A Trip Around Kyushu - 18 Select Izakaya to Enjoy Outstanding Local Food Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: May 16 2023

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Izakaya Fukuoka Kumamoto Oita Kagoshima Miyazaki Saga Nagasaki

A Trip Around Kyushu - 18 Select Izakaya to Enjoy Outstanding Local Food

The Kyushu region is full of things to do, including shopping, soaking in hot springs, and visiting historic shrines and temples. If you're visiting Kyushu, you will definitely want to enjoy the regional food as well, so here are 18 recommmended izakaya (Japanese pub) to enjoy gourmet food unique to this area.

See full listings of Izakaya restaurants found in and around Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Oita, Kagoshima, Miyazaki, Saga, and Nagasaki.

1. Miraku Hanare (Kokura)

A Trip Around Kyushu - 20 Select Izakaya to Enjoy Outstanding Local Food

This is an izakaya with a comfortable, Japanese-style interior in which to enjoy a variety of seasonal Japanese food and fantastic local sake (Japanese alcohol). If you're not sure what to order, try the [Funamori (for 4 - 5 people)] (from 4,800 JPY), a colorful assortment of fresh, seasonal seafood arranged on a delightful, boat-like platter. You will be satisfied not only by the freshness and flavors of the sashimi but also by the volume. There is also a wide selection of seafood hot pot dishes, such as [Seafood Chanko Yosenabe] (1,500 JPY for one) and [Japanese Pufferfish Hot Pot] (1,500 JPY for one).

Miraku Hanare

Open: Normal hours: 5:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. (last order at 10:00 p.m.)
Closed: Mondays
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: Five minutes on foot from the ticket gate of Kokura Station. Cross the pedestrian crossing and turn right, diagonally across from the CoCo Ichibanya on Chugindori street.
Address: 1-6-16 Kyomachi, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka

2. Hakata Nakasu Yusyokutei (Nakasu-Kawabata)

This is a Japanese-style izakaya that prides itself in its regional cuisine and is in a great location in central Fukuoka just 1 minute on foot from Nakasu-Kawabata Sation. The izakaya's signature dish, [Motsunabe (soy sauce flavor)] (1,180 JPY for one) is an outstanding hot pot dish with fantastic umami (Japanese savory taste) flavors from the offals of Wagyu (a type of high-quality beef). The soup consists of a base of dashi (broth) made from bonito flakes and kombu seaweed and flavored with local soy sauce. Homemade tofu with yuzu (citrus fruit) and vegetables are added to enhance the flavors of the offals. The [Gomasaba] (1,280 JPY) is a mackerel dish in which the fish is procured directly from Goto and frozen at its peak freshness. Try it with a special sesame-flavored soy sauce!

Hakata Nakasu Yusyokutei

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] Dinner 4:00 pm - 7:00 am (L.O. 6:00 am)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Address: 2F, Nakano Bldg., 4-7-21, Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

3. Mikuma (Akasaka)

This is a yakitori (grilled chicken skewer) restaurant tucked away in a narrow street with the ambiance of a refined hideaway. There is a wide selection of dishes that can be enjoyed in this modern Japanese-style izakaya, including standard yakitori items and jidori (local chicken) dishes, as well as seasonal sashimi. In particular, the [Tareteba] (580 JPY) is a popular dish of juicy chicken wings enhanced with a secret sauce and spices. The [Sasami Kobushime] (580 JPY), fresh chicken tenders lightly marinated in vinegar and kombu seaweed from Hidaka in Hokkaido, is also a must-try! An outstanding dish with the soft texture of the chicken tenders and the delicate aroma of the seaweed, this is the perfect accompaniment to sake.

Mikuma

Open: 6:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:30 am)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Address: 1-4-29, Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

4. Kura (Saga)

This is an izakaya that is managed by a seafood wholesaler and prides itself in the freshness of their fish, which is procured directly from the source. There are fresh fish, such as horse mackerel and filefish, swimming around in a tank in the restaurant, which raises the customers' anticipation for what's to come. A recommended dish here is the [Whole Live Spear Squid Sashimi from Yobiko] (2,000 JPY and up). The translucent and meaty sashimi is made of fresh squid from Yobiko, a famous source of squid in Kyushu. When you've finished with the sashimi, you can enjoy the tentacles as tempura, salt-grilled, or grilled on a net.

