20 Best Restaurants in Fukuoka, Japan : Discover an Abundance of Regional Specialties Like Ramen and Motsu Nabe Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Oct 18 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

20 Best Restaurants in Fukuoka, Japan : Discover an Abundance of Regional Specialties Like Ramen and Motsu Nabe

Fukuoka is a prefecture rife with a profusion of delicious foods particular to the region. Some of the local specialties include tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen, and motsu nabe (hot pot made with offals), mizutaki torinabe (hot pot made with chicken and vegetables), udon (thick noodles), and taki gyoza (simmered gyoza), just to name a few of the dishes on the menus of longstanding establishments near and dear to the locals. In this article, you will find 20 restaurants with a central theme of restaurants that serve Fukuoka's local specialties! Online reservations are also an option, so why not get head-start while stirring up an appetite planning out places to eat that catch your interest?

See full listings of Japanese Cuisine restaurants found in and around Fukuoka.

1. Taishabu to Nihonshu Satsuki

Kiki is a versatile restaurant specializing in "Buri Shabu and Sake," catering to business gatherings, women's groups, and solo diners. Enjoy luxurious Buri Shabu made from fresh yellowtails suitable for sashimi, paired with local sake from Kyushu and other Japanese regions. The restaurant, a refurbished Showa-era building, offers a relaxed, Japanese-style ambiance. It features counter seating and private rooms, making it suitable for various occasions. Course menus for business functions and banquets are available, allowing guests to relish selected sake and delectable yellowtail dishes.

Taishabu to Nihonshu Satsuki

Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY
Access: 15-minute walk from Ropponmatsu Station on the Fukuoka City Subway Nanakuma Line
Address: 1-3-41, Torikai, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka Map
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2. Fuji

Fuji's popular dish, unagi wasabi donburi, harmoniously combines the aroma of scallions, the kick of wasabi, and their secret sauce, crafted since the restaurant's inception. They source high-quality, fluffy, reasonably large unagi with thin skin from a trusted wholesaler. The unagi's delicious flavor is enhanced by simple grilling or bamboo steaming. The restaurant, with counter and tatami seating, caters to everyone from couples to families. For special occasions, the "Omakase Course" featuring the famed unagi donburi is recommended. The welcoming manager adds to the restaurant's homely charm.

Fuji

Open: [Monday - Wednesday, Friday - Sunday] Lunch 11:30 - 14:30 (last order 14:00) / Dinner 17:00 - 21:00 (last order 20:30)
Closed: Thursday, Third Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Access: Ten-minute walk from Hanabatake Station on the Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line. Take the West Exit and walk heading northwest. Located just beyond the Tsubuku Bypass.
Address: 23-16 Harankoga-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka Map
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3. Fukusensou

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Fukusensou in Yanagawa, one of Japan's top eel destinations, offers a range of dishes featuring high-quality eels, including their renowned "Seiromushi" (steamed eel). Expert chefs grill each eel over charcoal, yielding a fragrant and fluffy dish. Their secret sauce, passed down since the restaurant's founding, enhances the eel's flavor. The menu offers traditional grilled eel as well as unique Yanagawa specialties such as eel croquettes and fried rice. With a 4-5 person private room, a large room for upto 160 guests, and welcoming counter seats for solo diners, it caters to diverse needs. Located just a minute's walk from Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station, it's an ideal stop for a memorable Yanagawa experience.

Fukusensou

Open: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: Right in front of the west exit of Yanagawa Station on Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line
Address: 31-1, Shimohyaku-cho, Mitsuhashi-machi, Yanagawa-shi, Fukuoka Map
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4. Kairi

Kairi, conveniently located just 3 minutes from Nakasu-Kawabata Station, offers a culinary experience that highlights premium wagyu from Kyushu and fresh seafood from the Bungo Channel. Expertly prepared cuts of beef, including Miyazaki, Oita, Kagoshima Black, and Kumamoto, are served teppanyaki-style, while their sushi and sashimi dishes provide a fresh twist on traditional seafood offerings. Thanks to its parent company's seafood transport business, Kairi ensures the freshest ingredients. The restaurant's spacious terrace seating provides a breathtaking night view of Nakasu, creating an ideal ambiance for dates, parties, or casual dining.

