A must-buy when visiting Fukuoka, Japan

Fukuoka, a city full of charm and culture, attracts visitors not only for its bustling cityscape and beautiful natural scenery, but also for its many unique shopping options. Known as the "Gateway to Japan", Fukuoka has an abundance of shopping resources to satisfy the needs of all types of tourists, from high-end brands to local specialties. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into some of the must-buy items when traveling to Fukuoka to help you get a more complete picture of the city's shopping attractions.

1. Hakata fabrics

Hakata weaving is one of Fukuoka's traditional handicrafts that has been around for hundreds of years. Known for its intricate craftsmanship and exquisite design, this fabric is a gem among Japanese arts and crafts. Hakata-ori is mainly used to make obi for kimonos, but there are also a variety of other uses such as wallets, tote bags, home décor, and more. Buying Hakata textiles is not only a beautiful souvenir to take home, but also a taste of Fukuoka's history and culture.

2. Mentaiko

One of Fukuoka's most famous specialties, this pickled cod roe is widely loved for its unique spicy taste. Fukuoka's mentaiko is expertly crafted and has a unique taste, making it a great gift for friends and family. Visitors can buy mentaiko in a variety of flavors and packages at local supermarkets, shopping malls, and even specialized mentaiko stores, as well as taste a variety of mentaiko dishes.

3. Fukuoka matcha products

Fukuoka's matcha is of high quality, and whether it is matcha powder, matcha desserts, or matcha tea bags, it has a rich tea aroma and delicate taste. Fukuoka's matcha products are well-known not only in Japan but also internationally. Visitors can buy these high-quality matcha products at specialized tea shops, dessert shops, or large shopping malls, either to taste for themselves or as gifts.

4. Hakatatsu Street Handicrafts

Hakata-dori Street is an alley full of traditional handicrafts and a paradise for shopping lovers. There are a variety of handicrafts such as ceramics, wood carvings, bronze and more, all of which are carefully crafted by local artisans. Buying these handicrafts is not only a great souvenir to take home, but also a support for local traditional crafts.

5. Fukuoka cookies and pastries

Fukuoka has a wide variety of sweets and biscuits, and they are both beautiful and delicious. In particular, Hakata beauty cake and plum branch cake are popular with tourists for their delicate appearance and excellent taste. Hakata Bijin cake has a beautiful shape and a soft texture, making it perfect as a refreshment. Ume-eda mochi is a traditional Fukuoka confectionery with a crispy crust and a sweet filling. Whether it's for personal use or as a gift, it's an excellent choice.

6. Japanese knives and knives

Japanese knives and knives produced in Fukuoka are renowned worldwide for their exquisite craftsmanship and excellent quality. In particular, Japanese swords, which are handmade by local swordsmiths in Fukuoka, are not only sharp but also beautiful, and many of them have unique patterns on their bodies, making them a great choice for both collection and use. Fukuoka is also famous for its kitchen knives, such as kitchen knives, paring knives, and scissors, which are good helpers in home kitchens.

7. Porcelain from Izumiya

Izumiya is one of the most famous porcelain brands in the Fukuoka area, and its products are known for their delicate handwork and exquisite design. Visitors can purchase a variety of porcelain at the Izumiya, such as teacups, teapots, and dishes, each of which is full of art. Izumiya's porcelain is not only a practical daily necessities, but also a work of art, which is suitable for souvenirs or gifts.

8. Kyoho wines

Fukuoka produces world-famous Kyoho wines with its excellent viticulture conditions and traditional winemaking techniques. This wine has a deep red color, a sweet taste and an intense fruity aroma, making it an excellent choice for wine lovers. Visitors can buy this high-quality wine at major wineries, wine specialty shops, and even general shops in Fukuoka.

9. Hakata Tosuke

Hakata pottery is a traditional Fukuoka ceramic made from high-quality local clay. Hakata pottery comes with a wide variety of products, from everyday tableware to artistic ornaments, and is made with exquisite craftsmanship and colorful patterns. By purchasing Hakata pottery, you will not only get a practical item, but also a taste of Fukuoka's rich cultural heritage.

10. Fukuoka specialty perfume

Fukuoka's specialty fragrance brands are not only popular in Japan, but also in the international market. Fukuoka perfume has won the love of many consumers with its fresh aroma and long-lasting fragrance. The perfume is made with local natural plant essences to make its fragrance more pure and natural. In Fukuoka's major shopping malls and specialty stores, visitors can find a wide variety of perfumes and fragrances to suit different needs.