Kura

Open: [Monday - Thursday, Sunday, National Holidays] 3:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
[Friday, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 3:00 pm - 2:00 am (L.O. 1:00 am)
Closed: None *Closed December 31 and January 1
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Address: 1-3-19, Otakara, Saga-shi, Saga Map
More Details

5. Sagan Daichi (Saga)

This is a refined izakaya where you can enjoy dishes made with Saga produce, such as seasonal vegetables, meat, and seafood, together with local sake. Their No. 1 recommendation is the [Flame-Grilled Saga Beef] (2,000 JPY), which has a burst of umami with each bite. Saga beef is a high-grade beef with tender, finely marbled meat. In this dish, it is served lightly seared with a homemade sauce. You'll be amazed at the flavor of the meat as it seems to melt in your mouth. Be sure to try the [Kimboshi Pork Shabu-Shabu] (sliced meat parboiled with vegetables) (1,500 JPY for one) that brings out the flavors of the pork and [Arita Chicken Grilled with Shichimi Spices] (800 JPY) as well.

Sagan Daichi

Open: Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 11:30 pm)
[Weekdays] Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Lunch] 1,200 JPY / [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Address: 1-7-10, Tojin, Saga-shi, Saga Map
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6. Pumpkin (Sasebo)

This is an established izakaya that has been open for more than 33 years and is popular among Sasebo locals. A variety of dishes such as oven-cooked items, tofu dishes, and kushiyaki (food grilled on skewers) can be enjoyed in this cozy and welcoming izakaya. The signature menu items that are popular among regulars are the [Diced Steak] (650 JPY) and [Horumon Teppanyaki] (offals grilled on an iron griddle) (580 JPY). Both are tasty and satisfying dishes that are reasonably priced. The all-you-can-eat course (3,600 JPY (plus tax)) of more than 80 freshly prepared dishes is recommended.

Pumpkin

Open: 6:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: 3,000 JPY
Address: 2-10, Shimanji-cho, Sasebo-shi, Nagasaki

7. Katsu (Kikitsu)

This izakaya with a comfortable atmosphere is like a hideaway that's surrounded by banana trees. It has a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, with more than 50 different types of shochu (Japanese alcohol) including premium labels that are hard to come by. The most popular dish is the [Kushiyaki Platter] (500 JPY and up for six skewers). It is made with carefully selected chicken that is slaughtered in-house on the day that it is served, so you can fully enjoy the natural flavors of the chicken. The simple [Salt Yakisoba] (fried noodles) (500 JPY) made using the brand pork Kambiton is also popular.

Katsu

Open: [Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, National Holidays] 6:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:00 am)
[Friday, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 6:00 pm - 3:00 am (L.O. 2:00 am)
Closed: Tuesday *Open if it is a National Holiday
Average price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY
Address: 973-1, Kuyama-machi, Isahaya-shi, Nagasaki

8. Koreya Doza Branch (Nishihamano-machi)

This is an izakaya popular for their kushiage (fried skewers), which start at 100 JPY a skewer, and their teppanyaki menu. Partially due to the reasonable price, you'll feel as if you can endlessly eat their wide selection of kushiage, including pork and beef (120 JPY (plus tax) each) and lotus root and sesame balls (100 JPY (plus tax) each). If you have a hard time deciding what to order, try the [Selection of Five (pork, beef, onion, simmered egg, marinated ginger)] (580 JPY (plus tax)). Be sure to also try the [Fried Beef Offals] (780 JPY (excl. tax)) and [Offals Pot] (1,380 JPY for two (excl. tax)) as well.

