Keyaki-dori, named after the leafy green trees that provide cool shade in the summer, is home to many unique stores, small cafes and cozy restaurants. Excellent for a leisurely stroll or a shopping spree!
Bar Rosa Rosa
Bar Rosa Rosa and adjoining flower shop Cerise are a perfect example of a successful husband-and-wife collaboration. Chef Tobata runs the Latin-inspired deli-cafe-restaurant, while his wife Sakurako creates gorgeous flower arrangements, available for pick-up and delivery. With its casual yet stylish interior, Bar Rosa Rosa is an excellent spot for breakfast, lunch, coffee, a relaxing dinner or a glass of Spanish wine at the counter bar. The glass showcases display a variety of mouth-watering tapas and other Mediterranean fare, which can be taken out or enjoyed right away. Exquisite desserts, including huge scones, are baked on the spot and worth a try as well!
Data
2-18-14 Kego, Chuo-ku (behind Kego-machi bus stop)
Tel: 092-733-6363
8:00 ~ 3:00 / Lunch: 11:00 ~ 17:00
Open every day
Taguchi Shoten
Specializing in used vinyl and CDs, this independently owned record shop has been around for 40 years. The compact space is filled to the ceiling with LPs and CDs spanning a wide range of genres, as well as a small collection of DVDs. The friendly staff are eager to point out good buys, for example Showa-era singles from 100 – great as omiyage! The owner’s love for all things Showa (in particular the ’70s and ’80s) shines through in the displays of lamps, vases, radios and small trinkets of this period. A second hand furniture sale is held once a month (check www.lugoro.net for details) and if your retro stereo or houseware needs a new home, Taguchi might be interested in buying them!
Data
1-2-6 Akasaka, Chuo-ku
Tel: 092-716-0087
11:00 ~ 20:00
Open every day
Balance
Located on a backstreet of Keyaki-dori and only recognizable by its red door, Balance is a bar for those in the know. His love for the area made radio DJ Referee decide seven years ago to start a bar here, and Balance is now a spot where Fukuoka’s creative set come to chill. The tiny interior, with ten red stools and a glimmering bar counter, provides an intimate setting for a laid-back night out, while Referee’s turntable tunes (from punk and new wave to jazz and rock) are sure to entertain fellow music connoisseurs. Referee serves drinks and entertains his clientele until 6am, making Balance the place to be in the early hours of the morning!
Data
2-3-28 Akasaka, Chuo-ku
Tel: 092-734-5564
21:00 ~ 6:00
Closed: Sunday
Access
Bus
Get on at Kego Jinja bus stop near Mitsukoshi, alight at Kego-machi on Keyaki-dori (5 minutes).
Subway
Take exit 4 at Akasaka subway station, and turn left at the nearest intersection. Walk straight for 6 blocks.
Walk
Start at Nishitetsu Tenjin Station. Walk down Watanabe Street in the direction of Mitsukoshi, and turn right at the first intersection. Keep walking along Kokutai St. for 7 blocks. If you see a big intersection in front of you, you’re there.
Taxi
Ask the taxi driver this:
Keyaki-dori no Kego kosaten made onegaishimasu
