Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Eki-ben (Train Station Bento)】

Have you ever tried an eki-ben (駅弁)? Eki-ben refers to bento boxes sold at train stations or onboard trains, often full of  local specialties and delicacies from the area. These bentos, using ingredients from the region, are a reflection of the area's culture, history, and flavors and shows off the diversity of Japan's culinary culture. 

There are a wide variety of eki-ben available at train stations across Japan. From luxurious options featuring fresh seafood or wagyu beef to bentos showcasing regional dishes or collaborations with famous restaurants, the choices are endless. Recently, some eki-ben even include self-heating features, allowing you to enjoy a warm meal while on your train trip.

Eki-ben, are of course, difficult to sample unless you visit the region where they're from, but  from Wednesday, February 26, to Tuesday, March 4, those ekiben will be in one place for you to try them! The "National Famous Eki-ben and Delicious Foods Competition” will be held at Hakata Hankyu that week, bringing together more than 100 varieties of eki-ben, packed with the flavors of their local regions. 

In addition to eki-ben, the event will feature local specialties from across Japan, ranging from gourmet dishes to sweets. Don’t miss the chance to experience the tastes of Japan and enjoy the feeling of traveling through its regions!

【New Spots in Tenjin-"Solaria Daigamen" and "Hulic Square Fukuoka Tenjin"】

To continue, I'd like to introduce some exciting new spots in Fukuoka’s Tenjin area.

First up is SOLARIA DAIGAMEN. The large screen at the Stage Plaza on the first floor of the Solaria Stage Building, a landmark and popular meeting spot in Tenjin, has undergone a major transformation this month. The new screen is massive—8 meters wide and 9 meters tall, making it nine times larger than the previous version.

To celebrate its renewal, the screen is currently featuring a limited-time collaboration with the Marine World Uminonakamichi aquarium. The video uses visual illusions to create the striking impression of adorable penguins leaping out of their tank and into the real world. It’s a fun and entertaining spot to pass the time while waiting to meet someone, so be sure to check out SOLARIA DAIGAMEN if you’re in the area!

Next is the newly opened HULIC SQUARE FUKUOKA TENJIN. This new building was constructed as part of Fukuoka City's redevelopment project, the Tenjin Big Bang.  It is located along Meiji-dori Avenue, next to 'Fukuoka PARCO.'

HULIC SQUARE FUKUOKA TENJIN is a 19-story complex with three basement floors. It’s directly connected to Tenjin Station, and its commercial floors feature eight restaurants, including several making their Kyushu debut. From yakiniku to Chinese cuisine and wine bars, there are some rather wonderful dining options.

Beyond restaurants, the building houses a drugstore, apparel shops, and even a clinic. Additionally, the upper floors are scheduled to open in April as a hotel. 

With these new developments, Tenjin is becoming even more lively for both locals and tourists. It's exciting to see more convenient and attractive spots popping up in Fukuoka, isn't it?