Sweetest Season Unleashed in Hakata!
Hakata’s Mingu transforms into a ‘Strawberry Wonderland’ with over 90 Amaou delights.
Hakata, known as a gateway to Kyushu, is gearing up for its annual celebration of Japan’s beloved “King of Strawberries” – the Amaou. From January 15 to March 1, 2026, Mingu, one of Kyushu’s largest souvenir destinations located within Hakata Station, will host its 10th “Mingu Amaou Strawberry Festival.” This vibrant event is set to showcase the irresistible charm of Amaou strawberries, offering a sensory feast for locals and international visitors alike.
The festival promises an extraordinary array of Amaou-related products, boasting over 90 different items. From delectable sweets and pastries to unique lifestyle goods and refreshing drinks, the selection caters to every preference. A particular highlight this year is the emphasis on freshly baked and prepared Amaou sweets, allowing visitors to savor the peak freshness and flavor of this premium fruit. Imagine the aroma of sweet strawberries filling the air, a delightful prelude to the culinary journey.
Throughout the festival, several special events and limited-time pop-up shops will enhance the experience:
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Amaou Sweets Fair: A gathering of various temporary shops offering exclusive Amaou treats.
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JA Zen-Noh Fukuren “Amaou Yell Fair” (February 28 – March 1): This special collaboration will feature sales of premium Hakata Amaou strawberries and other fresh Fukuoka produce. Visitors can also participate in campaigns, including receiving a two-pack of Hakata Amaou with a ¥2,000 purchase at Mingu stores (first 50 daily) or an original Amaou “Strawberry King” keychain with a ¥2,400 Amaou purchase at the JA Zen-Noh Fukuren booth, plus an Instagram follow and message card entry (first 100 daily).
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Pop-up Shops:
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Minamiaso TEA HOUSE (February 1-15): Discover “Strawberry and Rose,” a caffeine-free tea blending roses with Fukuoka-grown Amaou strawberries.
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KitKat Gift Shop (February 1-15): Beyond the popular Amaou KitKat, seasonal “KitKat Heartful Bear” will be available.
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Yamaya Kajukura (January 15-18): Offering freshly harvested, ripe Amaou strawberries from Asakura, along with limited-edition Amaou fruit sandwiches and “overflowing ripe strawberry daifuku.”
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Beyond the edible delights, the festival fosters a festive atmosphere with a giant Amaou object and various photo spots, perfect for capturing sweet memories. Mingu, nestled within Hakata Station, serves as a bustling hub for both travelers seeking souvenirs and locals doing their daily shopping, making it an ideal location for such a grand event.
For anyone with a sweet tooth or a love for all things ‘kawaii’ (cute), this festival is a must-visit, offering a truly unique taste of Japan’s vibrant fruit culture. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience the “King of Strawberries” in myriad forms, celebrating a fruit that embodies both exquisite taste and adorable aesthetics.
More details can be found on Mingu’s official channels:
This annual festival at Hakata’s Mingu not only delights visitors but also plays a significant role in promoting the exquisite Amaou strawberry from Fukuoka to a broader, global audience. By showcasing its versatility in sweets, drinks, and goods, the event helps solidify Amaou’s reputation as a top-tier Japanese fruit, potentially inspiring new culinary trends and further expanding the appreciation for Japan’s delicate and delicious agricultural treasures worldwide.
