A year-end trip to reward ourselves for a hard-working year! Even though we live in Fukuoka, we had never visited Munakata, so we decided to take a 2-day, 1-night family trip. Here is the story of Day 1. ## Before Setting Sail Hearing how lovely Oshima Island in Munakata is, the first thing we checked was the ferry schedule. Having a bit of extra time after driving into Munakata City, we decided to take a stroll around town first. ### Traditional Soy Sauce Brewery We visited Nakamaru Soy Sauce Brewery, a historic soy sauce brewery founded in 1850 (Kaei era 3). Besides the sweet sashimi soy sauce typical of Kyushu, they even had unique creations like "Bread Soy Sauce"! The shop atmosphere feels like step back into the Edo period, yet their innovative products are fascinating. I couldn't help but buy several bottles to try. ![Nakamaru Soy Sauce Brewery](/images/20251227_munakata/20251227_munakata_02.jpg) The Bread Soy Sauce tastes delightfully like sweet mitarashi glaze, pairing amazingly with toast and rice cakes. (Our 2-year-old was hooked as well!) ### Michi-no-Eki Munakata (Great Kids' Corner!) Next, we headed to the famous roadside station, Michi-no-Eki Munakata. It was packed with fresh local fish and seafood! Unfortunately, buying fresh fish right before heading to an island wasn't practical, so we settled for buying local rice crackers instead. (The sea lettuce rice crackers became another toddler favorite!) Since toddlers get restless quickly while shopping, the kids' play area inside the roadside station was a lifesaver. Equipped with stuffed animal toys and a play kitchen, it offered plenty of space for our toddler to play happily! ![Michi-no-Eki Munakata](/images/20251227_munakata/20251227_munakata_03.jpg) ## Off to Oshima Island! ### Ferry Oshima We boarded the ferry from Konominato Ferry Terminal and enjoyed a crisp 30-minute sea voyage. We couldn't resist taking in the ocean view! Instead of staying inside the heated cabin, we braved the winter sea breeze on the top deck. ![Ferry Oshima](/images/20251227_munakata/20251227_munakata_05.jpg) Despite slight waves, the ride was smooth enough without sea-sickness, and our toddler laughed enthusiastically with every gentle sway. Upon arrival at Oshima Port, crystal-clear turquoise sea and friendly port cats welcomed us. ### Fisherman's Seafood Set Feast Eager for fresh seafood, we walked straight into Kaihomaru, a local fisherman's diner. Surrounded by colorful fisherman flags decorating the shop, we ordered the 2,300 yen Sashimi Set Meal. ![Sashimi Meal 1](/images/20251227_munakata/20251227_munakata_04.jpg) ![Sashimi Meal 2](/images/20251227_munakata/20251227_munakata_04_01.jpg) Yes, the photo above is a single serving! The sashimi slices were extra thick and generous, accompanied by simmered fish, grilled fish, marinated sashimi, and nanbanzuke. Every dish was packed with flavor. Our toddler devoured the simmered fish head in no time. It was such an abundant meal—enough side dishes for an entire week at home! It reminded me of visiting my grandparents' house in Goto (who were fishermen), where tables were always overflowing with delicious seafood feasts. You could truly feel the fishermen's warm hospitality. ### Unexpected Tour Guides! Leaving the diner, our toddler declared, "I want jelly!" so we wandered around searching for dessert. Two local island boys greeted us warmly with a cheerful "Konnichiwa~". "Hey, can you play volleyball?" "Where are you from? How old is your child?" Before we knew it, two friendly primary school boys joined our stroll as our enthusiastic self-appointed tour guides! ### Island Chat, Dessert & Nakatsu-miya Shrine When we asked about jelly, they told us there wasn't any jelly nearby, but guided us to a shop near the port where we got Oshima's local specialty: Amanatsu Citrus Sorbet. We shared the sorbet with our young guides and enjoyed chatting together. "Our school only has 24 kids total from 1st to 9th grade." "At 2 PM I'm going out on my dad's boat." "My big brother already owns his own fishing boat!" Listening to their stories gave us a heartwarming glimpse into island life. When we mentioned wanting to visit the shrine, they happily led us straight to Munakata Taisha Nakatsu-miya Shrine. Climbing the stone steps and looking back revealed a stunning view overlooking the sea. ![Munakata Taisha Nakatsu-miya](/images/20251227_munakata/20251227_munakata_06.jpg) ![Munakata Taisha Nakatsu-miya](/images/20251227_munakata/20251227_munakata_06_01.jpg) ### Goodbye to the Local Boys As ferry departure time approached, it was time to say goodbye to our lively guides. They waved and asked, "When are you coming back?" Even our shy son waved back enthusiastically, shouting "Bye-bye, big brothers!" Thank you, boys, for making our island visit so unforgettable! ![View on the way back](/images/20251227_munakata/20251227_munakata_01.jpg) ## Mercure Fukuoka Munakata Resort & Spa After disembarking from the ferry, we drove directly to Mercure Fukuoka Munakata Resort & Spa. This was our very first stay at Mercure, a hotel highly popular among families traveling with young kids! ### Lounge, Onsen Bath & Buffet Right after checking in, we visited the guest lounge. Relaxing with complimentary snacks, wine, beer, and juices allowed both adults and toddler to unwind. The hot spring bath was spacious with an outdoor open-air bath (rotenburo) that washed away all travel fatigue. The dinner buffet was fantastic: adults indulged in Munakata beef steak and Japanese/Western culinary delights, while kids enjoyed kid-friendly favorites like french fries, corn soup, and donuts! The hotel was thoughtfully tailored for families, featuring a play kitchen area and even a cotton candy machine in the dining room! ![Munakata Beef Steak](/images/20251227_munakata/20251227_munakata_07.jpg) ![Savoring delicious food](/images/20251227_munakata/20251227_munakata_07_01.jpg) ### Evening Lounge After our toddler fell asleep, my husband and I took turns visiting the evening lounge. Sipping cold beer with quiet music provided a wonderful moment of relaxation. ![Lounge](/images/20251227_munakata/20251227_munakata_09.jpg) The all-inclusive experience made our stay wonderfully comfortable. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a relaxing retreat in Fukuoka! ▶ [Book Mercure Fukuoka Munakata Resort & Spa on Booking.com](https://www.booking.com/Share-IMhDx4) Stay tuned for Day 2 in the next post!

Kabechoro Trip Diary

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Fukuoka & Munakata: Winter Ferry Trip with a Toddler (Part 1)