Not far from Yanagibashi Market, Ikkokudo opened in August 2001. Owner Kazuki Fukunaga was born and raised in the area and began his culinary career at 16, working in the kitchen of the now-shuttered Tarafukumanma. For the past 14 years, he has pleased the palates of customers with his dedication to preparation. “I only make what I like,” he admits. The menu mainly consists of seasonal Japanese fare. We recommend the fresh sashimi, which changes daily. The Hakata game-ni (traditional simmered hodgepodge) is a great choice if you have guests from out-of-town. Many foreigners come to the restaurant, but the menu is only in Japanese. “From my experience, going to a foreign country and dealing with the locals makes for good memories. We might not use proper English, but we can get our point across with a handful of words. I want the customers to have fun choosing their meals,” says Fukunaga. You can also find Ikkokudo Kiyokawa in the Michelin Guide to Fukuoka & Saga\u2014proof positive that it’s the real deal. If you prefer a bigger venue, then try the 80-seat Ikkokudo Haruyoshi.<\/p>\n