While having breakfast, I came across a stylish, historically significant building and decided to enter. I took off my shoes at the entrance, bought an entrance ticket and a meal ticket. They also accepted electronic payments, which was impressive. Inside, I dined in a dining room that was built around 100 years ago, with an elegant atmosphere. The menu was quite elaborate, featuring modern and beautifully presented pancakes, which created an interesting contrast with the historic building. There is a popular store nearby that sells mentaiko (spicy cod roe) rice bowls, so visiting before or after to avoid the long lines could be a good idea.

Fukuoka Prefecture, Fukuoka City Chuo-ku Nishinakasu 6-29, Kibinkan Cafe. A cafe located inside the Kibinkan, a national designated important cultural property, formerly known as the Old Fukuoka Prefectural Public Hall. The Kibinkan is a classical Western-style building located in a corner of Tenjin Chuo Park in Nishinakasu. It is a wooden structure with a French Renaissance style that was used as a reception hall for guests during the Meiji era. It is one of the few wooden public buildings from the Meiji era with a French Renaissance style. The cafe is only available to visitors of the Kibinkan. Admission fee is 200 yen for adults (100 yen for under 15, free for 65 and older). No outside food or drinks allowed. No smoking or open flames. The cafe has a nostalgic and elegant atmosphere. They serve coffee, herbal tea, and alcohol. Opening hours are 9:00-18:00, with the cafe open from 9:00-17:00. Closed on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday) and from December 29 to January 3. The area around Tenjin Chuo Park and Nishinakasu is home to the Old Fukuoka Prefectural Public Hall Kibinkan, a designated important cultural property. It connects the bustling Tenjin area with the Hakata/Nakasu area through the Fukuhaku Deai Bridge. The area was redeveloped, and in August 2019, the dining and resting facility "HARENO GARDEN" opened. HARENO GARDEN EAST overlooks the Nakagawa River and houses cafes and specialty shops. HARENO GARDEN WEST offers a view of the Old Kibinkan while enjoying food and drinks at the cafe. These two buildings were carefully planned to make use of the space by the river and the Old Kibinkan. It has been transformed into an urban oasis adorned with water, greenery, and light. As a fan of important cultural properties, I enjoy visiting the Old Fukuoka Prefectural Public Hall Kibinkan. Admission tickets can be purchased at the entrance ticket machine using electronic money or cash. Shoes must be placed in the lockers, and slippers provided for indoor viewing. The Old Playroom showcases modern architecture in Fukuoka Prefecture, similar to the exhibition room at Moji Port Station. The red carpet staircase and corridors add to the ambiance of the reception hall and Kibinkan. The architect, Eizaburo Sanjo (1872-1935), is also known for other existing buildings such as the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine Sakuramon Gate, Hikosan Shrine Main Hall (important cultural property), and Kushida Shrine Hall of Worship and Sakuramon Gate (important cultural property). After enjoying the building, head to the Kibinkan Cafe on the first floor. The ticket machine at the entrance is not only for admission but also for the cafe. Soft drinks range from 300 yen (tax included), and you receive a food ticket at the counter to choose your seat. The cafe has acrylic panels, and the windows are slightly open for ventilation, offering a view of the beautifully maintained park from the Meiji era. The window frames add to the artistic atmosphere. The coffee beans are from KEY COFFEE. Even if it's not a special bean variety, the space itself is special. The facility is managed by the Fukuoka Prefectural Board of Education, with Nihonbashi Hanadan as the designated manager.

After having ramen for breakfast, I didn't have much time so I decided to stroll around the Tenjin area without doing much sightseeing. It was hot and tiring, so I decided to have tea at the cafe in the former Fukuoka Prefectural Guest House, a designated Important Cultural Property. Built over 110 years ago in 1909, this wooden guest house is preserved as an Important Cultural Property due to its valuable French Renaissance-style wooden architecture. I paid the entrance fee of 200 yen to go inside. The atmosphere inside was lovely and serene. I explored the rooms and baths on the first and second floors, each with different wallpaper, ceilings, and mantlepiece designs, making it very stylish. As a fan of old buildings, I had a great time. The cafe on the first floor required payment at the entrance ticket machine, which was a bit confusing, but the staff kindly explained it, so no worries. The cafe had a calm and charming atmosphere. I ordered a hydrangea lemonade and a melon soda float. The hydrangea lemonade was made right in front of me, with its beautiful hydrangea color, refreshing taste, and perfect for the ambiance of the place. I could relax and enjoy the view from the window. There was even a couple taking wedding photos in their wedding attire inside the building. The atmosphere here would surely make for some beautiful photos. It was a delightful experience. Thank you for the meal!

Every year, the VIP Hall Plaza becomes the KBC Stage for the Nakasu Jazz Festival. This year, the venue is being set up again. A few years ago, the joint performance of Hino Akimasa and Moriguchi Hiroko was enjoyable. I wanted to visit the cafe here. With an entrance fee of 200 yen, I entered the building and was guided by a volunteer. Originally built as the VIP Hall for the Meiji Exposition, the building has been used as part of the prefectural office since then. Exploring the various rooms and learning about the history and features of the building was very interesting. The first-floor dining hall has been turned into a cafe. It used to be a restaurant that operated at night, but recently it has become a simple cafe that closes in the evening. It was still hot outside, so I ordered a cream anmitsu with Kyoto hojicha ice cream for 750 yen. There was also a group on the second floor wearing costumes from the Meiji era and taking photos inside the building.

There is a retro cafe inside the building in front of the water bus stop at Tenjin Central Park. There is an entrance fee to enter the building, so there are few people who only use the cafe, making it a nice place to relax. I ordered an iced coffee, which came with a cookie. The coffee was delicious and comforting. I recommend this cafe.

◎Coffee◎Black Tea Important Cultural Property Built in 43rd Year of Meiji Era