Miyama Milk Pudding! It looks simple in its small cup, but the taste is surprisingly good.
The pudding is smooth and delicate, with a rich, natural milky aroma as soon as you take a bite. It isn't overly sweet or heavy. Every spoonful has a silky texture, and it's especially refreshing when served cold.
After exploring Miyama, a cup of milk pudding makes a nice sweet snack during your trip. Anyone who likes a rich milky flavor will probably enjoy it. I thought it was really quite tasty!
Nakatsu Karaage Kei Togoshi-Ginza Main Store
A karaage specialty shop in Togoshi-Ginza Shopping Street where you can enjoy authentic Nakatsu karaage. Originating in Nakatsu City, Oita (Kyushu), Nakatsu karaage is a local soul food made by marinating chicken in a soy sauce-based blend with seasonings like garlic and ginger, then deep-frying it. This popular spot has won seven Gold Awards and one Grand Gold Award at the Karaage Grand Prix hosted by the Japan Karaage Association.
In Nakatsu, of course you have to try the famous local fried chicken! This time I had the karaage bento. As soon as I opened it, I saw it was packed with fried chicken. The portion was very generous, and just looking at it made my mouth water.
The chicken was very juicy and tender, and the juices slowly spread with each bite. It wasn't dry at all. My favorite part was the coating, fried to a golden crisp. The crunching sound with every bite was so satisfying, and the crispy outside and tender inside were really good.
The fried chicken also didn't taste too greasy. It was just right with white rice, and I couldn't stop eating it!
Jumonjibaru Observatory
Located at an altitude of about 500 meters within the Jumonjibaru Highlands, this observatory offers stunning panoramic views-especially in autumn, when the area is blanketed in golden pampas grass.
What I looked forward to most at Jumonjibaru Observatory was standing on the observation deck and taking in the view. Once I got up there, the view suddenly opened up, with the distant mountains, sky, and natural scenery all visible at once. The whole scene was especially pleasant.
Standing on the observation deck with the natural breeze and slowly enjoying the scenery made me feel temporarily removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. The expansive view from above was especially beautiful, and even casual photos had a real travel vibe.
Hakata Gion Tetsunabe
A popular store selling a Fukuoka favorite,“Tetsunabe Gyoza”, which is said to have originated in a yatai stall in Hakata. On a hot pot, small gyozas are packed in a circle, grilling all pieces equally.
When in Hakata, you have to try the famous local iron-skillet gyoza! This time, I visited Hakata Gion Tetsunabe. As soon as they arrived at the table, I saw the neatly arranged gyoza. They looked small and delicate, making me want to dig in right away.
My favorite part was the gyoza wrappers. The bottoms were fried golden brown and crispy, making a “crunch” with every bite. The crisp texture was quite distinctive. The wrappers weren't too thick, and the filling was satisfyingly substantial. Together with the crispy wrappers, each bite had a nice variety of textures.
