5 Popular Souvenirs in Fukuoka

Every city and town in Japan, big or small, has meibutsu (local specialties) and Fukuoka is no exception.  As the largest city in Kyushu, Fukuoka has long been known as a foodie’s paradise. From tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen and yakitori (meat skewers), there’s no shortage of culinary treasures to explore. Here are five popular souvenirs in Fukuoka that make great gifts to bring back home. 

1. Hakata Torimon 

Photo by: Elizabeth Sok

Hakata Torimon is one of the most popular souvenirs in Fukuoka, produced by local sweets maker Meigetsudo. Conceptualized as a fusion of Japanese and Western styles, Torimon, which debuted in 1993, is a unique manju-style dessert utilizing unusual ingredients. Made of high-grade shiro-an (white bean paste) combined with sugar, butter and cream, Torimon is a repeat winner of the international Monde Selection award. It’s also only available in and around Fukuoka City making it a great rare omiyage. 

2. Hakata Potato 

Photo by: Elizabeth Sok

Using Kyushu sweet potatoes as its base, Hakata Potato delivers a moist and flavorful bite with just the right amount of sweetness. There are two varieties available, with each representing a different kind of sweet potato flavor: a standard yellow-ish sweet potato and another using beni imo (purple sweet potato). Purchase packs containing one type or choose a mixed box for the best of both worlds!

3. Hakata Shin Shin Ramen 

Photo by: Elizabeth Sok

Although Hakata Shin Shin has only six locations, including five in the city, it has been one of Fukuoka’s most beloved local tonkotsu ramen chains since opening in 2003. This box of Shin Shin ramen comes with three servings of noodles and broth. Simply warm up the retort pack containing a rich, creamy broth and boil the thin Hakata-style noodles for 40-50 seconds. Put them together and add your own toppings, such as a soft-boiled egg, green onions, sesame seeds and a slice of pork. 

4. Hakata Hiyoko

Photo by: Elizabeth Sok

Made from Kyushu flour and packed with sweet bean paste, Hakata Hiyoko takes its name from the chicks that these delicious treats resemble. Originating in a Fukuoka mining town over 100 years ago, the family that created Hiyoko relocated to Hakata where their cute sweet became a local favorite before gaining popularity throughout Kyushu and beyond. 

Largely unchanged since first being baked, Hakata Hiyoko’s adorable appearance is equally matched by its tasty fillings. Be on the lookout for seasonal varieties too, such as ones celebrating Halloween and autumn. 

5. Menbei

Photo by: Elizabeth Sok

Blending salty and spicy with the rich flavor of cod roe, mentaiko is a local favorite to add to rice. With over 50 years of experience producing mentaiko, Yamaguchi Aburaya Fukutaro created a snack infused with the flavors of spiced cod roe. Combining the words mentaiko and senbei (rice cracker), menbei was born in 2001. 

Bursting with umami, menbei make for a great, light bite to enjoy with drinks or on their own. In addition to the standard version, it also comes in other varieties, including spicy, onion, green onion, bonito and mayonnaise.