Yatai food stalls are an iconic part of Fukuoka's street food culture. They usually open in the early evening, and after nightfall, the small food carts light up and the lively atmosphere begins. Although space inside is limited, everyone sits shoulder to shoulder along the counter. Even complete strangers can enjoy piping-hot food while sharing their stories and feelings, gradually growing closer without even realizing it.
The most interesting part is watching the owner work in the cramped space, hands moving between all the small shelves. It may look a little cluttered, but everything is actually well organized. It really is like a magical little food cart. Especially in winter, everyone huddles together to eat, surrounded by warmth from the steam and the people. It creates a wonderful atmosphere. When visiting Fukuoka, don't forget to set aside one evening for the yatai and experience this unique and charming city scene for yourself!
Nakasu Yataigai (food stall street) | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Former British Consulate of Hakodate
The Former British Consulate was established when Hakodate port opened as an international port in 1859. Following several fires and rebuildings, the current building completed in 1913 opens to the public as the Opening-Port Memorial Hall.
The Former British Consulate of Hakodate is also located around Motomachi Park, so you can easily visit it after touring the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward. The nearby attractions are clustered together, making it very convenient to get around on foot. The historical museums in the Motomachi area also offer a combination ticket that lets you visit several attractions and is a better value. The first thing you'll see when you enter is the gift shop, which has many cute British-style items featuring flowers and plants from the countryside. These are not often seen in Japan.
The exhibits inside introduce the history of Hakodate and the British Consulate, including the consulate's former offices, scenes of daily life, and related artifacts. The furnishings in the different rooms give you a more tangible sense of what life was like back then. It was more interesting than I expected〜 -
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Susukino
Susukino is one of the most famous entertainment districts in Sapporo. Along with Kabukicho in Shinjuku and Nakasu in Fukuoka, Susukino is called one of the "three central entertainment districts in Japan.
When visiting Sapporo's bustling Susukino district, one of the most iconic landmarks is the Nikka Whisky sign. This neon sign has been widely recognized since it was installed in 1969 for its “King of Blenders” image, chosen by whisky founder Masataka Taketsuru. After several updates, it has become a signature photo spot in Susukino. Every evening, crowds gather in front of the sign, so you have to act quickly to get the angle you want. Seeing Susukino in falling snow this time made the atmosphere even more romantic.
Starting April 7, 2026, the fifth-generation Nikka man will continue watching over everyone on the street, opening a new chapter for this classic landmark. Next time I visit, I'll definitely stop by for another photo〜 -
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Hakodate Station
Hakodate Station's commercial zone was renovated in 2016 with the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen. On the first floor is the "Hokkaido Shikisaikan JR Hakodate Store" offering a variety of local specialties and products, while the second floor features restaurants and an observation deck called the "Rotunda Deck" where visitors can take pictures of trains arriving and departing on the platforms.
This time, I chose to travel from Sapporo to Hakodate by Shinkansen. Although the trip takes about 4 hours, I enjoyed sitting back and slowly taking in the scenery outside, seeing the changing views along the way, and embracing the relaxed pace of travel. Bringing along a few small activities is also a good way to pass the time. Origami turned out to be surprisingly useful—we folded paper and chatted, and before we knew it, the time had passed.
After arriving at Hakodate Station, I could immediately feel a different atmosphere from Sapporo as soon as I stepped outside. There were far fewer people, and the streets felt more laid-back, with a strong sense of local everyday life. If you visit around Christmas, you can also see festive Christmas lights along the streets〜 -
