Five recommended restaurants near the station in Kokura, Fukuoka, with a comforting taste and pleasant atmosphere. Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Dec 02 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: French Izakaya Yakiniku Fukuoka

Five recommended restaurants near the station in Kokura, Fukuoka, with a comforting taste and pleasant atmosphere.

Kita-Kyushu City, specifically Kokura, is often referred to as the gateway to Kyushu. It is a popular spot for tourists, easily accessible by a single Shinkansen ride from Tokyo or Osaka. This time, five izakayas around Kokura Station have been selected. These restaurants not only offer unique local dishes that cannot be found elsewhere but also boast a cozy atmosphere that makes them a delight to visit.

See full listings of Izakaya, French, and Yakiniku restaurants found in and around Fukuoka.

Minami Kokura [Sumiyaki Ishokutei Naya]

The "Sumiyaki Ishokutei Nagi" is a hidden gem located just an 8-minute walk from Minami-Kokura Station, tucked away in a back alley. This restaurant offers authentic charcoal-grilled skewers and special salt-based motsunabe, allowing guests to enjoy a casual dining experience. Upon entering the restaurant, one is greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. There are also semi-private seating areas separated by partitions, making it possible to relax with close friends without worrying about the surroundings.

Five recommended izakayas near the station in Kokura with a comforting taste and pleasant atmosphere | Fukuoka ・ Kokura

The restaurant's signature menu features juicy "yakitori" grilled carefully over binchotan charcoal using domestically sourced chicken. Additionally, the "tsukune with egg" offers a unique texture with its cartilage, while the "pork belly" measures an impressive 21 centimeters. The "sashimi," made from fresh fish sourced from the morning market, is also a must-try. Guests can enjoy delicious dishes paired with a selection of over 30 carefully curated shochu.

Sumiyaki Ishokutei Nagomiya

Open: [Sunday, national holidays] Normal hours 17:30 - 23:00 (last order 22:30) [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday] Normal hours 17:30 - 00:00 (last order 23:30)
Closed: Sundays
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: Eight minute walk east of Minami-Kokura Station. Head north along the main street, past Shinozaki Junior High School, and turn left at the Haramachi intersection.
Address: 2-9-12 Haramachi , Kokura Kita-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
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2. Kokura [Kishigawa]

At [きし川], located just a 5-minute walk from Kokura Station, guests can enjoy seasonal dishes made only with fresh ingredients. The recommended "Dashi-maki Tamago" is a fundamental dish of Japanese cuisine, prepared solely with dashi. It is a must-try specialty of [きし川]. In addition to various a la carte dishes and course meals, there is also a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, shochu, and wine.

Five recommended izakayas near Kokura Station with a comforting taste and pleasant atmosphere | Fukuoka ・ Kokura

The restaurant is equipped with various spaces that can be used for different purposes, such as private rooms and a terrace. It is perfect for family gatherings or special moments for two. Please enjoy a moment of savoring seasonal flavors in the sophisticated and relaxing atmosphere of Kishi River.

Kishikawa

Open: Normal hours 5:30pm- 12:00am
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY
Access: We are on the 4th floor of the building next to the 7-Eleven beside the Heiwadori monorail station.
Address: 4F, 2-5-8 Uomachi, Kokura Kita-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
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3. Jono [Le Coeur et Kokoro]

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The restaurant [Le Coeur et 心], located an 8-minute walk from Jono Station, offers authentic French cuisine at reasonable prices. Each dish is carefully prepared by skilled chefs, with a commitment to handmade sauces and broths. The selection of drinks, including wine, is also extensive, allowing guests to savor not only the food but also the beverages.

Five recommended izakayas near the station in Kokura, Fukuoka, where the comforting flavors and atmosphere make for a pleasant experience.

The interior features a warm atmosphere based on wood, characterized by a nostalgic and comfortable feeling that makes one forget the time and relax. It is a recommended restaurant for a wide range of situations, from everyday meals to special anniversaries and parties. How about enjoying a stylish lunch during the day and having dinner while chatting with everyone at night?

Le Coeur et Kokoro

Open: Tuesday-Sunday/holidays & days before: Lunch 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; cafe 2:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.; dinner 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Closed: Mondays
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,400 JPY
Access: An 8-minute walk from Jono Station. Walk on National Highway 10, heading toward Sukiyaki Yasumori, and it will be on the 2nd floor in the Nable Green building.
Address: Navel Green Bldg. 2F-2, 2-9-1 Takabo, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka
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4. [Yakiniku no Ryu-en]

Just a 5-minute walk from Kokura Station, the restaurant "Yakiniku no Ryu-en" offers a variety of flavors including Kokura beef and Kumamoto red beef, one of the three major black-haired wagyu in Kyushu. This yakiniku restaurant provides carefully selected ingredients that are not only fresh and high-quality but also chosen by professionals. Guests can enjoy their pride in carefully selected ingredients, such as "Kokura beef" and the "Tsubozuke Kalbi," which features premium short rib marinated with their secret sauce along with vegetables.

The first floor of the restaurant features completely private rooms with sunken kotatsu seating and counter seats, allowing guests to enjoy their meals without any worries. The second floor has a large hall that can accommodate up to 100 people. In this cohesive and high-quality space, guests can enjoy premium meat.

Yakiniku no Ryuen

Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:30- (last order 13:30) / Dinner 17:00- (last order 00:00)[Sundays, Holidays] Hours 12:00- (last order 21:00) [Saturdays] Hours 12:00- (last order 00:00)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: Depart JR Kokura Station by the South Exit, and turn left at Kokura Ekimae intersection. In front of the Former Residence of Mori Ogai.
Address: 1-8-15 Kaji-machi , Kokura Kita-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
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5. Kokura Matsufuji

Located just a 2-minute walk from Kokura Station, on the basement floor immediately off Heiwa-dori, is Matsufuji. This hidden izakaya prides itself on dishes made with seasonal fresh fish and Agu pork. The interior is a calm space that values the warmth of wood. The wooden tables and plaster walls, crafted by the owner himself, create a gentle atmosphere. There are also raised seating areas where guests can relax without shoes, making it a comfortable setting for families with children.

Displayed in the glass case at the counter are fresh fish caught that morning from a nearby fishing port. In addition to sashimi and various dishes made with these fish, the rare Agu pork shabu-shabu is also worth trying. Furthermore, the owner, who hails from Nagasaki, recommends local dishes such as 'Hatoshi Age', as well as Oita's 'Tori Ten' and Hakata's 'Mentaiko Dashimaki Tamago', showcasing the unique flavors of Kyushu. Enjoy it alongside a selection of daily sake.