Around Town
By the time you read this, we will have moved the Fukuoka Now office from Oyafuko-dori to our modern and shiny new digs in Akasaka. Oyafuko-dori has been Fukuoka Now’s home for almost six years, and we’ll miss it. Well perhaps not everything, but a lot. There’s certainly a lot more to Oyafuko-dori than bars and night clubs. It’s without a doubt the most international part of Fukuoka, evidenced by the many shops, restaurants and bars operated by non-Japanese. We promise to continue to support all of them just as much as before, and even more from the outside! So without further ado, here are just a few of our staff’s favorite spots in Oyafuko-dori.
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Murasaki Yakitori Kenkyujo
Murasaki-san used to make delectable taco-yaki (egg and octopus balls), but now he’s switched to yakitori – and with passion! His funky shack is set on an empty lot behind the Beans Bldg. (Off Broadway & Nazuki). Sit inside, on the outdoor deck or grab some take-out. Recommended as a place to meet before, after or even during a night of clubbing.
1-8-2 Maizuru, Chuo-ku
Tel: 092-714-0584
Open: 18:00 ~ 03:00, Sun ~ 24:00 (L.O. 30 mins before closing)
Closed: Mon.
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Pik’s Coffee Shop
Modeled after an American-style diner from decades ago, the portions are huge and the prices are miniscule. Two eggs any style, including your choice of bacon, sausage, spam or fish fry are just 495 yen. They also serve burgers, steaks, waffles with jelly, banana splits, and where else can you get unlimited refills of delicious coffee for just 150 yen? A friendly kitsch-filled oasis for home-sick Westerners and an affordable taste of Americana for local Japanese.
Address: 3-2-18 Tenjin, Chuo-ku
Tel: 092-781-0246
Open: 12:00 ~ 01:00, Sat: 18:00 ~ 02:30
Closed: Sun.
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Abu-san
The baseball season never ends at this izakaya, dedicated to everything baseball – especially our home team, The Softbank Hawks. On game nights it gets loud and emotional. Everyone’s welcome to join in. On non-game nights it’s much more relaxed, and discussions turn to the more philosophical points of the game while enjoying pleasant izakaya fare.
Address: 3-5-16 Tenjin, Chuo-ku
Tel: 092-726-2780
Open: 17:30 ~ 24:00
Closed: Sun. (unless there’s a Hawk’s game)
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Jan Jan Curry Restaurant
Being surrounded by fake relics from a Maharaja’s palace is no longer a prerequisite for eating good Indian food! Jan Jan serves their delicious handmade curries and freshly baked nan in an airy and colourful Caribbean-style room. Vegetarian dishes available and all seating is non-smoking.
Address: 1F, 1-1-15 Maizuru, Chuo-ku
Tel: 092-762-8080
Open: 18:00 ~ 22:00, ( L.O. 21:00)
Closed: Tue.
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Pan Pivote
This tiny bakery run by a lovely young couple is a gold mine for bread lovers in or near Oyafuko-dori. They use only the finest ingredients and no additives. In addition to hearty breads – Rye, Pan de Campagne, and French Baguettes, and be sure to try their sandwiches and pastries.
Address: 1F Prism Bldg., 1-8-30 Maizuru, Chuo-ku
Tel: 092-718-0986
Open: 08:00 ~ 20:00
Closed: Tue.
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Nazuki
Located in the middle of Oyafuko-dori, Nazuki serves delicious ishiyaki bibimba; (a sizzling hot stone bowl of rice topped with shredded veggies). Add a spoonful of their red sauce for a spicy yet tangy kick. Popular with local Koreans, so it must be authentic!
1F Beans Bldg., 1-8-1 Maizuru, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Tel: 092-715-1516
Open: 11:00 ~ 02:00 / ~ 01:00 (Sun.)
Closed: Never
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Art Space
Tucked up on the 2nd floor of a building near the entrance of Oyafuko, this café & gallery has remained virtually unchanged since its opening in 1976. Contemporary art exhibits are always on display. A nice escape from the hustle and bustle.
Address: 2F Kouei Bldg., 3-4-14 Tenjin, Chuo-ku
Tel: 092-781-7597
Open: 11:00 ~ 00:00
Closed: Never
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Anmitsuhime
Oyafuko-dori really does have it all, including a super-popular nightly transvestite show. The elaborate costumes and sets are as eye-catching as the performers themselves. The show is hilarious, especially if you understand Japanese. The audience is mostly young office ladies. Funny – not sleazy! Three shows nightly.
Address: 3-7-13 Tenjin, Chuo-ku
Tel: 0120-366-077
Open: 1st. 18:00 ~ 20:00, 2nd. 20:15 ~ 22:00, 3rd. 22:15 ~ 24:00
Closed: Mon.
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Cineterie Tenjin
One of the only cinemas in Fukuoka regularly showing international independent films. Special discounts for non-Japanese and exchange students.
Address: B1F Baba Bldg., 3-6-18 Tenjin, Chuo-ku
Tel: 092-781-5508
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A Spiritual Parking Lot
With so much to do here, you’ll need a spot to park your chariot. Try Trust Parking near the corner of Oyafuko-dori and Showa-dori. Look for the sculpture of the kappa. The first hour is 300 yen, then 100 yen for each hour after – or maximum of 800 yen for 10 hours! Inside the lot check out the Kanteibyo Shrine. None other than Hollywood’s Steven Seagal (strange but true!) attended the unveiling ceremony in 2002 of this shrine dedicated to a Chinese army general. It’s the centerpiece of Oyafuko’s Asia Town and will hopefully bring prosperity to all. Also connected to this building is Haki Bar an Oyafuko-dori original! A special roadside sink for regurgitating in after too many drinks! Located near the corner of Showa-dori and Oyafuko-dori.