11. Fukuoka cotton products

Fukuoka's cotton products are known for their high-quality cotton and fine weaving techniques. Whether it's bedding, clothing, or home décor, Fukuoka's cotton products are comfortable to the touch and aesthetically pleasing. Visitors can buy these low-cost cotton products at local textile stores and large shopping malls, and take them home to not only increase the comfort of life, but also leave a good memory of their trip.

12. Fukuoka traditional wood crafts

Fukuoka has a wide variety of wood crafts, from furniture and ornaments to small wood products. Fukuoka's wood crafts are appreciated for their exquisite handwork and unique design style. At Fukuoka's major craft shops and craft markets, visitors can find many exquisite wooden crafts that can be used to decorate your home or as gifts for friends and family.

13. Hakata Doll

Hakata figurines are traditional crafts unique to Fukuoka that date back to the Edo period. Known for their lifelike shapes and beautiful hand-paintings, Hakata figurines often represent an aspect of Japanese history and culture, making them great collectors and gifts. In Fukuoka's major craft shops and museums, visitors can find a wide variety of Hakata figurines, each full of artistic value and cultural connotations.

14. Fukuoka handmade leather goods

Fukuoka's handmade leather goods are widely recognized for their high-quality leather and fine handmade. Whether it's wallets, handbags, or belts, Fukuoka's handmade leather goods feature high-quality raw materials and unique design styles. Visitors can buy these handmade leather goods in local leather goods shops and high-end shopping malls, which are both stylish and practical, and are the perfect gift for themselves or their loved ones.

15. Shopping in the Tenjin Underground Mall

Located in the heart of Fukuoka, the Tenjin Underground Shopping Mall is a unique shopping spot with a variety of brand stores, specialty shops, and gourmet restaurants, making it a great place for shopping and leisure. In the Tenjin Underground Mall, visitors can find many unique items such as clothing, accessories, beauty products, and snacks, and each store is full of personalized charm. When you shop here, you can not only buy your favorite items, but also feel the urban atmosphere of Fukuoka.

16. Fukuoka's local soy sauce

Fukuoka's soy sauce is popular for its unique way of making it and its rich flavor. Fukuoka's local soy sauce production uses traditional brewing methods and high-quality raw materials to produce soy sauce with its deep color and rich aroma, making it an indispensable condiment for cooking. Visitors can buy soy sauce in a variety of flavors and packages at Fukuoka's food markets and supermarkets, and take it home to not only enhance the taste of the dishes, but also experience Fukuoka's food culture.

17. Fukuoka local tea set

Fukuoka's tea sets are praised for their exquisite craftsmanship and high-quality materials. Whether it's a teapot, a teacup or a tea tray, Fukuoka's tea sets have a unique design and good practicality. At Fukuoka's various craft shops and tea ware specialty shops, visitors can find a variety of styles and styles of tea utensils that can be enjoyed for themselves or as gifts for those who enjoy tea.

18. Sake made locally in Fukuoka

Fukuoka's sake is famous for its high-quality water and traditional brewing techniques. Fukuoka's local sake has a rich flavor and is perfect for a variety of cuisines. Visitors can buy a variety of brands and types of sake at Fukuoka's wineries, specialty stores, or supermarkets, either for themselves or as gifts for friends.

19. Fukuoka local pickles

Fukuoka's pickles have a high reputation in Japan for their unique flavors and rich variety. Fukuoka's pickles are often made with fresh local vegetables and traditional pickling methods, and are delicious and make a great accompaniment to rice. Visitors can buy a variety of pickles at Fukuoka's food markets and supermarkets, and some even come in beautiful gift boxes that are perfect for gifting.

20. Locally made medicines in Fukuoka

Fukuoka has a number of traditional cosmeceutical brands with a history of 100 years, and the cosmeceuticals produced by these brands are widely preferred for their natural ingredients and effectiveness. Whether it's skincare products, face masks, or medicines, Fukuoka's cosmeceuticals are of good quality and highly effective. Among the major drugstores in Fukuoka, visitors can find many well-known brands of cosmeceuticals that can be used on their own or as a great gift.

With the above detailed introduction to shopping in Fukuoka, I believe you have a comprehensive understanding of the must-buy things when traveling to Fukuoka. Fukuoka is not only a city full of charm and culture, but also a shopping paradise. Whether it's traditional handicrafts and delicious food, trendy accessories, or practical household items, Fukuoka has something for everyone. Hopefully, this article will help you find the perfect souvenirs and gifts for your trip to Fukuoka and make memories of your trip.