The DEITOS souvenir shopping area next to Hakata Station is truly a souvenir paradise!
There's no need to visit several places, since you can find almost all of Fukuoka's popular specialties in one trip, including Kayanoya products, mentaiko, Hakata Torimon, Chikushi Mochi, various Western-style sweets, shrimp crackers, and limited-edition snacks. The shopping layout is convenient, and plenty of shops offer samples so you can taste before deciding. It's easy to end up with a whole bag full before you know it. This is the most convenient place to shop before catching a train or flight.
If you want to finish your entire souvenir shopping list in one place, I highly recommend DEITOS!
HAKATA DEITOS | Review by Gina C
Other Reviews by Gina C
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Toyama Castle (Toyama Municipal Folk Museum)
Toyama Castle was built during the Age of Civil Wars. Then, at the completion of the post-World War II reconstruction project, Toyama Industrial Expo was held, where this memorial was built. It models a three-layer and 4-story castle which is open to the public as a folk museum.
Toyama Castle is located in central Toyama City, surrounded by the lush greenery of Toyama Castle Ruin Park. The historic-looking castle creates an interesting contrast with the modern cityscape. Even if you're just passing by, it's easy to be drawn to this castle steeped in history.
Toyama Castle, also known as Azumi Castle, dates back to the Sengoku period and was once an important political and military stronghold in the Toyama area. The castle tower seen today is a later reconstruction and houses the Toyama Municipal Folk Museum. Its exhibits cover the history of Toyama Castle, the development of the castle town, and related local historical artifacts, giving visitors a better understanding of Toyama City's past.
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Toyama Castle Ruins Park
Nicknamed the "Floating Castle" for its appearance of floating on water, Toyama Castle Ruins Park is built on the historic site of Toyama Castle, once the residence of feudal lords who ruled the present-day Toyama region. The park retains portions of the original stone walls, moat, and the impressive Chitose Gate, preserving the grandeur of the past.
Toyama Castle Ruins Park has a quiet beauty in winter that is different from cherry blossom season. The cold weather means fewer crowds, making the park more leisurely and peaceful. Strolling along the moat while admiring Toyama Castle and the surrounding scenery has a charm of its own.
Although the trees are bare in winter, they make the castle's elegant appearance stand out even more. Even casual photos capture the winter atmosphere. The park isn't far from central Toyama and is easy to get to, making it a great place for a relaxing walk, taking photos, and experiencing Toyama's calm and comfortable winter charm. -
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Kitakaro "Hokkaido Pioneer Okaki"
Kitakaro’s long-selling product, "Hokkaido Pioneer Okaki," is known for its dedication to using locally sourced ingredients from Hokkaido. Focusing on the treasures of the sea, this premium rice cracker lineup includes 10 varieties featuring top-quality ingredients such as squid from Hakodate, sweet shrimp from Mashike, autumn salmon from Shibetsu, scallops from Esashi, kelp from Erimo, octopus from Shiranuka, and cod roe from Tomakomai’s Kojohama, along with three popular seasonal offerings.
Kitakaro's "Hokkaido Pioneer Okaki" won me over with its crispy texture. Each small rice cracker is fragrant, with a subtle rice aroma and savory flavor that makes it hard to stop eating. Although it looks simple, it has a rustic flavor that never gets old.
After trying it, I found that it wasn't too oily or overly salty. It tasted light and was easy to eat. -
