Ohori Park station.
You see, after coming out from the subway gate of Ohori Park, it empties to the Mini Stop which is just next UNPLAN Fukuoka, but the gate is on the other side, where you have to turn left for the main entrance.
Stayed at the Guests' Lounge
Since it was only 3:41 P.M., I decided to stay at my accommodation guests' lounge. If you will see some guests are cooking their food. There are three giant freezers where guests can use to store their food. Some backpackers to save money buy fresh food and cook it here by themselves. After all, everything is provided including kitchen utensils, gas range, cooking utensils, plates, cutleries, glasses and the like.
High powered washing machines and driers
Guests can also do their laundry and dry it ready for use. There is no need to look for laundry services outside as it is already available in our accommodation.
Flat iron and ironing platform
To make it even complete, there is an available flat iron with an ironing platform in case you want to iron your clothes stocked inside your luggage.
Taking a late afternoon walk to Ohori Park at 5:55 P.M.
The stunning afternoon view
At the playground of Ohori Park
The man-made lake of Ohori Park as my backdrop
A tourist stranger volunteered to take me a picture
Water fun rides at the lake were already closed for operation
Crossing the foot bridge
The backdrop while at the foot bridge
The foot bridge connecting to a man-made islet
A traditional Japanese symbolic backdrop
Park evening lights turned on at 6:19 P.M.
The lake view at 6:25 P.M.
Darkness starts to invade the park
Lovers intimacy starts to grow as darkness spreads
Visitors became less and less at 6:40 P.M.
Only darkness can stop visitors in taking pictures here
After a relaxing walk from Ohori Park at 8:30 P.M., I took another shower and bought for my dinner at a nearby Mini Stop store with a dinner meal set of 669 yen or P274.29 and a 4-piece pack big bananas for 198 yen or P81.18.
Stayed at the Guests' Lounge
I took my dinner at the guests' lounge and stayed there until 11:00 P.M. I was working on the reports back home needed in my work beating deadlines despite the fact that I was on an approved vacation leave. While at the lounge, I learned that the guests at UNPLAN Fukuoka are mostly digital nomads where they stay there for longer time. Thus, it was no surprise that they knew each other. I had the chance to have a conversation with them also.
Day 3 - September 29
I woke up at 7:10 A.M. There was no rush at all. Afterall, my trip was all DIY and I just want to visit again Japan for I really love the place especially Fukuoka. There is was no specific plan or itinerary to go. Just experience again what Japan life offers.
My free breakfast with lots of fresh yogurt
Outside the Hakata Station Shopping Mall at Chikushi Gate
Chicken Nanban and Shiso-leaf Mustard Rice
I knew I had to have a long walk. Thus, even if it was only around 9:00 A.M. at the Hakata Station, I took another breakfast of Chicken Nanban and Shiso-leaf Mustard rice costing 645.84 yen or P264.79 and fruits costing 241 yen or P98.81.
For this day, I decided to have a visit on a park which requires no train ride, just by simply walking and I did it with pleasure. It was almost a 700-meter walk but was worth it.
The Miyako Hotel Hakata at the backdrop
Walking along this lane to the park
Walking a little bit farther
Passing thru the Nakahie Park
I just noticed that all their parks are also labeled as evacuation sites. Nakahie Park is a smaller one and is a part of Hakata. Hakata is a historic ward in Fukuoka City of Japan, recognized as a major commercial hub, transportation gateway (Hakata Station), and the birthplace of Hakata ramen. As a former merchant city, it merges ancient culture - including Kushida Shrine and the Gion Yamakasa festival --- with modern urban conveniences, often serving as the primary entryway into Kyushu.
The refreshing and vibrant Sanno Park
After 15 minutes of walking from the Nakahie Park, I arrived in Sanno Park. This park is a peaceful, local urban park located in Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, known as a hidden gem for cherry blossom viewing in spring. Obviously, this time of visit was in November, and so there was no cherry blossom but between the last week of March to the the first week of April of the year, this park is a good place to enjoy cherry blossom. It is situated near the Mikasa River, it serves as a relaxing green space featuring a playground, walking/jogging paths, a small baseball field, and the nearby Hiyoshi Shrine.
The Hiyoshi Shrine
Approaching the main entrance to Hiyoshi Shrine
Hiyoshi Shrine is a serene, historic shrine located within Sanno Park, known for its quiet atmosphere and lush surroundings, it provides a peaceful, traditional escape from the surrounding modern city. It is often visited for its tranquil atmosphere and is located near Hakata Station, walkable from surrounding transport links like Takeshita Station.