Kairi

Open: Breakfast 8:00 am - 11:00 am (L.O. 10:30 am) / Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm) / Bar time 11:00 pm - 2:00 am (L.O. 1:30 am)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Exit 1 of Nakasu-Kawabata Station on the Fukuoka City Subway Kuko and Hakozaki Lines
Address: 8F, VORT Bldg., 4-5-6, Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka Map
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5. Kawabata Shisshi

Shisshi, near Hakataza Theater in Nakasu Kawabata, Fukuoka, is a popular yakiniku restaurant offering an array of innovative meat dishes primarily featuring Japanese black beef from Kyushu. The menu boasts delectable courses, appetizers, and a la carte dishes crafted from seasonal mountain and sea ingredients. The recommended offering among the two omakase courses and one short course is the premium course, which includes around 15 dishes featuring a specialty of Chateaubriand. The dishes are intelligently paced for an exciting, multisensory dining experience. With around 100 varieties of wine available, the pairing possibilities are endless, making Shisshi a perfect spot for locals and gourmand travelers alike.

Kawabata Shisshi

Open: [Monday-Saturday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:00 am)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from Nakasu-Kawabata Station on the Fukuoka City Subway
Address: 10-4, Shimokawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka Map
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6. Niku-zushi Teppanyaki Shabu-Shabu - ZUISHO-

5. Niku-zushi Teppanyaki Shabu-Shabu - ZUISHO-

Shabu-shabu lovers can savor branded Agu pork and premium Kyushu ingredients at this restaurant, all reasonably priced. The specialty is Painu pork, an Okinawan Agu pork crossbreed nurtured on pineapples, known for its rich, robust flavor and juicy lard. This unique Painu pork Shabu-Shabu is served in a lard-infused soup. The restaurant's tranquil ambiance features a cooking-viewing counter and private sunken kotatsu table rooms, making it ideal for business or pleasure.

Niku-zushi Teppanyaki Shabu-Shabu - ZUISHO-

Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 0:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm for food, 11:30 pm for drink)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Access: 5 minutes walk from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station on Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line. Near to Lawson (convenience store) Daimyo branch.
Address: 2F, Daimyo Balcony Bldg., 1-12-39, Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Map
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7. Sakanaya Soma Kurume Branch

Nestled in a serene residential area, Sakanaya Soma Kurume Branch is a charming restaurant offering seasonal dishes prepared by skilled chefs. Known for its exquisite fish dishes, it serves fish slaughtered on the same day. Daily specials featuring seasonal ingredients, along with course meals, are available. It's also equipped for banquets, offering a wide selection of drinks, including rare domestic whiskey. Ideal for business entertainment and special occasions, this restaurant has been serving authentic Japanese cuisine in Shojima-machi, Kurume City, since the current owner-chef's grandfather's time.

Sakanaya Soma Kurume Branch

Open: [Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm) / Dinner 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm), [Monday-Saturday, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,800 JPY
Access: 5-minute drive from Nishitetsu Kurume Station on Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line / 4-minute drive from East Exit of JR Kurume Station on Kagoshima Main Line
Address: 8-20, Shojima-machi, Kurume-shi, Fukuoka Map
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8. Sushi Yoshida

Sushi Yoshida offers a taste of Kyushu's finest fish, featuring fresh, seasonal catches from local areas like the Goto Islands, Amakusa, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Karatsu, and Tsukiji in Tokyo. The menu offers an "Omakase Course", including a creatively crafted appetizer and approximately 12 pieces of sushi, such as umami-rich maguro and well-marinated kohada. Seasonal sakes are available, with the chef providing pairing suggestions. Guests can unwind while engaging in conversation with the chef, making this a perfect sushi spot for a tranquil evening or a special anniversary.

