Welcome to Fukuoka Now! Since 1998 our team of local experts have been introducing the best of Fukuoka to the world. Enjoy!
Kawabata Zenzai Hiroba
While strolling through the Kawabata Arcade, be on the look out for the Kawabata Zenzai Hiroba. It’s an open air space with a huge, colorful float similar to those used in the Gion Yamakasa Festival. Near the entrance you can order traditional zenzai azuki bean soup with two rice cakes, green tea and a dish of pickles for just ¥500! You can sit down and view the float and Hakata River every day, but the zenzai is only served on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. However, during the Yamakasa Festival (6/26 to 7/14) it can be enjoyed every day between 11:00 ~ 18:00.
Kawabata Zenzai Hiroba
10-256 Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata-ku
Open: Fri. & Sat. & Sun. 11:00~18:00
*6/26 ~ 7/14: Open every day
092-281-6223
Closed: Mon.~Thu.
Canezees Doughnut Hakata
Less than 10 minutes on foot south of Hakata Station is Fukuoka’s first indie doughnut shop. With an eclectic selection of regular and seasonal flavours ranging from Congan Vanilla to Green Tea and Kinako, each doughnut is lovingly handmade from responsibly sourced ingredients on the premises. They also do eco-friendly bike delivery for orders of 10 or more doughnuts. After sunset the shop turns into a groovy bar with beers, cocktails and dishes such as Lasagna, Chili Beans/Toast, Baked Spicy Sardines and more. Bicycle parking, outdoor seating, and friendly staff – drop by!
Canezees Doughnut Hakata
4-15-10 1F Haktaeki-mae, Hakata-ku
Open: 10:00~24:00 (Tue.~Fri.), 9:00~24:00 (Sat., Sun. & Hol.)
092-474-2259
Closed: Mon.
Shifuku
Located amongst the warehouses near Fukuoka Airport, this ramen shop is not easy to find but is well worth the effort. Owner Yoshinobu Sakimukai is from Kagoshima where ramen is often made with a blend of pork and chicken soup. But at Shifuku, only chicken is used. Every day, Sakimukai and his wife make all their noodles (slightly thicker and wavier than Hakata style), chicken soup and gyoza painstakingly by hand. The “assari” (light) broth is made under low and slow heat and is clear and delicate. In contrast their “kotteri” (heavy) soup is cooked at a high temperature and is milky in appearance. A plate of ten tiny gyoza is just ¥250; and be sure to try their karaage (fried chicken) which is cooked to order and also a delight. Other nice touches include child-size utensils and plates to help kids enjoy their ramen and hair bands for the longer-haired to avoid hair falling in. Shifuku proves there is much more to Hakata ramen than tonkotsu!
Ramen Shifuku
Murashita Bldg. 1F 2-3-1 Enokida, Hakata-ku
Open: Lunch: 11:00~16:00, Dinner: 18:00~22:00 (only lunch on Wed.)
092-474-0090
Closed: Sun.
