The Hakata Traditional Craft and Design Museum is a free, lesser-known spot in Fukuoka that’s worth bookmarking. If you like traditional Japanese crafts, don’t miss it~ The museum displays many traditional works unique to Hakata, such as colorful, expressive Hakata dolls and delicate, charming ornaments. Each piece is full of local character. Hakata dolls capture the spirit of their subjects through meticulous craftsmanship, paired with vivid yet soft colors that make them hard to stop admiring. The museum isn’t very large, so you can take your time and see everything in about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Afterward, you can also pick out a favorite craft as a souvenir. If you have time, plan a relaxing little outing filled with culture.
Hakata Traditional Craft and Design Museum | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Sunshine City
Sunshine City has long been a popular destination in the area east of Ikebukuro Station. It consists of five areas: Sunshine 60, Prince Hotel, World Import Mart Building, Bunka Kaikan Building, and the Alpa shopping center. The complex brings together a wide range of popular attractions, including shopping facilities, a hotel, an aquarium, a planetarium, and NAMJATOWN.
When it comes to Ikebukuro’s iconic shopping complexes, Sunshine City is definitely one that can’t be left out. I still remember meeting up with friends in Ikebukuro years ago, and this was always our most familiar meeting spot. Since opening in 1978, this large complex has become an Ikebukuro landmark. In addition to its dazzling array of shops and restaurants, it also has an aquarium, planetarium, indoor amusement park, and an observation deck on the upper floors, so you can spend the whole day here without getting bored. Every time I walk in, it feels like I’m returning to those wonderful times spent with friends. It brings back fond memories.
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Tokyo International Forum
Located close to Tokyo Station, Japan’s largest convention and art center stands. As a place for international cultural exchange, it was built in 1997 on the ground of the former Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
The Japan Olympic Museum is located in Meiji Jingu Gaien in Tokyo’s Shinjuku area, near the National Stadium. It is a cultural attraction where visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the Olympic spirit. Through valuable historical materials, videos, and interactive exhibits, the museum takes visitors through the history of the Olympic Games. You can also get a close look at commemorative items such as torches and medals. Most interestingly, some of the hands-on exhibits make you feel as if you were in the stadium, letting you experience the passion and emotion of athletes pushing their limits!
The museum opened in 2019 in preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. It was established to carry on the Olympic spirit and help more people learn about the history and emotion behind sports. The museum displays Olympic torches, athletic uniforms, and valuable historical materials. A visit here is not just about looking back at the Games, but also about appreciating the spirit of peace and unity conveyed by the Olympics.
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TOKIYA
TOKIYA is a Japanese sweets café located on the 1st floor of Shinjuku West Exit HALC, about a 1-minute walk from the West Exit of Shinjuku Station. It has been serving customers in Shinjuku since it opened in 1948. With table seating and the nostalgic atmosphere of a traditional sweets café, it offers dorayaki and other sweets as well as savory dishes.
I once received TOKIYA dorayaki as a gift from a Japanese client, and I still can’t forget its gently sweet, comforting flavor. Founded in 1948, TOKIYA is a long-established Japanese sweets shop in Shinjuku. Its signature dorayaki is even said to be the inspiration for Doraemon’s favorite snack. The soft, fluffy pancakes have a subtle egg aroma and are filled with plenty of homemade red bean paste. They’re sweet but not overly so—simple, yet full of the warmth of skilled craftsmanship. If you’re shopping at Shinjuku West Exit HALC, consider getting this timeless classic to go.
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