15 Restaurants with Delicious Japanese Cuisine in Nakasu, Fukuoka Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: May 18 2023

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

15 Restaurants with Delicious Japanese Cuisine in Nakasu, Fukuoka

Nakasu, a district in Hakata (the largest town in Kyushu), is a treasure trove of restaurants that serve delicious food at reasonable prices. Here is an introduction to 15 restaurants in Nakasu that serve tasty Japanese cuisine. If you come to Hakata, come and enjoy the distinctive cuisine of the city in this neighborhood!

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

1. Hakata Ajidokoro Iroha

Ever since it was established in 1953, this restaurant has become well-known for its mizutaki, and a lot of fine food has been crafted here. Their [Ji-dori Mizutaki (with Mizutaki Mince) (4,700 JPY plus tax)] is a masterpiece that has been on the menu for over 4 generations. It’s a dish with cloudy chicken soup, which brings out the flavor of the meat. You can try their minced chicken balls, made with a secret recipe, together with homemade ponzu sauce (citrus-seasoned soy sauce) consisting of mandarins and a special soy sauce. Finish their mizutaki off with some rice gruel or champon (noodles)! Another item to try is the healthy and perfectly flavored [Horse Meat Sashimi (1,700 JPY)], made with horse meat directly delivered from Kumamoto.

Hakata Ajidokoro Iroha

Open: [Tuesday - Saturday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O.)
[Sunday] 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O.)
Closed: Monday
Average price: 6,500 JPY
Address: Iroha Bldg., 14-27, Kami Kawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka (Map)
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2. Chisou Nakamura

Having received a star from the Saga and Fukuoka edition of a world famous gourmet guide, they represent Japanese restaurants in northern Kyushu. Their quiet interior is based on the setting of a traditional tea ceremony: Although it is located in the middle of a town, it offers tranquil facilities and services like what you would get deep in the mountains. You can enjoy seasonal Japanese cuisine here. The menu consists of Kaiseki cuisine (traditional Japanese course cuisine with tea). You can taste the spirit of Japan in the arrangement and design of the food, from the appetizers to the dessert, which are all centered around the main dish.

Chisou Nakamura

Open: 6:00 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 7:30 pm) *Lunch reservations required
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 12,000 JPY / [Lunch] 6,000 JPY
Address: 2-10, Tsumashoji, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka (Map)
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3. Mizune

Standing in a quiet corner that's slightly detached from the hustle and bustle of Nakasu, this is a restaurant that serves creative Japanese cuisine. They have a variety of seats to suit your particular requirements, such as counter seating, where you can enjoy conversing with the chef, and private rooms. One of their signature items is [Kinako Pork and Malt Scallion Shabu (2,300 JPY for 2 people or more)], where thinly-sliced meat is briefly dipped in a pot of dashi (broth) and eaten. This shabu-shabu (sliced meat parboiled with vegetables) consists of wholesome pork and Kujo scallions, known for its pleasing texture, as well as dashi made with carefully selected sake (Japanese alcohol) lees. It should be eaten with their special soba (buckwheat noodles) soup. If sashimi is your thing, make sure to try the [Yobuko Squid Sashimi (from 2,400 JPY for 1 piece that's at least 200g)].

Mizune

Open: Lunch 11:30 - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Address: 6-17, Kami Kawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka (Map)
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4. Hamadaya Hakata Tenyamachi Branch

This restaurant is known for serving Hakata's signature dish, mizutaki, which is a hot pot dish with ingredients like fresh chicken and vegetables. Its reputation is high amongst competitive mizutaki restaurants in Nakasu. Their soup is filled with fresh chicken bones from Hakata Hanamidori Red 90 chicken. You can enjoy its pure flavor without taking in any strong odor. One dish to enjoy is the [Mizutaki Course (3,500 JPY plus tax)], which consists of mizutaki as the main dish, along with the owner's recommended smoked chicken, Itoshima pork shabu-shabu, and several fried items.

Hamadaya Hakata Tenyamachi Branch

Open: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: 4,000 JPY
Address: 3-33, Tenya-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

5. Fukuei Kumiai Hakata Kawabata Branch

Hakata ji-dori is a breed of chicken that is produced in Fukuoka. It was created to offer even more delicious mizutaki to others. The producer of this brand of chicken manages this restaurant directly. First, you should try the [Hakata Ji-dori Mizutaki (2,800 JPY plus tax for 1 person, can be ordered by 2 people or more)]. Its amazing soup is made by boiling Hakata ji-dori bones for over 4 hours, and it contains a high amount of collagen. Also recommended is the [Fukuei Kumiai Special Charcoal-Grilled Chicken Thigh (950 JPY plus tax)].

