Hakata Station’s Sweetest Season: Amao Strawberry Sweets Fair Unveils a Berry Bonanza
Prepare your taste buds for a vibrant celebration of Fukuoka’s iconic Amao strawberries as the “Amao Strawberry Sweets Fair 2026” makes its highly anticipated return to Ming, located within JR Hakata Station. From February 10th to 23rd, 2026, visitors can immerse themselves in a world of exquisite strawberry delights, featuring a tempting array of treats from nine popular establishments, including first-time participants.
This special event, a highlight of the ongoing “Amao Ichigo Matsuri” (Amao Strawberry Festival), offers a unique opportunity to explore the multifaceted appeal of the “King of Strawberries.” While Amao is widely recognized across Japan for its exceptional taste, its potential in diverse confectionery forms is still being discovered. The fair aims to spotlight these creative interpretations, transforming the beloved fruit into everything from delicate Japanese wagashi to sophisticated Western pastries and delectable baked goods.
Ming, known as Kyushu’s largest souvenir destination situated right inside Hakata Station, serves as the perfect stage for this grand culinary showcase. It’s a bustling hub where both local residents and travelers from across Japan converge, making it an ideal location to introduce the rich variety of Amao sweets to a broad audience. This year marks the second successful iteration of the fair, a testament to its popularity and the enduring charm of Amao strawberries.
Imagine biting into a fluffy cookie sandwich, its rich cream infused with the vibrant tang of fresh Amao, or savoring a visually stunning mousse cake, each layer a symphony of strawberry and complementary flavors. The fair promises a sensory journey, with treats that are as beautiful to behold as they are delicious to taste.
Among the nine participating stores, two are making their debut at Ming, adding fresh excitement to the lineup. This diverse collection ensures there’s an Amao sweet to captivate every palate.
Here are the participating stores:
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TABLES
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Taiwan Castella Kōhakuhaku (First appearance at Ming)
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TOMODACHI NO DONUT (First appearance at Ming)
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Cheesecake Kenkyujo (Cheesecake Research Institute)
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Hakata Makkana Ichigo
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Tsuzumi Dango
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Mannekenpis
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Ishimura Manseido
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Hakata Mile Mele
The event is more than just a sweets sale; it’s a celebration of Fukuoka’s agricultural pride and culinary innovation. It encourages visitors to appreciate Amao strawberries in new and exciting ways, moving beyond the fresh fruit to explore its delightful transformations.
“It’s incredible to see how many different flavors and textures Amao can inspire,” one might exclaim, delighted by the sheer variety. “Each sweet tells a unique story of this amazing berry!”
Don’t miss this limited-time opportunity to indulge in an extraordinary range of Amao strawberry sweets. The fair runs daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, though items are available only while supplies last.
For more details on the fair and participating stores, please visit:
Ming Official Website – Strawberry Festa
Discover more about Hakata Ekinaka Ming:
This fair not only highlights the versatility of Amao strawberries but also reinforces Hakata Station’s role as a gateway for showcasing Kyushu’s unique local products. As such events continue to flourish, they pave the way for local Japanese delicacies to gain even greater recognition and appreciation, not just within Japan but potentially on the global stage of kawaii food culture.
