Fuku-Ro-Shaka! pt.2: Visiting Momochi and Eating Some More Ramen

NOTE: While this piece was written in Japan, this was published after returning to L.A.

I spent my second (and last) day in Fukuoka (April 18) doing only two things: visiting Momochi Seaside Park and eating ramen at Kurume Taiho Ramen in the Tenjin district. I woke up late today, getting out of bed at about 12 noon. I decided that I wanted to spend the day at Momochi Seaside Park and visit the ocean for the first time since visiting Kawazu back in March. This time, I visited the Sea of Japan. I boarded the bus at Hakata Bus Terminal and took the bus to Momochi Seaside Park, a beach town of sorts facing rather calm, crystal-clear waters, featuring hotels, Fukuoka Tower, and even a stadium nearby. I spent three hours walking along the coast, basking in the San Diego-like vibe of the area. Maybe the warm weather and clear skies had something to do with it? Maybe it was the clear water? I couldn’t help but feel like I was in San Diego for some reason. Either way, I enjoyed some soft serve ice cream and some yakisoba from some onshore eateries. I kept walking on and off the sand and along the coast, basking in the scenery and enjoying some relaxation before finals. While most would consider this a do-nothing-day, I was glad to have spent it at the beach.

Dinnertime was approaching so I decided to visit another well-known ramen shop: Kurume Taiho Ramen. I then boarded the bus to Fukuoka’s bustling Tenjin District where I boarded the Nishitetsu train for Kurume. I boarded the Limited-Express train, meaning it only took me 30 minutes to travel 26 stops southeast of Fukuoka to Kurume. There was just one problem; Kurume Taiho Ramen is located IN the Tenjin district, not the town of Kurume! Apparently, Google sent me to the company’s main office! It’s okay, I like trains too much so it wasn’t a waste for me, I simply boarded the Limited-Express train back to Fukuoka and then ate my ramen. I ordered a delicious bowl of spicy tonkotsu which, for my taste, wasn’t that spicy. Either way, this bowl of ramen was one of the best bowls I had the entire trip! I was satisfied and I almost ordered seconds. I decided not to so I left happy and headed back to the hotel.

While I was searching for the Kuko Line back to Hakata, I stumbled upon Tenjin Underground City, a massive underground shopping “street” filled with many shops, such as the latest fashions, jewelry, and of course, Ringo Custard Cream Apple Pie! I decided to order myself one of these apple pies and let me tell you, it was the single best dessert I had in Japan! I came to Fukuoka for food and I was not disappointed. Having spent the majority of my time in Tokyo, I can say that I never saw anything that even came close to a custard cream-filled apple pie. It was so damn good!

If you’re ever in Fukuoka, you definitely need to explore the Tenjin district and visit Kurume Taiho Ramen and Ringo Custard Cream Apple Pie. These two places alone will make your visit to Fukuoka worth it. Too bad I’m going to Hiroshima tomorrow.