Travel & Holidays 1 day HK/ 5 days Fukuoka

Went to HK for a wedding and a quick trip to Fukuoka. The trip is not done yet but though I'll writw something while waiting for hubby finishing his shopping

Disclaimer: Food trip so you'll see loads of food. My observations below is personal experience only so it might not be true/ accurate.

Hong Kong
This is the second time I visit. Only for 1 day but I don't think we're missing much and my opinion has not changed either. Some observation:
- Transport is superb. Went from airport to the other end of the island within 1 hour. Avoid peak hours as otherwise you'll get squeezed.
- Many people look miserable even on weekend
- we visited family member and the place they live in. Rental cost equates to aud2000 per month, It's smaller than regular studio in Sydney and old (pipes and cables are visible and everything is old). There are many buildings like this around that area. It might not be a reflection of the entire population however I did thought for a developed country, and aweful lot of the places doesn't look like one.
- everyone in the building knows each other, it still has the community feel
- food price has increased since 2 years ago. I was told it's pushed by tourism and now is a lot less affordable for local. May or may not be correct.
- Airport is full of food. You won't get hungry.
Day 1 doesn't sound like a holiday but so glad we can make it to the wedding

Fukuoka, Japan
Easy 3 hours flight from HK. I do recommend visiting for a couple of days - it has a small town feel but not small at all.
- Very well connected subway line aND like other japan cities, well planned infrastructure.
- Bazillion and bazillion of food! They seems to love sweets as I can see cake/bread shops almost everywhere.
If you visit, try their ramen - Shin Shin is popular for the Hakata ramen (they're divine and the place is very lively) and Dosanko for non Hakata ramen.
I wondered why no one look ever weight with all the food around and hubby pointed out a couple of things - with a huge amount of vending machines, barely any have soft drinks in them. Mainly tea and coffee. Fast food store is rare and you have healthier fresher food even in 7 eleven for cheap.
- property still expensive here though I'm not sure how it cost against salary.
- 3 star hotel is plenty good, all of them has bathtub
- time to walk again, I might continue layer
Some collated photos

 

We saw a local with her dog in the cafe and managed to ask for pic
Very friendly and patient while we try broken Japanese and Google translate

 

Looks like a gereat trip! Thanks for posting the photos

 

5 years ago when I went to Fukuoka, I went to the following restaurant, it was one of the best, and great prices. Highly recommended from me:

Hakata restaurant Chikae

Chikae Fukuoka - Restaurant Reviews, Phone Number & Photos - TripAdvisor

 

Oh look super yum... our trip end tomorrow so won't have the chance but maybe next time

 

Sounds amazing. I'm more than a bit jealous.

 

I liked fukuoka
I liked the steel tower at the port.

 

It's a nice peaceful city, some parts feels like the 90's but I love it

 

Should go if you can @ellejay ... Japan is great and enjoyed the trip more than I thought. April is Sakura blossom season go go A lot of walking as most places are just that easy to walk to (or you can catch subway when tired).

This is the beach side yesterday.

 

I'm putting it on my list right now

 

That's a shame. If you fly off late afternoon then you can still get lunch of Chikae! Oh well, a great excuse to go back to Fukuoka again!

 

I spent 7 days in fukuoka in 1998. Loved it!