Koreya Doza Branch

Open: 4:00 pm - 2:00 am (L.O. 1:30 am)
Closed: None (Inquire about the New Year)
Average price: 2,300 JPY
Address: 1-2, Doza, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki

9. Ekubo Kumamoto Shimotori Branch (Torichosuji)

This is an izakaya in a busy commercial district of Kumamoto where you can enjoy local cuisine and excellent fresh fish. There is a selection of more than 120 dishes to choose from at this izakaya. Don't miss out on the [Karashi Renkon] (600 JPY), one of Kumamoto's most famous local dishes that consists of lotus root stuffed with mustard, honey, and miso and deep fried in a batter. The crunchy texture and refreshing flavors go perfectly with local sake. Another Kumamoto specialty is the [Assortment of Premium Horsemeat Sashimi] (2,550 JPY (plus tax)). Enjoy this outstanding plate that includes marbled horsemeat, red meat, and even rare neck meat.

Ekubo Kumamoto Shimotori Branch

Open: 5:00 pm - 2:00 am
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3.500 JPY
Address: 2F, NADEL Bldg., 1-3-1, Shimo-tori, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto

10. Munehiro (Yatsushiro)

The first thing that will catch your eye when entering this izakaya is the large fish tank in which seasonal fish are swimming gracefully. This izakaya prides itself in the dishes made with fresh seafood by the discerning chef who was previously a fisherman. A dish not to be missed here is the [Premium Sashimi Assortment] (3,240 JPY (plus tax)) that includes a selection of 12 different seasonal sashimi, consisting primarily of live fish caught at the local port. Most of the sashimi is prepared by picking the fish from the tank after the order is placed, so it is as fresh as fresh can be.

Munehiro

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm) *Reserved food cannot be canceled on the day of the reservation
[Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) *Reserved food cannot be canceled on the day of the reservation, Dinner 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,620 JPY
Address: 3-2-26, Hon-machi, Yatsushiro-shi, Kumamoto

11. Junwa (Tatsutaguchi)

This izakaya is known for the rustic [Gyokai Hamayaki], grilled seafood that the customers can grill themselves! First, get your fill of the wonderful seasonal seafood of Kumamoto with the [Today's Hamayaki Assortment] (1,980 JPY and up) that consists of seasonal seafood procured that day. There is also a wide selection of a la carte dishes, such as [Red Sea Bream Sashimi] (2,480 JPY) and [Premium Horse Sashimi] (1,780 JPY). There is a total of 20 private rooms with horigotatsu (sunken kotatsu table) seating. They are all private rooms so you can enjoy your meal without worrying about other customers.

Junwa

Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:30 am)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Address: 1-5-37, Toshimanishi, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto

12. Shushoku Kai (Oita)

This is an izakaya popular among locals where you can enjoy the seasonal flavors of Oita. The recommendation at this izakaya is the variety of [Char-Grilled Dishes] that bring out the flavors of the meat. Be sure to enjoy items such as [Beef Tongue] (1,500 JPY) and [Kammuri Jidori] (1,000 JPY). The [Kai Special Offal Pot] (1,200 JPY, minimum order of two servings), four different types of offals and an abundance of garlic chives from Oita boiled in special dashi made with chicken skin and small dried sardines, is also recommended.

Shushoku Kai

Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm), Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Address: 3-4-13, Chuo-machi, Oita-shi, Oita

13. Shisen Miyazaki 2-go Branch (Miyazaki)

A Trip Around Kyushu - 19 Select Izakaya to Enjoy Outstanding Local Food

This is an izakaya that prides itself in serving food made with Miyazaki's large abundance of ingredients, as well as the brand name chicken Satsuma Jidori. The popular [Satsuma Jidori Ipponyaki] (1,900 JPY) is an outstanding dish of carefully chargrilled Satsuma Jidori, known for its rich flavors and perfect, soft texture. There is also a wide selection of other menu items made with chicken from Miyazaki, such as [Miyazaki Akadori Thigh] (800 JPY) and [Miyazaki Akadori Skin] (580 JPY). Enjoy comparing the chicken of two different regions in Miyazaki. Be sure not to miss their other specialty dish, [Shisen Ramen] (650 JPY)!