Fukuei Kumiai Hakata Kawabata Branch

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 am)
[Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular *Closed on December 31 and January 1
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 870 JPY
Address: 4-210, Kami Kawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

6. Ryu no Tsubo

This is a restaurant where you can enjoy Kaiseki cuisine (Japanese banquet cuisine with alcohol) made with plenty of seasonal seafood, with sushi as the main dish. By using the best ingredients from Kyushu, such as fresh seafood caught from the two largest regional fishing grounds - Ariake Sea (Ariake-kai) and Genkai Sea (Genkai-nada) - and A5-ranked Kuroge Wagyu (a type of high-quality beef) from Kagoshima, they manage to lay out beautifully presented, delicious dishes. Their standard Kaiseki course is from 8,000 JPY (plus tax). The à la carte recommendation is the [Otsukuri (from 3,500 JPY plus tax)], containing sashimi made from the most delicious seafood of that season. Seared dishes are also included in their fresh sashimi.

Ryu no Tsubo

Open: 6:00 pm - 2:00 am
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: 10,000 JPY
Address: 2-5-15, Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

7. Nihon-Ryouri Ishida

This restaurant offers Kaiseki cuisine made from plenty of seasonal ingredients. The very best ingredients are procured each day from the market by the owner. Their Kaiseki course (from 6,000 JPY) consists of dishes made of ingredients like seafood caught in Kyushu, a variety of seasonal vegetables, and tender, delicious Saga and Miyazaki beef. The sashimi in this course is an assortment of 5 types of fresh seafood, highlighting the flavors of the seasons. Their cured mackerel is especially superb, showcasing the skills of the chef.

Nihon-Ryouri Ishida

Open: 6:00 pm - 3:00 am (L.O. 2:30 am)
Closed: None
Average price: 7,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Yamashita Bldg., 4-1-8, Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

8. Tajimaya Kitte Hakata Branch

This is a popular sukiyaki (hot pot stew) and shabu-shabu restaurant that's managed by a butcher shop established in 1875. They use carefully selected domestic and Wagyu beef, mainly from the Kyushu region. Closely examined and chosen by a meat specialist, the depth and texture of the meat and fat are exquisite, as is the smell when it is being prepared. For people who'd like to enjoy as much as they want, their [Special Wagyu Course (7,800 JPY)] - a 90-minute all-you-can-eat course - is recommended. You can enjoy as much as you like of their delicious Wagyu beef in shabu-shabu, sukiyaki, soy milk shabu-shabu, Sichuan hot pot, or seasonal hot pot.

Tajimaya Kitte Hakata Branch

Open: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: 10F, KITTE Hakata, 9-1, Hakata-eki Chuo-gai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

9. Danchu

This izakaya (Japanese pub) has a casual atmosphere and is located in a nice spot that's only a few minutes’ walks from Hakata Station. There are a variety of creative Japanese dishes on offer, but they mainly serve seasonal seafood caught in the Kyushu region. The top recommendation is the [Danchu Assortment (1,600 JPY plus tax)], which consists of 11 kinds of seasonal seafood sashimi. The taste and volume of each sashimi are perfect! An appetizer that's served with drinks, the popular [Foie Gras Chawanmushi in Fresh Uni Sauce (600 JPY plus tax)] is made by chefs specializing in Japanese cuisine. It has a large amount of foie gras from France, along with a rich sauce made from fresh, raw, and delicious uni (sea urchin).

Danchu

Open: 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:00 am)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: 6,000 JPY
Address: 1F, No. 5 Green Bldg., 2-12-12, Hakata Eki-mae, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

10. Hakata-meshi Sumiyoshi Ichiko

This restaurant is well known for its charcoal-grilled dishes, which allows you to taste the seasonality of their ingredients. A recommended dish is the [Charcoal-grilled Vegetables (900 JPY)], which contains around 6 carefully charcoal-grilled vegetables that you can select from up to 12 seasonal varieties. Their simple cooking technique brings out the base flavor of the vegetables. Try it with their homemade pork miso or YUKISIO salt from Miyako Island (Miyako-jima). If you're looking for a meat dish, the mature taste of the [Charcoal-grilled Homemade Hamburg (800 JPY)] goes well with alcohol. It comes with plenty of cabbage and is very filling.

