If you’re visiting Fukuoka, you’ll want to bring home some delicious food and traditional souvenirs. But with so many options, it can be difficult to choose. In this article, we’ll introduce some of the most popular souvenirs from Fukuoka, highlighting their features and where to buy them.
・Introducing 10 must-buy souvenirs from Fukuoka
・Explaining convenient places to purchase them, including Hakata Station and Fukuoka Airport
・Featuring individually wrapped and long-lasting souvenirs for easy gifting
Where to Buy Souvenirs in Fukuoka?
If you’re looking for souvenirs in Fukuoka, places with convenient access such as train stations, airports, and large shopping malls are the best options. These locations have a wide selection of items and make it easy to shop even with limited time. Below are some of the most popular shopping spots among international visitors.
Buying Souvenirs Near Hakata Station
Hakata Station is the largest transportation hub in Kyushu, with many souvenir shops gathered in one place. Hakata Ekina-ka Ming and Hakata Deitos are particularly popular, offering famous Fukuoka sweets, mentaiko (spicy cod roe), ramen, and other specialty products.
Since it’s directly connected to the station, it’s a convenient spot to pick up souvenirs while waiting for your train.
Buying Souvenirs at Fukuoka Airport
If you want to grab souvenirs right before your flight, Fukuoka Airport is the perfect place. Shops such as ANA FESTA and BLUE SKY offer popular products like Hakata Torimon, Menbei (mentaiko-flavored rice crackers), and karashi mentaiko.
There are also airport-exclusive items that you won’t find anywhere else, so be sure to check them out.
Buying Souvenirs at Canal City Hakata
For those who want to enjoy both sightseeing and shopping, Canal City Hakata is a great option. Inside the shopping complex, The Hakata Gift Shop offers a variety of Fukuoka-exclusive sweets, sake, and local crafts.
The area also has many stylish cafés, making it a nice spot to take a break while shopping.
Buying Souvenirs at Tourist Attractions
Purchasing souvenirs at sightseeing spots is also a great choice. For example, inside Fukuoka Tower, you’ll find shops selling exclusive Fukuoka-themed goods and local confections.
Additionally, along the approach to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, you’ll find numerous traditional sweet shops selling specialties like Umegae Mochi (a rice cake filled with sweet red bean paste).
Top 10 Souvenirs to Buy in Fukuoka
Hakata Torimon
When it comes to Fukuoka souvenirs, Hakata Torimon is a must-buy. This sweet treat is a soft, Western-style manju filled with a generous amount of white bean paste and infused with butter and fresh cream. It has a smooth texture and a refined sweetness, combining the best of both Japanese and Western confectionery.
Hakata Torimon has won the Monde Selection Gold Award for 23 consecutive years, proving its worldwide recognition. The price is reasonable, at about $0.80 per piece or around $5.33 for a pack of six. You can find it at Hakata Station, Fukuoka Airport, and major department stores (such as Daimaru and Mitsukoshi), as well as at Meigetsudo’s direct stores. Since each piece is individually wrapped, it’s also perfect for gifting.
Umegae Mochi
Umegae Mochi is a traditional Japanese sweet associated with Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. It consists of a chewy rice flour dough made from glutinous and non-glutinous rice, filled with subtly sweet azuki bean paste, and grilled to perfection on an iron plate. The crispy, aromatic exterior and soft, chewy interior create a delightful contrast.
Freshly grilled Umegae Mochi is especially delicious, making it a great choice for snacking while sightseeing. It costs about $1.00 per piece, making it an affordable treat. While it’s best known from shops along the Dazaifu Tenmangu approach, you can also find it at Hakata Station, Fukuoka Airport, and department store food sections. Some stores sell frozen versions, allowing you to enjoy it at home by reheating.
Karashi Mentaiko (Spicy Cod Roe)
Karashi Mentaiko is one of Fukuoka’s most famous specialties. This spicy cod roe is made from pollock roe that has been marinated in a special seasoning blend with chili peppers and aged to perfection. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, pasta, or as a snack with alcoholic beverages.
Different brands have their own distinct flavors, with Yamaya, Fukuy a, Fukusaya, and Kanefuku being some of the most well-known. Prices vary by brand and quality, but expect to pay around $6.67 per 100g. You can purchase it at Hakata Station, Fukuoka Airport, and department store food sections. Many stores offer vacuum-sealed or frozen options, making it easy to take home. It’s also a popular souvenir among international visitors.
