{"id":71788,"date":"2012-01-19T07:49:26","date_gmt":"2012-01-19T07:49:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/fukuoka-now.com?post_type=areaguide&p=9226"},"modified":"2016-04-01T00:35:00","modified_gmt":"2016-03-31T15:35:00","slug":"nakasu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/en\/nakasu\/","title":{"rendered":"Nakasu"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nakasu is Kyushu\u2019s number one entertainment district. The area developed around the Nakashima bridge, which was built by Fukuoka\u2019s first feudal lord, Nagamasa Kuroda, in 1600 to connect the Fukuoka and Hakata areas. In the latter Edo period, this strategic location was put to good use as the area developed into an entertainment district popular with both the samurai of Fukuoka and the merchants of Hakata. The merchants and samurai may have long since disappeared, but the number of nightspots in Nakasu has only grown. It has also long-served as a launch pad for new cultural movements, from the theatre popular in the Meiji period to the literature boom of the late 1890s and the appearance of cinemas in the 1910s. This month we take a closer look at the many delights of Nakasu.<\/p>\n

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Around 3,500 establishments of varying types are crammed into this long, narrow delta between the Naka and Hakata rivers. More than 30,000 people are said to work at the many bars, cabaret clubs, massage parlors and brothels, and still more come to enjoy themselves. Smooth-talking, gaudily dressed men and women act as self-appointed guides in this tantalizing neon jungle as they compete to entice potential customers into their particular establishment.<\/p>\n

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Nakasu has traditionally only really come alive at night, but recent developments such as the Gate\u2019s and Riverain shopping and entertainment complexes and The Fukuoka Asian Art Museum are transforming it into an area that can be enjoyed during the daytime too. Many events are also put on throughout the year, such as the popular Nakasu Jazz music festival held every August. Whichever side of Nakasu you seek, there\u2019s only one way to truly appreciate its intoxicating appeal, and that\u2019s to go there yourself.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>Blue Lagoon<\/strong>
\n<\/strong>\"\"
\nA spacious and popular Philippine restaurant with a Filipino chef who offers affordable and tasty South East Asian dishes. Popular with foreigners working in the area and open until 6am!
\nTel: 092-791-5706
\n Web site<\/a><\/p>\n

Cafe & Bar Dining Eternity<\/strong>
\n<\/strong>\"\"
\nA \u201chistoric\u201d former strip tease theater was converted into a bar with a food menu boasting 30 ~ 40 varieties including pizza and pasta and NO cover charge. Check web for live music schedule.
\nTel: 092-262-8015
\nWeb site<\/a><\/p>\n

Nakasu Hakatabune<\/strong>
\n<\/strong>\"\"
\nYakatabune are dinner boats that offer views of Nakasu\u2019s neon lights while passengers enjoy diner and drinks. 2-hours cruises are the norm or by charter. Reservations required.
\nTel: 092-734-0228
\n Web site<\/a><\/p>\n

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\nMORE NAKASU<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cotton Fields<\/strong>
\n<\/strong>\"\"
\nCotton Fields a favorite of foreigners with 300 varities of beer and no cover charge.
\nTel: 092-271-5130<\/p>\n

Fukuya Honten<\/strong>
\n<\/strong>\"\"
\nFukuya honten samples the many varieties of Fukuoka\u2019s most famous gourmet condiment mentaiko (spicy cod roe) Fukuya main shop.
\nTel: 092-261-2981
\nWeb site<\/a><\/p>\n

Kappo Kaji<\/strong>
\n<\/strong>\"\"
\nKappo Kaji specializes in fresh fugu (blowfish) but they have other fresh seafood too.
\nTel: 092-291-2219
\nWeb site<\/a><\/p>\n

Nakasu 1923<\/strong>
\n<\/strong>\"\"
\nNakasu 1923 serves highballs made of whiskey chilled below 2\u00b0C and strong soda.
\nTel: 092-292-5622<\/p>\n

Fuku Haku Minato Deai-bune<\/strong>
\n<\/strong>\"\"
\nThe Naka River Boat Tour takes passengers on a 20 minute ride up and down the Naka River for \u00a5500 (adults) and \u00a5250 (children).
\nWeb site<\/a><\/p>\n

Nakasu Taiyo<\/strong>
\n<\/strong>\"\"
\nNakasu was once famous for its movie theaters. Nakasu Taiyo is an old cinema running since 1946.
\nWeb site<\/a><\/p>\n

Annaijo<\/strong>
\n<\/strong>\"\"
\nGuide maps like this are directories to bars and the \u201cadult orientated\u201d establishments. They can be found on most corners in the area.<\/p>\n

Cheap Dress Shops<\/strong>
\n<\/strong>\"\"
\nSexy tight fitting dresses are on display and for sale at many shops in the area. Target customers are the \u201ckyaba-jyo\u201d (hostesses). Most are priced under \u00a510,000<\/p>\n

Yatai<\/strong>
\n<\/strong>\"\"
\nAfter the sun sets, Fukuoka\u2019s iconic yatai, mobile food stalls are setup along the riverside of Naka-gawa. A favorite for tourists to try, but be sure to confirm prices before sitting down.<\/p>\n

Backstreets<\/strong>
\n<\/strong>\"\"
\nWhile Nakasu is best known for its bars, the back streets and alleys are home to some more quiet and respectable small restaurants.<\/p>\n

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\nNAKASU MAP<\/strong><\/p>\n