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One of our first activities in Fukuoka, Japan, was to visit Bayside Place Hakata and Hakata Machiya folk museum.

Firstly, we head off to eat at the Hakata Toyoichi, Bayside Place, a trendy seafood restaurant with a vast Sushi selection that meets all tastes. Take what you want and pay as you like. A selection of sushi you will not believe. Freshly caught that day and about 150 yen per piece. Included is green tea, water, or soft drink. Healthy, clean eating that sets you up for the day. It was a great group activity, but I saw some solo sushi guests seated throughout.

This was followed by freshly brewed coffee at nearby POSS Coffee. Beautifully selected coffee and sweets that change with the seasons. If you take away coffee, walk along the Bayside Boardwalk, sipping this delicious brew and viewing the many activities here.

Before you leave the area, visit the Hakata Port Tower and enjoy the 360-degree panorama from the observatory, with a spectacular view of Fukuoka City. Admission is free. Also, the bayside museum is free. A further look around the bayside place will show you an aquarium, a sports park, live music performances, a market selling local Kyushu products, a golf studio, a relaxation station and a hot bath facility.

You might revisit on your way to a cruise as here is the Hakata Port Passenger Terminal. For instance, from here are ferries to Busan, South Korea. It takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes.

See www.baysideplace.jp, https://www.baysideplace.jp/restaurant/restaurant_toyoichi/.

Hakata Machiya Folk Museum

Our day continued at the Museum of Culture – Hakata Machiya Folk Museum to learn about Hakata’s history. Hakata (Fukuoka) has been the gateway to Asian trade for over 2,000 years. We enjoyed learning about history through a historical timeline, pictures and films. This includes the film about the fascinating Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival. It has been called Japan’s most exciting festival. See YouTube and type in the “yamakasa festival.”

Although Hakata may have changed drastically over the years, the people’s hearts remain unchanged. The open and unconventional Hakata temperament has been passed down together with many festivals and traditions, making Hakata a hometown loved by those who live here and enjoyed by those who visit. The life and culture of Hakata, mainly of the Meiji and Taisho eras, are introduced from various perspectives at this Museum. Enjoy an exploration into the heart of Hakata.

The Hakata Gion Yamakasa is the festival most representative of Hakata. The processions are colourful and beautifully prepared. The festival prays for plentiful harvests, “good luck and expelling evil spirits” for prosperous business.

You will also see how the Hakata doll, papier mache, and Hakata woodcraft are made. Many traditional artisan techniques are performed daily. The artisans protect traditional methods and creatively integrate new ideas. Finally, we looked at a reproduced home and Hakata weaving performance. On the way out, look at some unique and practical arts and crafts, cakes, and snacks. All this for 200 yen! Our day began with sushi and finished at this fascinating folk museum. You will gain great memories from each experience.

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