福岡 – Travel 47

About Fukuoka

Fukuoka is considered the main city of Kyushu; the southern part of Japan. As a person living in Oita, I go to Fukuoka for concerts or other larger events. While I am there, I try to get some shopping done. I basically treat Fukuoka like a mini mini Tokyo.

Travel Season: All year

Transportation: Public transport + Foot

Top 3 Foods:

1. 魚忠 (Uochuu)

I always like to arrive in Fukuoka in time for lunch, just so I can visit this restaurant. Uochuu serves a number of Japanese style set meals that all come with rice which you can get refills of. It tastes good, and it’s reasonable!

They have the well known Japanese dishes such as Tempura, Tonkatsu, and Karaage, as well as the rather simple traditional dishes. If you have no plans to drive, I highly recommend trying the Tanaka Rokujyugo a Fukuoka originated sake with a very clear fresh flavor.

Website: http://teisyoku.net/uochu/

2. もつ幸 (Motsukou)

Motsukou is a Motsunabe restaurant. Motsunabe is a combination of the word motsu, meaning intestine, and nabe meaning pot. It is like a hotpot with cow and pig intestines. I know it sounds terrible if you are not used to eating anything alike in your culture.

Until I went to Motsukou I was the same and I couldn’t eat motsu for the 20+ years of my life. I remember walking into the store thinking I might have to go to bed on an empty stomach. But it is a flavor that matches very well with alcoholic drinks, and a famous Fukuoka cuisine, so whenever I am in Fukuoka, I choose to have this for dinner.

Website: http://motsukou.web.fc2.com/index.html

3. 鉄なべ (Tetsunabe)

Tetsunabe is famous for their gyoza made in a tetsunabe; an iron pan. Gyoza originated in China, but the pan-fried style is Japanese, and the tetsunabe gyoza is another Fukuoka famous cuisine. If you like Japanese beer, this might end up being your favorite combination. The beer balances out the oiliness of the gyoza, the more gyoza, the more beer.

Unfortunately, there are no photos for this restaurant because there is no photography allowed inside. If you like to document everything you eat, this might not be the place for you. But sometimes, it’s great to put down your phone and enjoy a meal.

Website: http://www.tetsunabe.co.jp/index.html

Activities:

1. Concerts

Fukuoka is one of Japan’s main cities, and if bands tour they are likely to perform in the 5 main cities: Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Sapporo. If you are into music, you may want to check if there are any performances going on while you are there.

2. Events

Again, because Fukuoka is one of Japan’s main cities, it does have quite a few events going on. If you are from a large city, I’m sure this is nothing special, but there is always something going on.

3. Shopping

Although there are malls where I live, the number of stores and the number of options do not compare to a city. When I go to Fukuoka, I make sure I get my shopping done.