Our First Family Trip Abroad with a Baby – Part 1: Arriving in Fukuoka
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we got married but never had the chance to travel abroad. We always carried that sense of regret with us. As my maternity leave was coming to an end and my husband was about to use up his annual leave, we realized that if we didn’t go now, it might be postponed indefinitely. So, we decided to take the leap and plan our first overseas trip as a family.
However, traveling with a baby who had just turned one made us a bit anxious. We wanted somewhere close with a short flight and minimal hassle—naturally, Fukuoka, Japan came to mind. Although we had visited Japan several times before, it was our first time in Fukuoka, and we were both excited and nervous. Our goal for this trip was simple: to eat well and relax without overdoing it.
Tension from the Start
We arrived at the airport early, having heard that international travelers were flocking back as the pandemic eased. Surprisingly, it wasn’t too crowded, but the limited number of check-in counters caused a long wait. After checking in, we stopped by the lounge for a meal and even enjoyed a drink—something I hadn’t done in a while due to parenting. Even our baby got a taste of the “new world” by trying something other than baby food for the first time.
Then the plane was delayed, and the tension really began. Our baby, usually calm, started to get restless and fussy onboard. I was sweating bullets trying to soothe him. While the older passengers were understanding, I couldn’t ignore the sharp glances from a nearby young couple. What should’ve been a short flight felt endlessly long.
Arriving in Fukuoka & Our First Night
Due to the flight delay, we arrived at our accommodation late at night. Wanting a low bed for safety reasons, we had booked a small apartment-style stay. It came with a convertible sofa bed and had all the essentials at a very reasonable price—perfect in terms of value.
Hungry, we headed to Hakata Station nearby. My husband, unfamiliar with Japan’s long restaurant queues, was surprised at the wait times. Since we were too tired and hungry to wait, we picked a random place, but the food wasn’t quite what we hoped for. So we grabbed some snacks from a convenience store and had a late-night meal back at the room.
“Fukuoka Accommodation Recommendation: Stay Hakata near Hakata Station”
** Stay Hakata **
Stay Hakata is located about a 10-minute walk from Hakata Station, making it very convenient. With shopping centers and convenience stores nearby, it’s great for family or group travel. The apartment-style layout includes a sofa bed and a fully equipped kitchen and washing machine, making it perfect for longer stays.
The Allure of Japanese Convenience Store Food
Japanese convenience stores felt like a whole new world. From rice balls and ready-to-eat meals to cheap alcohol, it offered a charm different from Korea. My husband, a fan of drinks, was thrilled to find liquor at half the price of back home. We ended our long day by sampling a variety of snacks and fresh foods, finally relaxing.
And so ended our first day in Fukuoka. Though it started off rough, just spending time together as a family made it all worthwhile. What kind of new experiences await us tomorrow? Stay tuned for Part 2!
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