Hakata-meshi Sumiyoshi Ichiko

Open: 5:30 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 12:00 am)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: 4,500 JPY
Address: 2-15-33, Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

11. Kawabata Banzai

The homey flavors of this restaurant's obanzai (traditional home cooking of Kyoto), which is made by the 77-year-old owner, is popular. One of their special dishes is the [Kawabata Miso Offal Hot Pot (1,380 JPY for 1 person)], in which the delicious dashi, made with a blend of miso and ji-dori (local chicken) bones, brings out the flavor of the offal. The fried burdock and yuzu (citrus fruit) make the flavor stand out even more. For lunch, their [Daily Lunch Set Meal (700 JPY)] that consists of a main dish and 3 types of obanzai is recommended.

Kawabata Banzai

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, Dinner 6:30 pm - 12:00 am (Food L.O. 10:30 pm, Drinks L.O. 11:30 pm)
[Sunday] 11:30 am - 6:00 pm (L.O. 5:30 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 800 JPY
Address: 10-5, Kami Kawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

12. Motsu Nabe Oyama Main Branch

When you come to Hakata, you have to try motsu-nabe (offal hot pot) at least once! Lots of people come to this popular restaurant to do just that. Motsu-nabe is often soy sauce-flavored, but in Hakata, miso-flavored motsu-nabe has become popular. The [Motsu-nabe (1,380 JPY)] here is made with a blend of over 10 carefully-selected types of miso, creating a unique flavor. Stuff your cheeks with their freshly cooked offal, and its flavors will spread through you. Don't miss out on the [3-Kind Horse Meat Sashimi Assortment (1,990 JPY)], which contains marbled underbelly meat that was delivered directly from Kumamoto.

Motsu Nabe Oyama Main Branch

Open: [Monday - Thursday, Sunday, National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
[Friday, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:30 am)
Closed: Irregular
Address: 7-28, Tenya-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

13. Washoku-doko Masa

This casual Japanese restaurant is located in a nice and convenient area that's only a 4-minute walk from Hakata Station. You can enjoy seasonal Japanese food at reasonable prices here. If you're unsure about what to select from their extensive menu, try the [Sashimi Assortment (from 2,500 JPY)] to taste the deliciousness of their sashimi made from seafood that was carefully selected by the chef. As a main dish, try the [Pork Shabu-shabu Hot Pot (3,000 JPY for 2 people, reservations required)], which is made with domestic black pork that has a rich taste.

Washoku-doko Masa

Open: 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Closed: Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: 4,000 JPY
Address: B1F, Arc Bldg., 2-17-5, Hakata Eki Higashi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

14. Horyo

The talented chef at Horyo has 46 years of experience, which has translated to this restaurant gaining a favorable reputation for the flavor of its seafood. When it's in season, you should try their high-quality fugu (blowfish) - the signature winter fish in Japan - at least once. Savor the delicious freshness of their [Tiger Blowfish Sashimi (2,500 JPY, reservation required)]! Its traditional and beautiful arrangement makes the unique texture and mild flavor stand out even more. Another specialty of theirs is the [Squid Sashimi (1,800 JPY)], which is available only between April - October. Enjoy the unbelievably fresh spear squid flavor that this dish provides!

Horyo

Open: 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays *Sometimes closed on Monday
Average price: 5,000 JPY
Address: B1F, Octave Hakata, 2-6-15, Hakata Eki-mae, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

15. Izumida Gion Branch

The Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival is one of the main festivals in Kyushu. This restaurant serves regional cuisine in a location close to Kushida Shrine, which is where the festival takes place. Its interior is decked out with Yamakasa-related items, reminding people of Hakata. They have spicy [Gyeongju Hot Pot (1,480 JPY for 1 person)], which consists of ingredients like spinach and pork ribs from Kyushu being boiled in an original miso dashi, which enhances their flavor. Try some sake together with their [Blue Mackerel (1,230 JPY)] from the Goto Islands. The fact that you can have mackerel as sashimi is evidence of its outstanding freshness!

Izumida Gion Branch

Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm, Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
[Saturday] Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 880 JPY
Address: 2-29, Gion-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

Other than what's been introduced here, there are many other delicious restaurants in Nakasu. Why not visit the area several times to discover new places to eat?

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.