Menbei (Spicy Mentaiko Rice Crackers)
Menbei is a crispy rice cracker infused with Fukuoka’s signature Karashi Mentaiko. Its crispy texture and the umami-rich, slightly spicy flavor make it highly addictive. In addition to the classic plain version, Menbei comes in a variety of flavors, including mayonnaise, green onion, and onion, making it fun to try different varieties.
Menbei is affordably priced, with an 8-pack (2 pieces per pack) costing around $4.00. The individual packaging makes it easy to share with coworkers and friends. Available at Hakata Station, Fukuoka Airport, department stores, supermarkets, and souvenir shops, it is lightweight and easy to carry, making it an ideal souvenir.
Hakata no Hito
Hakata no Hito is a unique confection that combines a soft Baumkuchen cake with a layer of sweet azuki bean jelly inside. The combination of the cake’s mild sweetness and the rich flavor of the jelly creates a delightful balance. Each piece is bite-sized, making it easy to enjoy. It also comes in different flavors, including chocolate and matcha.
A pack of five costs about $3.00, making it an affordable and shareable souvenir. It is available at Hakata Station, Fukuoka Airport, department store food sections, and Nikakudo’s direct stores.
Chikushi Mochi
Chikushi Mochi is a refined Japanese confection made from soft mochi dusted with roasted soybean flour (kinako) and served with rich black sugar syrup. Produced by Josuian, this delicacy is known for its elegant packaging, which resembles a traditional wrapping cloth.
Its chewy texture, nutty kinako aroma, and sweet syrup create an exquisite balance, making it a favorite among wagashi lovers. The price is about $2.67 for a three-piece pack and $8.00 for a nine-piece pack. You can find it at Hakata Station, Fukuoka Airport, department stores, and Josuian’s direct stores.
Tirolian
Tirolian is a beloved Fukuoka confection consisting of crispy rolled cookies filled with smooth cream. Available in flavors such as vanilla, coffee, chocolate, and strawberry, these treats have a light texture and a delicate sweetness. First introduced in 1962, Tirolian has remained a popular souvenir thanks to its charming, colorful appearance.
A pack of four costs around $3.33, while a twelve-piece set is about $8.00. It is available at Hakata Station, Fukuoka Airport, department stores, and Chidori Manju Sohonpo stores. The individual packaging makes it convenient for sharing.
Hakata Potato
Hakata Potato is a rich and moist sweet potato treat made with locally sourced Fukuoka sweet potatoes. Its smooth texture and natural sweetness pair perfectly with tea or coffee.
This delicacy contains no preservatives or artificial coloring, allowing you to enjoy the pure taste of its ingredients. A pack of five costs about $5.33. Available at Hakata Station, Fukuoka Airport, department stores, and Nikakudo stores, its individually wrapped pieces make it an easy-to-carry souvenir for sweet lovers.
Nanban Ourai
Nanban Ourai is a crispy almond-flavored pastry filled with a layer of fruit jam. The combination of flaky pastry and sweet jam, available in flavors such as raspberry and blueberry, creates a refined taste.
Its freshly baked aroma and buttery texture add to its appeal. The price is around $1.33 per piece or $6.67 for a five-piece pack. You can find it at Hakata Station, Fukuoka Airport, department stores, and Sakaeya stores. It is a great choice for those who enjoy Western-style sweets or are looking for a treat to pair with tea.
Hakata no Ishidatami
Hakata no Ishidatami is a signature chocolate cake from Chocolate Shop, one of Fukuoka’s most famous chocolatiers. This exquisite dessert features a five-layer structure consisting of fluffy chocolate sponge cake, rich chocolate cream, and smooth ganache, creating an incredibly velvety texture.
Its balanced sweetness and deep chocolate flavor make it a dream come true for chocolate lovers. The price is about $3.33 for a mini size and $13.33 for a whole cake. Available at Hakata Station, Fukuoka Airport, and Chocolate Shop’s direct stores in Tenjin, it also comes in a frozen version, making it easy to bring home as a special souvenir.
Conclusion
Fukuoka offers a wide variety of appealing souvenirs, from Hakata Torimon and Karashi Mentaiko to delightful sweets and savory snacks. With so many choices, you are sure to find something that will be appreciated by anyone.
Take home a delicious souvenir to remember your Fukuoka trip. If any of these items catch your interest, be sure to check them out while visiting the region.