Sushi Yoshida

Open: [Tuesday - Sunday] 17:00 - 23:00 *By reservation only (accepted by phone until 20:30 the previous day)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 12,000 JPY
Access: Eight-minute walk from the West Exit at Nishitetsu Kurume Station on the Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line. Just south of the Meiji-dori/Hiyoshi-cho intersection.
Address: 20-10 Mutsumon-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka Map
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9. Shobo-an

1. [Mentaiko] Shobo-an (Hakata / Japanese Cuisine)

[Fukuoka] The Latest, Up-to-Date Guide with a Selection of 10 Restaurants in Fukuoka: Discover an Abundance of Regional Specialties Like Ramen and Motsu Nabe

Mentaiko, or spicy cod roe spiced with red pepper, is a dish that originated in Hakata, and Shobo-an is a restaurant that offers that opportunity to try the homegrown dish locally. At the counter seats, you become an audience to a live performance of the chef's culinary finesse, while table seats are also available for a relaxed dining experience. The restaurant's specialty is without a doubt the ago-dashi (broth made from the Japanese flying fish) mentaiko shipped in directly from the fish processing facility! Recommended dishes include the [Hakata Mentai Mabushi Set (serves 1-person)] (4,000 JPY), a 4-piece set that comes with a mentai croquette (a fried breaded cake than can be made with various kinds of minced ingredients), and the [Mentaiyaki Shabu (sliced meat parbroiled with vegetables) (serves 1 person)] (1,900 JPY), made with an ago-dashi (flying fish) mentai stock.

Mentai-ryori Hakata Shobo-an

Open: Lunch 11:00 am - 4:00 pm (L.O. 3:30 pm) Normal open hours beginning New Year's Day!!, Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: None

Follows the schedule of JR Hakata Amu Plaza Hakata
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Access: Directly-connected to JR [Hakata Station]! On the 9th floor of JR HAKATA CITY AMU PLAZA HAKATA
Address: 1-1 Hakataeki Chuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka city, Fukuoka Map
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10. Hamadaya

2. [Mizutaki] Hamadaya (Hakata / Japanese Cuisine)

Mizutaki refers to a Hakata specialty hot pot, and Hamadaya is the perfect restaurant to try authentic Hakata mizutaki for the first time, all at a reasonable price. The windowside tables have a refreshing, open feel about them, while sofa seats let you sink ease comfortably into the refined interior look of the restaurant. Rest assured that the restaurant staff provide assistance in everything from setting the correct temperature of the heat, to the optimal timing to add each ingredient. The [Hakata Mizutaki (chicken hot pot) Set] (2,500 JPY excl. tax) and the lunchtime exclusive [Hamadaya Gozen] (1,680 JPY excl. tax) are popular options to get a casual taste of Hakata’s culinary tradition!

Hakata Mizutaki Hamadaya

Open: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 2,300 JPY / [Lunch] 1,300 JPY
Access: 1 minute walk from JR [Hakata Station], on the 10th floor of AMU PLAZA HAKATA
Address: 10F, City Dining Kooten, 1-1 Hakataeki Chuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka city, Fukuoka Map
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11. Marugen

5. [Tonkotsu Ramen] Marugen (Nishitetsu Hirao / Ramen)

Marugen is a ramen restaurant held in high regard by both locals and tourists alike. In addition to fundamental soup bases like niboshi (sardine) and kombu (kelp), the addition of a classic Hakata tonkotsu soup rounds off a delicate balance of rich flavor, and pairs exquisitely with the ideal consistency and elasticity of noodles. Try the restaurant's pride, made with a mixture of pork bone and sea food soup, in the [Special Hakata Chinese Noodle Soup] (800 JPY), or the [Flat Noodle Tsukesoba (dipping noodles)] (700 JPY), a dish with a fragrance of sudachi (a sour Japanese orange), if in the mood for a light and nutritious option.

Hakata Chuka Soba Marugen

Open: [Tuesdays-Saturdays, Holidays, Days before holidays] Hours 11:30-23:30 Service stops when soup runs out.

