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Shofuen
Enjoy a stroll around Shofuen, a beautiful, meticulously cared for Japanese garden, boasting a tea room built in 1951 by craftsmen from Kyoto. Surrounding the tea room there is a nodate hiroba (outdoor space for tea ceremonies) in the image of Mt. Fuji and its five lakes, the Azumaya tea room, and 100-year-old maple trees. Be sure to order a cup of matcha and a traditional sweet (¥300) to go with the view! If you’re still up for a walk, nearby are Hiraosanso (a mountain villa), the city zoo and botanical garden, and high-end bakeries! Details and photos here!
Shofuen
3-28 Hirao, Chuo-ku
Entrance fee: ¥100 (Under 15 y.o.: ¥50)
9:00~17:00
Closed: Tue. (Next day if Tue. is Hol.), 12/29 ~ 1/1
092-524-8264
Water site OTTO
This café is located along the river that connects Tenjin, the city’s downtown area, and Nakasu, the entertainment district. OTTO is a great place to while away a few hours, whether you sit out on the terrace overlooking the water, or relax in the spacious, elegant interior. We particularly recommend the fluffy pancakes filled with homemade ricotta, and the fresh-out-of-the-oven apple pie topped with vanilla ice cream. The menu includes over 70 drinks, and meals are served throughout the day, making this a popular spot amongst locals too. Menus are available in English, Chinese and Korean.
Water site OTTO
Nishitetsu Inn Fukuoka 1F, 1-16-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku
11:00~24:00（Lunch: 11:30~17:00）
Closed: 12/29 ~ 1/3
092-714-3308
http://www.otto-web.net/shop05.html
Menu: Pancake with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream ¥1,080, fruit yoghurt ¥450, gorgonzola cheesecake ¥650, apple pie ¥700, blend coffee ¥450, cafe latte ¥500, soy latte ¥530, daily plate lunch ¥980
Gouya
First opened in Terazuka in 1995, Gouya offers up Chinese noodles in an original veggie-filled Japanese soup, the stock of which is carefully crafted from dried bonito flakes, dried mackerel flakes, dried sardines, konbu (kelp) and shiitake mushrooms. The subtle flavor blends well with the stellar customer service. Our favorite is the kara-negi ramen, which is topped with a small mountain of shredded Welsh onions marinated in spicy miso, and then drizzled with scallion oil. Another tasty dish is the homemade chijiremen (curly noodles) in a fish-based soup. If you’re feeling hungrier than usual, Gouya doesn’t offer noodle refills, but you can size up to a large for an extra ¥130. You may also want to try the gyoza which, unusually, are flavored with walnut. If you want a side of rice, follow the lead of the regulars and try the jidorimeshi (chicken and rice) or the yakibutameshi (grilled pork on rice). English and Chinese menus make it easy for overseas visitors to enjoy Gouya’s delicious dishes.
Gouya
5-25-11 Watanabe-dori, Chuo-ku
11:00~22:30 (L.O.) (Tue. ~ Sat.), 11:00~21:30 (L.O.) (Sun. & Hol.)
Closed: Mon.
092-713-1333
Menu: Kara-negi ramen ¥700, Special Ramen ¥950 (kara-negi, boiled egg and chashu pork), Chinese soba ¥650, jidorimeshi ¥100, yakibutameshi ¥230, walnut gyoza ¥380, draft beer ¥500, oolong tea ¥150
Originally published in Fukuoka Now Magazine (fn203, Nov. 2015)
