This hands-on ramen noodle-making experience invites participants to learn how to make Hakata Ramen, the soul food of Fukuoka. Hakata Ramen is a thinner, firmer version of standard ramen and is among Japan’s most popular regional ramen variations. During this workshop, participants are taken through each step of the Hakata ramen-making process. It includes kneading, stepping on (a long-practiced traditional technique), and rolling out their own dough from scratch before boiling it to the perfect soft yet bouncy texture. Participants will then choose from two broth options, “tonkotsu,” a rich, umami-flavoredpork bone broth, or a veganfriendly alternative crafted with plant-based ingredients. For visitors with dietary requirements and restrictions, exchanging the customary “chashu” pork meat ramen topping for a vegan and vegetarian-friendly soy meat option is also possible. Workshops are held at multiple locations throughout Fukuoka and welcome all visitors, regardless of their culinary knowledge or cooking skills, to try their hand at creating this popular, traditional Japanese dish.Read More

Boats and time run slowly in Yanagawa, Fukuoka’s “city of water.” This picturesque former castle town features a vast network of waterways spanning 930 kilometers throughout the city, which were manually excavated during the reign of the esteemed Tachibana clan approximately 400 years ago. These waterways have created a unique landscape and have supported the city’s agriculture and the community’s livelihood for generations. The tour begins at Ohana, the former residence of the Tachibana family and an important cultural landmark. Here, participants will explore the city’s history and the legacy of the Tachibana clan, who are honored for their innovative leadership that helped the city thrive. The tour continues with a leisurely “Donkobune” boat ride through Yanagawa’s scenic water channels, boarded at Ohana’s port, typically off-limits to travelers. Onboard, participants will enjoy freshly baked “kome senpei,” a long-running local rice cracker confectionery, and experience baking the crackers themselves. Participants will also have the option to wear traditional “happi” coats customized with their corporate logo or create an umbrella hat as a keepsake from this historic tour.Read More

A local Okawa landmark, “Shoubunsu” is a historic vinegar brewery with a legacy spanning over 300 years and 14 generations. This family-run brewery continues to uphold traditional vinegar fermentation methods passed down through the centuries. This experience offers visitors the chance to tour the brewery’s time-honored facilities and learn about the art of traditional vinegar brewing in this region of Japan. It also provides insight into the core of a long-running business that preserves tradition while adapting to contemporary societal changes. After the tour, guests can shop for various specialty vinegar products at the on-site store and enjoy unique dishes featuring vinegar at the brewery’s restaurant, “Ristorante Shoubun.” Optional experiences include sampling vinegar-based mocktails or participating in a guided fieldwork activity exploring Hanzakai, the historical domain borders in the area. This experience is an excellent opportunity to discover the story of how Shoubunsu and the town of Okawa have evolved over time, blending heritage with innovation.Read More

Okawa City is home to “Okawa Kumiko,” a traditional woodworking craft with over 300 years of history. This intricate technique involves fitting small wooden pieces together to form delicate patterns such as hemp leaves or cherry blossoms ? truly a showcase of masterful craftsmanship. In this hands-on activity, participants can immerse themselves in the culture of Okawa Kumiko while experiencing the process of creating it themselves. Participants first learn about the history of Kumiko in an engaging quiz-style format, learning, for example, why Kumiko took root in Okawa. After this, participants will try their hand at crafting their own Kumiko coaster, which they can then take home as a keepsake. As an optional team-building extension, each participant’s coaster can be assembled into a collaborative original wall art piece, which can even be engraved with a company name, creating a one-of-akind masterpiece. Additionally, by preordering in advance, participants can receive personalized wooden keychains engraved with company logos or individual names, which are sure to make for a truly memorable souvenir.Read More

Japanese tea has a long and diverse history behind it, with many regions across the country having unique customs associated with tea. Fukuoka is one of Japan’s largest producers of green tea, like the famous Yame tea, and part of that culture is their traditional game of Tea Kabuki. Tea Kabuki was introduced to Japan hundreds of years ago, and started off as a sophisticated game for the aristocracy. Once you’ve played, you’ll understand why it was popular among the higher classes, as it requires a sensitive palette. In the game, players must taste a tea and try to guess its flavor by matching it to a corresponding picture card. The game uses Fukuoka’s specialty Yame Tea, and is hosted by popular Fukuokan tea expert Shoko Takenaka. This experience is a great way to get to know Japanese tea, and find out who has good attention to detail when it comes to different tastes.Read More

xperience Fukuoka’s unique culinary flavors in a historical setting surrounded by nature. This program invites you to taste a luxurious Japanese course meal at the 130-year-old restaurant Kayanoya, and learn how the food is made with their exclusive dashimaking performance. Dashi, the heart and soul of Japanese cooking, is a light stock that brings out the umami taste in washoku, Japan’s famed traditional cuisine. Observe how it’s made from scratch at Kayanoya, then enjoy a gorgeously displayed full course meal cooked to perfection with dashi and various seasonal ingredients. It is fascinating to watch dashi stock being made in this classic building representing decades of Fukuoka’s culture. After enjoying your meal, head to the nearby shop and buy as much dashi as your heart desires.Read More