[Sundays] Hours 11:30-23:00 Service stops when soup runs out.
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 700 JPY / [Lunch] 700 JPY
Access: From the entrance gate of Nishitetsu Hirao Station, turn right, go straight on Takamiya-dori Street, and you'll find us across the crosswalk/road.
Address: City Mansion Hirao 102, 2-2-18 Hirao , Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Map
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12. Ikeda Shoten

6. [Taki Gyoza] Ikeda Shoten (Hirao / Gyoza)

Ikeda Shoten is renowned as the founder of taki gyoza (stewed gyoza dumplings), and requires reservations to get in on weekends. The restaurant appears at first glance like a lone residence, and is nestled in a location like a secluded hideaway. The [Taki Gyoza] (700 JPY excl. tax) comes with gyoza stuffed with green onions, yellow chives, and chicken, and is simmered in a chicken bone broth base that has an added touch of pork bone flavor. The new culinary invention is quickly becoming a local specialty in Hakata. The [Take Tofu] (500 JPY excl. tax) is also recommended—the tofu in this dish has a springy texture that’s rather unique for tofu.

Hakata Taki Gyoza Ikeda Shoten

Open: Normal hours: 6:00 p.m.-midnight. Last order 11:00 p.m.
Closed: None
Average price: -
Access: Go along Takamiya-dori towards Yakuin. Turn right at the Hirao north traffic lights and the restaurant is located on the right-hand side soon after the Nishitetsu railway bridge.
Address: 2-1-26 Omiya , Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka Map
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13. Yamanaka

Yamanaka is one of the most notable sushi restaurants in Fukuoka. The restaurant interior exudes an atmosphere of elegant opulence. At the counter seats, you'll see each fresh piece of sushi as it's made right right in front of you. The savory fatty flavor of the seared tuna in the [Lightly-Seared Fatty Tuna] and the exotic “ara” (longtooth grouper) fish are both exemplary choices to go with. Sushi is served at 3,300 JPY for a one-person serving. Also keep in mind that most guests order the [Small Uni/Ikura Donburi], an especially popular dish that flaunts lavish toppings of urchin and salmon roe on sushi rice!

Sushi Kappo Yamanaka

Open: Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
Access: Directly-connected to JR [Hakata Station]! On the 9th floor of JR HAKATA CITY AMU PLAZA HAKATA
Address: 1-1 Hakataeki Chuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka city, Fukuoka Map
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14. Teppanyaki Ten Hakata Branch

10. [Teppanyaki] Teppanyaki Ten Hakata Branch (Hakata / Teppanyaki)

Teppanyaki Ten Hakata Branch combines the best possible ingredients and a premier culinary touch to produce a superlative teppanyaki (grilled on iron griddle) experience. The restaurant's longstanding roots as a butcher plays a large part in the careful selection of Kuroge Wagyu beef used to prepare a sirloin steak with that melt-in-your-mouth quality inherent to high-end Wagyu beef. As for the Ise-ebi (spiny lobster) on the menu, the lobster is taken out of the tank only upon receiving an order to ensure that it’s served in the freshest possible state. There are total of 3 different teppanyaki courses to choose from, and the recommended pick has to be the [Ise-Ebi Course] (8,800 JPY excl. tax) that offers the luxury of both the Kuroge Wagyu beef sirloin steak and the lobster!

Teppanyaki Ten Hakata branch

Open: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,800 JPY
Access: 1 minute walk from JR [Hakata Station] / on the 9th floor of AMU PLAZA HAKATA
Address: 9F, City Dining KOOTEN, 1-1 Hakataeki Chuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka city, Fukuoka Map
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15. Hakata Udon Sakaba Wappachi

11. [Hakata Udon] Hakata Udon Sakaba Wappachi (Hakata / Udon)

Head to [Hakata Udon Sakaba Wappachi] to have a bowl of Hakata-style udon. Characterized by its soft texture, udon noodles are a Japanese specialty loved by people of all ages. The restaurant's most popular dishes are the classic [Ebi-ten], a bowl of udon topped with shrimp tempura, and the [Curry Udon], featuring the restaurant's constantly-cooking homemade curry roux. Other than with udon, you may also enjoy the restaurant's dashi (broth) in the [Oden 3-Kind Assortment] (980 JPY)!