The inner torii gate to the shrine
Exploring the sacred Hiyoshi Shrine
Within the perimeter of Hiyoshi Shrine
Torii gates at Hiyoshi Shrine
A stranger tourist volunteered to take me a picture at Hiyoshi shrine
The Sanno Park
As a mentioned earlier, Hiyoshi Shrine is just a adjacent or within the area of the Sanno Park. And I spent an ample time enjoying its relaxing green and vibrant space.
Sanno Park is not only perfect for cherry blossom viewing, but also an excellent tranquil spot for autumn, offering a "tranquil world of greenery" that includes autumn foliage, with a scenic traditional atmosphere featuring paths, ponds, and bridges. It provides a peaceful and local experience for viewing changing leaves.
The vibrant parks paths
A Japanese father babysitting her daughter volunteered to take me a picture
A very refreshing green space
The park is equipped with a clean comfort room at the left
Children's playground
Another children's playground facility Families enjoying a walk in the park
Something to take refuge from the heat of the sun
Doves and children alike enjoy their company
Doves blend with the children's space
A jogging lane so inviting to enjoy with
Canopies of trees abound at the park
Back to Tenjin
It was only 1:09 P.M. when I left Sanno Park, and I took a train from Hakata Station heading to Tenjin Station to return to Don Quijoti. My good friends told me to go back to this store to buy some cosmetics.
Exiting from Tenjin subway train
After a long walk from Tenjin subway station, I exited from the Solaria Mall and another long walk to Don Quijote. Long walks is a part of daily life in Japan and I appreciate it. Unlike in my home country in the Philippines that in every corner, there are TODA or Tricycle Operators & Drivers Association where tricycles will take you to the very doorstep at home. That's why, Filipinos have a lot of love handles because they do not like to walk.
Taking lunch at a ramen's house
Usually ramens are not sold at convenience store. There are some ramen store who offer this and of course this is in a higher price than the usual meal set from convenience store.
Hachiku Special is a serving of shellfish soup and soy sauce ramen for 1,600 yen or P656 with a bowl of rice. This is a shellfish-forward shoyu ramen characterized by a light, umami-rich soup. It is highly regarded for its refined, maritime flavor profile that resembles steamed clams in sake. This bowl is often described as teetering on the edge of a shio (salt) and shoyu (soy) broth, offering a refined, lighter alternative to traditional heavy ramen.
What are the components of Hachiku Ramen:
1. Soup/broth: a delicate, clear broth featuring a triple-seafood blend of oysters, Manila clams (asari),
and freshwater clams (shijimi).
2. Tare (seasoning): a light amount of Kyoto-made nama shoyu (raw soy sauce) tare.
3. Noodles: Thin noodles made from a blend of whole wheat and udon flour, designed for a chewy,
elastic texture.
4. Toppings:
a. Chashu Pork: sous-vide style pork slices, seasoned heavily with black pepper.
b. Menma: whole bamboo shoots
c. Negi: Finely chopped green onions.
Heading back to Tenjin train station
After two hours at Don Quijoti store, I went back to my accommodation at UNPLAN Fukuoka and did my routine of working on some job-related reports at its guests' lounge till 11:00 P.M. As early as 7:00 P.M., I bought my dinner meal set at the nearby Mini Stop convenience store.
My dinner meal set of fruit salad, bread and banana for dinner
After dinner, I stayed at the guests lounge till 11:00 P.M. and took a hot shower and had a comfortable and dreamless sleep in my capsule bed.
Day 4 - September 30
I did not go out from my accommodation. I just stayed at the guests' lounge, doing on my laundry and worked on some job-related functions. Then, at 12:00 Noon, I checked out from the counter, but I stayed at the guests' lounge. Then, I bought my meal set from Mini Stop for 598 yen or P245.18 and a fruit salad for my dessert for 220 yen or P90.20.
For the laundry of two batches, I spent 300 yen for each batch costing P123 each batch and two batches of Dryer for 200 yen each batch or P82 each batch.
I left UNPLAN Fukuoka at 4:00 P.M. heading to Fukuoka International Airport where my train fare is 270 yen or P110.70. While at the airport, I had my dinner at Sora Terrace Kitchen Restaurant with a meal set costing 1,980 yen or P811.80. I just bought all my pasalubong from the airport's duty free shops which costs almost double from Hakata Mall.
Finally, I left Fukuoka International Airport at 7:10 P.M. of September 30, 2024 boarding Cebu Pacific Flight No 5J 923 seated at 33D and arrived at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal III at 12:50 Midnight.
