Kyushu Day 1: Singapore - Shanghai - Fukuoka

Day 1 of trip. Stopover at Shanghai as we were taking China Eastern. Had 真功夫 for breakfast at Shanghai airporta. Their breakfast was only so so... still prefer their normal meals.



Photos taken from the plane. We are finally touching down to Fukuoka!



We took the free shuttle bus from Fukuoka International airport to the domestic terminal, and transfer for the subway to city. Fukuoka airport is very near the city, actually only 2 stops (5 mins) to the main Hakata station. Bought the 1 day subway pass at 500yen (for Fri - Sun, Mon - Thur cost 600yen). Cheap as a single ride cost approx 250yen and above. 



Finally reached our hotel for the night. Business hotels in Japan are relatively very compact, but still clean and comfortable. 

Using our 1 day subway pass, we went back to Hakata station to exchange for our JR Kyushu rail passes. That must have been the most worth item during our whole trip!

Just outside JR Hakata station was a food carnival promoting Kyushu food. Sellers were selling their local produce from various states of Kyushu.

Croquette looks delicious! 

Took the subway again, this time to Tenjin station (天神駅), one of the busiest entertainment and shopping districts of Fukuoka. Walking around, we decided to have dinner at one of the Yatai (屋台), those small mobile food stalls set up in evenings on pedestrian walkways. The yatai can only sit around 10+ persons, and most of them were really crowded.

Finally settled for one which was not so crowded. Food was only so so. Ramen cost 500yen, yakitori 100yen, gyoza 400yen for 8 pieces. The big pot in front of us was oden, a japanese type of steamboat. 100yen for a piece.

After dinner, we walked along the underground shopping street, but most of the shops were already closed. So much for Fukuoka's busiest shopping district. I guess Kyushu cannot be compared to Tokyo.

Guess what I found - Krispy Kreme comes to Kyushu! and their Grand Opening was today! of course I wouldn't miss it.. luckily they were still open when I arrived. There was a slight queue, but not as extreme as compared to Tokyo. Bought the Chocolate iced custard filled doughnut at 180yen. No free doughnuts though... L

Went back to hotel as had to catch the early train to Kagoshima the next day. We stopped by a 24hr supermarket near our hotel to buy some drinks and stuff. Sushi was on sale at half price! As my yatai dinner was not that filling, (only ate 2 pieces of oden and 2 yakitori), bought a box of sushi to satisfy my sushi cravings.

Sushi only costs 315yen after discount. Cheap! and I must say, even though it was sold in the supermarket, they taste much better than the commercial sushi restaurants in Singapore.