Fukuoka, You Weird Little Gem (and My Damp Socks)
okay, so. fukuoka. i didn’t really plan to come here, you know? touring with the band - we’re doing a little circuit through Japan - and the drummer (that’s me, by the way, leo. nice to meet you, virtually) got a sudden craving for ramen. like, a serious craving. and apparently, fukuoka is the place to get it. so, here i am.
and honestly? it’s… unexpected. i thought japan would be all neon and robots and super-efficient everything. and it is, parts of it. but fukuoka? it’s got this… chill. like, a really low-key vibe. the people are lovely, super polite, but not in that aggressively polite way. more like… genuinely happy to see you, even if you’re a sweaty, sleep-deprived drummer lugging a kit around.
I just checked and it’s… a persistent drizzle right now. the kind that soaks you through without you really noticing. feels like 4.63 degrees celsius, which is… brisk. my socks are damp. i’m not even kidding. i’m currently huddled in a tiny cafe, nursing a ridiculously strong coffee (seriously, this stuff could fuel a rocket) and trying to dry them with a hand dryer. it’s not working.
Speaking of cafes, someone told me that the coffee at *Coffee Stand Bird is insane. Apparently, they roast their own beans and the baristas are like, artists. I haven’t made it there yet, but it’s on the list. I’m also trying to find a decent vintage shop. I’m always on the lookout for a good band tee or a weird Hawaiian shirt. Check out this local board for some leads: https://www.fukuoka-now.com/en/.
I overheard some locals chatting about Ohori Park. Apparently, it’s gorgeous, especially during cherry blossom season. I missed it, sadly, but I’m hearing it’s a must-see. They also mentioned something about a really good ramen place nearby. Naturally. I’m starting to think my entire trip will revolve around ramen.
“Don’t go to Canal City Hakata on a weekend. Seriously. It’s a zoo.”
That was some drunk advice I got from a guy at the bar last night. He seemed pretty adamant about it. Apparently, it’s a huge shopping mall, but it gets packed. I’m inclined to believe him. I’m not a huge fan of crowds.
If you get bored, Kumamoto and Nagasaki* are just a short drive away. I might try to squeeze in a day trip to one of them. I’m also looking into checking out some of the local music scene. Apparently, there’s a pretty vibrant underground scene here. I found this site with some listings: https://fukuokalive.com/.
“The Hakata ramen is good, but try the tonkotsu. It’s the real deal.”
Another overheard gem. Apparently, tonkotsu is the local specialty. I’m going to take their word for it. I’m also checking out reviews on TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g298163-Fukuoka_Fukuoka_Prefecture_Kyushu-Vacations.html.
Honestly, fukuoka is a bit of a surprise. It’s not flashy, it’s not overwhelming, it’s just… nice. And my socks are still damp. I need to find a laundromat. Or maybe just buy a whole new pair.
Oh! And a local warned me about the humidity. Said it’s brutal in the summer. Glad I’m here in the drizzle.
Anyone know a good place to dry socks in Fukuoka? Seriously, help.
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