KITTE Hakata is in a very convenient location. Just turn left after exiting Hakata Station, and you’ll get there quickly. It’s an easy stop whether you’re transferring trains, shopping, or getting something to eat. Inside, there are plenty of restaurants, lifestyle goods stores, and souvenir shops, so you can take care of both shopping and dining in one place. There’s also a supermarket on the first floor. In the past, before heading home from every business trip, I would make a special stop here to stock up, especially on natto, since it was convenient and they carried several different brands. One visit during Christmas was particularly memorable. The area around the station was covered in lights, and once they lit up at night, the atmosphere became especially lively. With all the travelers coming and going and the festive decorations, the entire Hakata Station area was filled with a cheerful mood.
KITTE Hakata | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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GATSBY Body Paper
This body paper series of products helps to remove sweat, stickiness, and odors. It’s a convenient product that can be easily used any time, anywhere. Simply wipe your body with the large non-woven paper.
Summers in Japan have become unbearably hot over the past year or two, so it’s no wonder that many companies have started offering “extra-cooling body wipes”! And yes, they really are incredibly cooling when you use them (laughs). The sheets are larger than regular wet wipes, so you can wipe everything from your face and neck to your body, arms, and legs. They’re especially useful after exercising or spending an entire day walking outdoors. GATSBY also offers many different scents, so there are plenty to choose from. While browsing, I even came across a fig scent. It was honestly a little bizarre, and I couldn’t help taking a second look. Keep a pack in your bag when you go out in the summer, and you can freshen up anytime!
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Jiyuken Namba Honten
Founded in 1910 as Osaka’s first Western-style restaurant, Jiyuken Namba Honten operates in the bustling Namba Center Street in the heart of the Minami area.
I saw it recommended in a travel guide, so I made a special trip to Jiyuken while visiting Namba, Osaka, to try this classic curry specialty for myself. The curry and white rice are mixed together beforehand, giving it a soy sauce-like color, with a raw egg placed in the middle. It’s completely different from regular curry rice. First, I tried a bite as is, then mixed in the egg yolk. The rich curry gained an eggy flavor and a smoother texture. Finally, I added a little Worcestershire sauce to taste, which gave it even more depth.
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Enbun Charge Tablets
A chewable tablet that aids in boosting electrolytes lost while you sweat. It tastes great and melts in your mouth to quickly deliver sodium, potassium, and citric acid to the body.
A Japanese coworker brought back some Kabaya electrolyte candies to share after a business trip. Each one is small and easy to carry, so you can have one while out in the summer or after exercising to replenish the salt lost through sweating. The mildly salty-sweet flavor isn’t too heavy, and they’re handy to keep in your bag during hot weather.
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