Shisen Miyazaki 2-go Branch

Open: [Monday - Thursday] 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:30 am)
[Friday, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 2:00 am (L.O. 1:30 am)
[Sunday, National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Address: 102, Sakamoto Bright Bldg., 3-30, Takamatsu-cho, Miyazaki-shi, Miyazaki Map
More Details

14. Tori no Sato (Miyazaki)

This is a chicken specialty izakaya that has been open for 34 years. They are famous for their wide selection of dishes made with Kirishima Jidori, a juicy and firm chicken that has long been a local favorite. First, try the [Char-Grilled Chicken (Small, 220g)] (900 JPY), chicken thigh char-grilled at a high temperature. A special salt will enhance the umami flavors of the juicy chicken. The [Chicken Namban] (800 JPY) and [Miyazaki Jitokko Tataki] (800 JPY) are also recommended. To close off the meal, enjoy the cold soup dish, [Miyazaki Specialty! Hiyajiru] (700 JPY).

Tori no Sato

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] 5:00 pm - 12:00 am
[Sunday, National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Address: 4-16, Kawara-machi, Miyazaki-shi, Miyazaki Map
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15. Dining Sochi (Miyazaki)

This is an Italian restaurant with the wonderful atmosphere of a secret getaway tucked away in a quiet location away from Miyazaki Station. The restaurant is decorated in a manner that elicits a feeling of quiet and calm and has the counter and table seating to relax and enjoy your meal and drinks. The chef's recommendation is the [Miyazaki Beef Tenderloin Steak] (2,900 JPY/g), in which you can enjoy brand beef cooked simply so the flavors can be thoroughly enjoyed. The steak, which is grilled on a 3cm iron griddle, seems to melt in the mouth. Courses start from 2,500 JPY.

Dining Sochi

Open: Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,800 JPY
Address: 1F, KATO Bldg., 11-21, Kamino-machi, Miyazaki-shi, Miyazaki Map
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16. Hachiman (Kagoshima-Chuo)

This is an izakaya popular for dishes made with Kagoshima's famous product, kurobuta (Berkshire pig). The kurobuta used here are high-quality meats selected by a chef with a discerning eye. Their beef is of the highest A5 grade of Kuroge Wagyu. For the popular [Shabu Nabe Course] (3,480 JPY, minimum order of two), you can choose what type of soup you want for the main kurobuta shabu-shabu dish with flavors like [Kurodashi Nabe] and [Shio Tonkotsu Dashi Nabe]. It's a great deal for the price with an appetizer, grilled fish, the day's specialty, and dessert in addition to the shabu-shabu.

Hachiman

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
[Monday - Thursday, Sunday, National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 2:00 am (L.O. 2:00 am)
[Friday, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 3:00 am (L.O. 3:00 am)
Closed: None *Open all year
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 999 JPY
Address: 2F, 2-4, Chuo-cho, Kagoshima-shi, Kagoshima

17. Muchakana (Amami City)

This is an izakaya with great flavors that you won't want to miss if you are in Amami Oshima. The wide selection of dishes served here is all outstanding items made with fresh, locally caught seafood, seasonal vegetables grown on islands, and wild game. In particular, the [Goat Sashimi] (1,380 JPY) made with a small portion of goat thigh is a well-known wild game dish of the island. It has light flavors and goes perfectly with sake. The sweet and plump [Kuruma Prawn Sashimi] (1,480 JPY for five shrimps) is also recommended.

Muchakana

Open: Dinner 5:30 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Address: 4-8, Nazekaneku-cho, Amami-shi, Kagoshima Map
More Details

18. Gin no Kushi (Tenmonkan-dori)

This is an izakaya on Kagoshima's most well-known commercial street, Tenmonkan-dori, that prides itself in its yakitori and wines. The restaurant has a distinctive open kitchen where a variety of kushiyaki is grilled, which will stoke customers' appetites. The menu consists of yakitori and other skewered items and courses made with seasonal vegetables (3,000 JPY, 5,000 JPY). Enjoy the kushiyaki made with chicken procured directly from the source with natural wines (bottles 3,000 JPY and up) produced with no chemical additives.

Gin no Kushi

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 6:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday *Open if Monday is a National Holiday
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Tosen Hihome Annex, 2-39, Higashi Sengoku-cho, Kagoshima-shi, Kagoshima

This article introduced a selection of 20 izakaya to enjoy the oustanding local cuisine all around Kyushu. There are many more wonderful restaurants in the region, which is blessed with great food from both the land and sea, so be sure to embark on a culinary adventure and look for local treats!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.