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 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
Inside Solaria 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.
Back to my accommodation
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
Joining the park goers
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
