The Izakaya Gem in Fukuoka
Around noon, local office workers flock to one specific restaurant. There, they enjoy a hearty meal of their beloved mizutaki – a medley of tender chicken and glass noodles served with generous amounts of ponzu dipping sauce 西新 居酒屋
Handmade ceramics from Arita in Saga Prefecture, lotus honey from Fukuoka and sea salt from Kagoshima – these are the kinds of items you will find at Local Development Lab, a shop that showcases Kyushu’s finest products.
Hakata ramen
There is a huge amount of tonkotsu ramen restaurants in Fukuoka city. In fact, there is an entire food court dedicated to it called Ramen Stadium (found in Canal City shopping and entertainment complex). Pikaichi, located near the station, is one of the most well-known ramen shops in the area. They serve a variety of different types of ramen, but their flagship is the Hakata style. This type of ramen has a thick, cloudy pork-bone broth and thin noodles that are kept firm. It is a great choice for those who want a rich taste without the fat found in traditional tonkotsu ramen. They also offer a variety of other noodle dishes, such as sara-udon and the highly popular Chinese-style tantanmen.
Another must-try ramen restaurant in Fukuoka is Yamachan, which serves traditional Hakata ramen. Their broth is made from pork bones and chicken bones sourced locally, as well as other ingredients such as aromatic vegetables and mineral-rich water. The noodles are also quite thin in comparison to other ramen, and they are cooked very quickly so that they retain their texture. The noodles are seasoned with beni shoga, pickled ginger root, which provides an acidity and mouth-numbing spiciness to the soup.
In addition to ramen, Yamachan serves motsunabe (beef or pork intestine with garlic chives, cabbage and other ingredients boiled in soy sauce or miso-based soup) and the region’s huge amao strawberries. They also have a great selection of local drinks, including sake and beer.
Aside from the main attractions, Fukuoka is a great place to visit for the food and drink. Izakayas (Japanese pubs) are a common sight throughout the city and they usually offer a wide range of food. In the heart of the city is the Tenjin district, which has a large number of both Japanese and foreign-style izakayas.
A few of the best izakayas in Fukuoka include Yataichi, which serves modern Japanese cuisine, and Tenjin Ikkousha, a trendy spot serving tonkotsu ramen that’s popular with celebrities. Another hidden gem is Sanatorium in Tenjin, a weird cafe/gallery/performance art mishmash with a rotating schedule of guest chefs.
Motsunabe
As a city that is embracing the future while holding fast to its tradition, Fukuoka offers a unique blend of modernity and old-world charm. Its thriving food culture has brought forth many dishes that are popular not only in Kyushu but also throughout the country, while cultural institutions like the Asian Art Museum and Fukuoka City Museum offer insight into the region’s rich history. However, if you want to discover the true heart of the city, look no further than its traditional neighborhoods, where ancient buildings and narrow alleys invite you to immerse yourself in its authentic ambiance.
One of the most popular places to experience this is at yatai, or traditional street food stalls. These independent eateries are more than just a place to eat; they offer a sense of community and an opportunity to connect with locals. You can find numerous yatai in the Nakasu and Tenjin districts, serving everything from mouthwatering street food to delicious drinks and snacks.
Motsunabe is one of the most iconic dishes of Fukuoka, a hot pot of beef cheek and other offal simmered in broth made from Rishiri kelp and light soy sauce. Its signature miso flavor is complemented by its savory taste, while the kiritanpo motsunabe, which features stick-shaped rice cake, is particularly noteworthy for its richness and sweetness.
Another must-try is the gobo-ten udon, which features characteristically tender Fukuoka udon topped with crisp burdock root tempura and other toppings. The noodles are perfectly balanced by the sweet, creamy texture of the toppings, and this dish is a long-beloved favorite of locals.
The izakayas of Fukuoka are a treasure trove of food and drink, with each establishment offering a different culinary experience. These hidden gems showcase the best of Kyushu cuisine and are worth exploring if you’re looking for a culinary adventure in the city. So, pack your bags and discover the gastronomic delights of Fukuoka! You’ll be glad you did.
Dontaku Port Festival
With a history stretching back more than 840 years, this festival has become an integral part of the city. It is one of the biggest festivals in Fukuoka and attracts more than 2 million visitors each year. It is a celebration of both tradition and modernity that combines dazzling parades and performances with traditional music and dance.
The festival takes place in early May, during the city’s Golden Week holidays. It is characterized by the ornately decorated floats, which are carried around town in a procession accompanied by costumed participants. The floats represent various aspects of the city’s history and culture, making for a fascinating visual feast. The festival is also known for its acrobatics and lively entertainment. The event was suspended for eight years during World War II, but it was restarted in 1946 to help revive the city.
During the festival, people visit local restaurants and bars to enjoy traditional music and dance performances. A total of 39 stages are set up all over the city for this purpose. These venues feature traditional and contemporary Japanese music, dance, and song. Each venue has its own unique style, so you can see a variety of performances while exploring the streets.
A pre-opening ceremony is held on the night of May 2, which is the first day of the festival. The event is held at Kokusai Centre (International Centre), and all the groups that will be participating in the parade are present for this occasion. A new “Miss Fukuoka” is also chosen at this time.
The main festival starts on the morning of May 3. During this time, the parade goes from Gofuku-machi to Tenjin. Many of the performers wear costumes, play the shamisen and beat drums, and clack shamoji, wooden spoons used for scooping rice, together. The entire event is a giant party that animates the central area of Fukuoka city for two days.
The event features a wide range of events and is free to attend. In addition to a parade, there are musical performances and acrobatics, as well as a beauty contest and an oratorio. It is also a great chance to try out traditional Japanese foods.
Kushida Shrine
Fukuoka’s unique tapestry of tradition and modernity creates a compelling experience for visitors. From enthralling festivals to mouth-watering foods, the city welcomes you to immerse yourself in its traditional ambiance and celebrate its rich heritage.
The Fukuoka City Museum is an essential stop for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s storied past. Featuring archaeological artifacts and immersive reconstructions, the museum offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s ancient history.
While in the city, be sure to visit the iconic Fukuoka Tower. Standing at a height of some 234 meters, the tower is one of the city’s national symbols and offers spectacular views of the metropolis below. The tower is open from 9 am to 5 pm and admission is free.
Located in the heart of Hakata, Kushida Shrine is dedicated to three deities and is famous for its Kazari Yamakasa (large stationary festival floats) which are used during the annual Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival held during summer. During the festival, people come to pray for good fortune and wish for protection from dangers such as earthquakes or floods. Kushida is also home to numerous Chikara Ishi (stones that are lined up) which were traditionally used as fortune telling tools. Those who were able to lift the stones easily were believed to have good luck.
Another important shrine in the city is the Yusentei Park. It was once the residence of the 6th lord and features beautiful gardens with an ornate pond, as well as a number of historic buildings that have been meticulously restored to their former glory. Visiting this park is a great way to take a step back in time and experience a piece of Japan as it was in the past.
A premium dining experience can be found at Sorut Fukuoka Tenjin Branch, a 1-minute walk from Tenjin Station. This designer izakaya boasts semi-private dining areas for groups of 2 or more and serves delicious dishes made with carefully selected ingredients such as Hataka wagyu (a type of high-quality beef), Yobuko spear squid, and vegetables from Ito and Asakura. Their standard [Meat Bar Course] with 8 carefully selected meat dishes and 2-hour all-you-can-drink option starts at 2,980 JPY.
