Fukuoka is one of the more vibrant cities in Japan, with a youthful energy that consistently sees it rank highly in terms of where people would like to live. One of the hallmarks of the city’s outgoing atmosphere is its evening food stands, the yatai.

Every night in Fukuoka, dozens of food stalls open around the riverside. Offering dishes likes yakitori, gyoza, oden and tempura, the stands provide delicious warm food that is all the more welcome in the chill of the evening, and made fresh before your eyes. Besides just the food, though, the distinctive culture of yatai, with their limited spacing and cheerful atmosphere, encourage conversation between strangers. In Japan many people are uncomfortable speaking with strangers and prefer to maintain a polite distance, but the convivial atmosphere helps break down barriers. (The fact that alcohol flows freely with many of the dishes doesn’t hurt!)

Fukuoka has many charms, with famous temples and shrines both a short distance from Hakata station, and the bustling city centure of Tenjin. However you spend a day of sightseeing in the city, it can be very nice to unwind in the welcoming atmosphere of yatai at the end of a long day.