Ishimura-Manseido is a leading confectioner that has been based in Fukuoka since 1905. Part of their success has been an innovative ideas department, a division that in 1977 dreamed up White Day. For those of you in the dark, White Day is celebrated on March 14th and was created in response to the injustice of Valentines Day, which has traditionally been when Japanese women give confectionary to men.

Originally a day for men to give marshmallows to women (hence the name), White Day is now a national phenomenon, and woe betide any man who thinks that a bar of Meiji Chocolate will do.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

In 1921, American missionary, Elizabeth Lee, was working as the headmistress of Fukuoka Jogakuin High School for Girls (now also a university). A big sports fan, Lee was constantly under pressure from parents to find a way to prevent kimono damage on the tennis courts.

With the help of a local tailor, she put together a simple uniform that borrowed from the boyish fashion trends sweeping the US, and – hey presto! – one of Japan’s most enduring images was born. The original design is used at the school to this day.

Fukuoka Jogakuin University and High School can be found in Osa, Minami-Ku, and is approximately 20 minutes from Tenjin by train or bus

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

The essential difference between izakaya and yatai is the camaraderie that is so unavoidable in the latter. With up to 15 people crammed in around what amounts to something no bigger than an office desk, you are forced to share more than eye contact with your new acquaintances.

The tight-fitting box carts of Fukuoka grew out of the ashes of world war two. At a time when people were under-nourished and in desperate need of the warmth of other human beings, the yatai trundled out of the rubble, lit their red lanterns and welcomed in the neighborhood. They've been there ever since.

The Nakagawa district has been operating yatai for 32 years and you would be hard pressed to find a
more picturesque scene, with the lantern and neon lights introducing past to present in the river below. Try the Maruju Stall for exquisite chashumen noodles that melt on impact.

Five minutes walk from Nakasu-Nakagawa Station

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends