21 April 2025
Into the core
Central Tenjin area
After missing the main part of Tenjin the other night, it was now time to brave a return visit and head directly into the heart of Tenjin, by going under it.
Tenjin Chikagi (chicken what?) is the underground shopping street. These differ from the covered above ground shopping streets, because there are a lot of different kinds of shopping streets.
Tenjin Chikagi is long, modern, dark and has a lot of bakeries and salad shops, I probably could have had a salad, but it was too early.
Next I headed around to the second hand vintage clothing streets, and enjoyed the smell, all of these places have the same distinctive smell, it is disturbing.
Once I decided the smell was now permanently etched into my nostrils, I headed back to the department store area, which was closing between levels 1 and 10, but levels below ground and above 10 were doing a roaring trade.
The Parthenon is on tour and currently in Fukuoka. I think I typed that the last time I was here.
This is the bit that joins the 2 halves of the Daimaru store, it is old and needs 'renewal'.
Time to head down into Tenjin Chikagi. A lot of people. A lot of cake shops.
Renowned for it's intricate roof.
The Fukuoka bank has a bunch of stained glass windows underground, because that makes sense, but even better they depict Europeans throwing rocks at each other.
I am sorry I did not get to go to the musuem of tasting soy sauce. I wonder if they all have hints of oak and citrus too?
Comic store guys of the world rejoice, there is a giant Mandrake in Fukuoka to satisfy your ultra violent schoolgirl fetishes.
Back in the department store area and everything is connected by sky bridges.
Lot's of sky bridges.
There is also the worlds crappest Shotengai, all closing at 7pm.
Instead you can go into any of a number of multi level brand new claw machine stores. I still do not understand the fascination with losing money trying to get a metal claw to grab a bottle of laundry detergent.
For dinner, dan dan noodles Hakata style. I think Hakata style meant no sichuan pepper? At least it was spicy. Actually it was very nice, and a big serve. I am now full of chilli oil.
And finally, here are a couple of the hundreds of 'Yatai' that spring up after dark. Yatai translates to sneeze tent.
Now I will go to bed early, because although tomorrow is a relatively short hike, close to the city, the forecast is AGAIN for increasing rain from lunch time, so I want to start early.