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The sweetest in Japan!? You'll be addicted! A delicious zenzai that you'll want to eat even in summer (Kamikawabata-cho, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City)
Hello! I'm Hakata Aya, a writer who loves hot information about Fukuoka.
This time, we will introduce "Kawabata Zenzai Square," where you can enjoy sweet zenzai in "Kamikawabata Shopping Street," where you can feel the atmosphere of Hakata! This is actually a hidden spot where you can see "Kazariya Yamakasa" floats all year round. It is recommended for both locals and tourists.
Popular with locals and tourists alike! Enjoy the festival atmosphere all year round at Kawabata Zenzai Hiroba (Kamikawabata-cho, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City)
Kamikawabata Shopping Arcade is a 400m long arcade that runs from Nakasu-Kawabata Station on the Subway Airport Line/Hakozaki Line towards Canal City Hakata. Lined with traditional shops, it is a popular spot loved by locals and tourists alike. In one corner of the arcade is Kawabata Zenzai Square.
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Except for event days such as the Hakata Gion Yamakasa, it is usually only open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
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The store also sells "Kawabata Zenzai" (650 yen) for takeaway, so it's also recommended as a souvenir from Hakata.
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If you choose to eat in, you pay in advance at the ticket machine on the right side of the store.
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In addition to "Zenzai" (650 yen per cup), they also sell "Koori Zenzai" (650 yen per cup), which is zenzai topped with shaved ice, available only in the summer (from around May after Dontaku to early October).
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Meal tickets will be handed over at the reception.
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While you wait for your order to be prepared, be sure to look around the store.
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The poles displayed at the top are from the Hachiban Yamakasa (the running decorated Yamakasa). They are made from Hita cedar and each one weighs 80kg. Hand towels from each school were also on display.
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The tiles depict the pattern of the formal attire worn by the Yamakasa participants during Yamakasa ceremonies, called Toban Happi (Hitoname Naga Happi). The design varies by town so that participants can tell which town they belong to.
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And the magnificent "Hachiban Yamakasa Kamikawabatadori" that is so tall it almost reaches the ceiling. Both are on permanent display (※), so you can feel the Yamakasa all year round. *During the Yamakasa period, the decorated Yamakasa are displayed in the shopping street, not inside the stores.
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Tea is self-serve. The teacups even have the Kawabata Zenzai logo on them, giving it a tasteful feel!
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The sweetest in Japan! Hakata specialty "Kawabata Zenzai"
This is the specialty "Kawabata Zenzai" (650 yen). It contains two round, freshly baked mochi (rice cakes).
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This zenzai soup uses Hokkaido-grown Dainagon red beans, giving it a grainy texture. The flavor and sweetness of the red beans that spreads in your mouth is irresistible!
"Kawabata Zenzai" is said to be the sweetest in Japan, but it's not cloyingly sweet, and has a comforting taste that seeps into your body. You'll be hooked.
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Pickled radish for a palate cleanser. Eating it alternately with zenzai was absolutely delicious.
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You'll strangely want to eat it even in the hot summer! If you come to Hakata, be sure to stop by. (Text by Hakata Aya.)
＜Click on the store name for more details about the store ↓＞
■ Kawabata Zenzai Square
Address: 10-256 Kamikawabata-cho, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Business hours: 11:00-18:00
Closed: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays *Open every day during the Yamakasa period (July 1st to 14th)
*This article is current as of the time of publication. *Prices in the text include tax.
※Text and images:Hakata Aya.
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