We start off this day with some creativity. Painting is becoming more popular as a relaxing activity. Anyone can do it and anywhere, but I didn’t think on this trip we would find ourselves painting dolls! Figurines. Hakata dolls and Hakata textiles are representative traditional crafts of Fukuoka. Shogetsudo is one of the largest sellers in Fukuoka with a wide range of products created by both masters and young and upcoming artists. They also offer a Hakata doll painting experience that you can book at any time! I strongly recommend this relaxing activity.
Before we are set up to paint, we view the abundant works of Hakata dolls. One of the largest exhibitions of Hakata dolls in Japan. They represent the works of major “doll artists” and total 400 items. After viewing the actual artists work, I’m not sure I’m capable of preparing anything worthwhile, but with time you would be surprised. Of course, it’s easy to begin. You choose size and type of doll you want to paint. We chose kimono and samurai types. You are placed at a table, given several colours, water, brushes, a green tea, and off you go. When the completed work is done and dry, they wrap for you, take a picture, and you have another souvenir for the suitcase, but you did it!
Unglazed dolls have been popular since around the Kamakura period (1200s). It is said that “the beginning of Hakata dolls” was the creation of floor holders, Noh masks, dolls, etc. and presenting the most excellent ones to the feudal lord. However, the dolls were mainly luxury items.
“Hakata doll” is a unique product with rich artistic spirit, unique to Hakata with a history of more than 400 years and has gained worldwide fame.
At Shogetsudo, they have a wide selection of works by top-notch master craftsmen.
See: www. Shogetudo.jp.
Wonderful Udon – Karo no Uro
The second part of our day was a visit to one of Japan’s famous Udon restaurants. Since 1882, Kari no Uron, is the oldest udon restaurant in Fukuoka. The fan base is worldwide. The method is delicious freshly boiled noodles, maintaining the softness of Hakata udora.
The long-established store “Karo no Uro”, is the most historic famous store in Fukuoka. The shop is just a stone’s throw from Canal City and Kawabata Shopping Street, and there are always lines on weekends, many tourists as well. It is such a popular restaurant that they prepare more than 300 meals in a day.
In the past, they used to provide boiled noodles for hungry Hakata people, but they changed the manufacturing method to provide delicious freshly boiled noodles. While maintaining the softness of Hakata udora, they offer udon noodles with a freshly boiled chewy texture. Fast, good, and cheap.
Just a small shop with about 4 tables that can seat about 20. Order from the display in front of the store. Number 1 is the fried burdock with udon and this deserves the #1! Big bowl of spring onions on the table and a glass of water.
Goboten is fried burdock root and Goboten udon is very typical in Fukuoka (Hakata).
https://travel.navitime.com/ja/area/jp/guide/NTJsingle0007000/