Hakata Udon Sakaba Wappachi

Open: 11:00 am - 0:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 750 JPY
Access: JR [Hakata Station] is the nearest station
Address: 10F, JR HAKATA CITY, 1-1 Hakataeki Chuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka Map
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16. Umaya

12. [Jidori Cuisine] Umaya (Hakata / Izakaya)

[Umaya] specializes in chicken and serves delicious yakitori (chicken skewers) grilled on charcoal. The restaurant was conceived by a famed kabuki actor and the fancy interiors are the work of the same designer of Japan's top luxury express train, the [Seven Stars]. The most recommended menu item is the [Course with Six-Assorted Chicken Skewers] (2,500 JPY plus tax), an array of 6 skewers, 2 appetizers, rice, and even dessert to top it off. Plus, if you prefer to order your skewers individually, they can be casually enjoyed from 170 JPY (plus tax).

Umaya

Open: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 2,800 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: Directly-connected to JR Hakata Station! On the 10th floor of JR HAKATA CITY AMU PLAZA HAKATA
Address: 1-1 Hakataeki Chuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka city, Fukuoka Map
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17. Kashiwa-ya Genjiro

14. [Oyako-don] Kashiwa-ya Genjiro (Hakata / Oyako-don)

[Kashiwa-ya Genjiro] is the best choice if you want to have oyako-don (rice bowl dish with chicken and eggs) made with Fukuoka brand chicken. Made exclusively with local chicken and eggs, their [Oyako-don] (from 800 to 1,200 JPY (plus tax)) is available in 3 sizes: Regular, Large (with 1.5 times the regular amount of chicken), and Deluxe (which includes chicken offal). You can also choose how strong you want the dashi to be by selecting between the original flavor or condensed sauce. If you don't speak Japanese, you'll have nothing to worry about since their menu is also available in English, Chinese, and Korean!

Kashiwa-ya Genjiro

Open: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 1,200 JPY / [Lunch] 900 JPY
Access: Directly-connected to JR [Hakata Station]! On the 9th floor of JR HAKATA CITY AMU PLAZA HAKATA
Address: 1-1 Hakataeki Chuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka city, Fukuoka Map
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18. Seafood Restaurant Zauo Main Store

17. [Sea Bream Chazuke] Seafood Restaurant Zauo Main Store (Imajuku / Japanese Cuisine)

[Seafood Restaurant Zauo Main Store] allows you to enjoy seafood-based dishes while gazing at a stunning sea view. A huge window lets the sunlight in, making the atmosphere inside feel wonderfully spacious. A recommended menu item is the [Famous Sea Bream Chazuke with Pickled Vegetables] (1,300 JPY), a dish consisting of dashi poured over freshly-cooked white rice topped with sea bream, or the [Sushi Set] (1,580 JPY), which includes 6 sushi pieces, tempura, chawanmushi (egg custard), and miso soup. Don't miss this opportunity to indulge in super-fresh seafood caught straight from the Hakata Bay.

Seafood Restaurant Zauo Main Store

Open: Normal hours 11:30 - 22:00 (last order 21:00)
Closed: Mondays
Average price: [Dinner] 1,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: Ten minutes by car from Imajuku Station on the JR Chikuhi Line. Continue south on the #54 prefectural highway, located on the left-hand side just in front of Umizuri Park.
Address: 79-6 Oda , Nishi-ku,Fukuoka-shi , Fukuoka Map
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19. Yumehana Genkido

19. [Seafood] Yumehana Genkido (Hakata / Japanese Cuisine)

[Yumehana Genkido] is an izakaya (Japanese pub) that offers Japanese dishes made with the super-fresh fish that swim in their fish tank. The ingredients are carefully selected by the chef himself, who turns them into fresh seafood delicacies for you to enjoy. If you go there, don't miss the luxurious [Sashimi Platter] (1,200 JPY (plus tax)) which includes the 5 most recommended fish of the day, or the [Ikizukuri Squid] (1,500 JPY (plus tax)), which they'll cut for you right after you've ordered it. The menu also offers a large variety of sake, shochu, wine, and other alcoholic drinks.

Yumehana Genkido

Open: [Weekdays] 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm) / Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY / [Lunch] 700 JPY
Access: 5 minutes walk from Hakata station. Leave the Hakata exit and turn right. It's on the 8th floor of Hakata bus terminal.
Address: Hakataguchi Kotsu center Bldg. 8F, 2-1 Hakata Eki Chuo Gai , Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka Map
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Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.