Tenjin, one of the most famous downtown areas in Fukuoka, has a wide variety of izakaya and Japanese-style pubs that serve local cuisine favored by the locals.
At night, the streets of Tenjin are filled with people gathering at the yatai stalls in search of Kyushu's delicacies, such as motsunabe (hot pot) and seafood dishes.
Here is a list of five popular izakaya in Tenjin where you can fully enjoy Hakata's local cuisine!
かりん福岡天神大名店 / Karin Fukuoka Tenjin Daimyo
Located a 4-minute walk from Tenjin Station, “かりん福岡天神大名店 / Karin Fukuoka Tenjin Daimyo” is a Japanese-style izakaya where you can enjoy the local cuisine of Kyushu's various prefectures.
Fresh meat sashimi is some of the best available anywhere!
It is also popular among the locals!
Local Guide’s Point of View
This izakaya is a rare find, offering a taste of Kyushu's specialties all in one place.
For example, Hakata motsunabe, Miyazaki chicken nanban, Oita Nakatsu karaage, and fresh sashimi.
Come to Tenjin and enjoy Kyushu's local cuisine to the fullest!
Popular Dishes
1. Motsunabe (Offal Hotpot) with Mentaiko
Motsunabe is a Hakata specialty!
They serve their original motsunabe with mentaiko (cod roe) as a topping.
Their plump and elastic motsunabe is best enjoyed with The Premium Malt's beer, which is delicious from the first sip to the last drop!
2. Assorted Sashimi
“かりん福岡天神大名店 / Karin Fukuoka Tenjin Daimyo” is committed to using only the freshest ingredients directly from the producing region.
In addition to our three-piece fresh sashimi set, they also offer the famous Kumamoto specialty, horse sashimi.
Enjoy it with ginger or garlic soy sauce to your liking!
Facilities & Services
The restaurant has modern, Japanese-style private rooms for all seating, providing privacy and a quiet space for guests to relax and enjoy their meals.
These rooms can accommodate groups of 2 to 70 people, making them ideal for a wide range of occasions.
ゆずの小町 福岡天神大名店 / Yuzu no Komachi Fukuoka Tenjin Daimyo
“ゆずの小町 福岡天神大名店 / Yuzu no Komachi Fukuoka Tenjin Daimyo”, a creative Japanese izakaya located a 4-minute walk from Nishitetsu Fukuoka Tenjin Station.
They offer a wide variety of dishes that feature yuzu (Japanese citron).
Its fresh fish, which is delivered directly from Nagahama Market every morning, is also very popular.
Local Guide’s Point of View
Completely private and relaxing space is perfect for enjoying motsunabe, Kyushu cuisine, and yuzu dishes with family and friends in a relaxed atmosphere.
How about a yuzu dinner with yuzu sake?
Popular Dishes
1. Yuzu Skewer Set
Grilled skewers sprinkled with homemade yuzu salt are a classic favorite.
Yuzu-flavored yakitori sets, featuring juicy chicken thigh, savory skin, and mitsuse chicken tsukune skewers, are a must-order.
2. Assorted Fresh Fish Sashimi
Fresh fish is shipped directly from the local Nagahama fish market every day, showcasing the freshness and quality of the carefully selected ingredients.
Fresh sashimi platters are available in sets of 3 or 5, and are reasonably priced.
Facilities & Services
All rooms at Izakaya are private, accommodating groups from one to 150 people.
With over 100 drinks on offer, including draft beer, cocktails, and shochu, the all-you-can-drink menu is a popular choice.
For Kyushu cuisine and yuzu dishes in Tenjin, this is the place to be!
海の路 / Uminomichi Tenjin
If you're looking for a place to enjoy seafood and fresh sashimi with sake in Tenjin, “海の路 / Uminomichi Tenjin” is the perfect choice.
The chef goes to the fishing port every day to buy fresh seafood directly from the fishermen.
Local Guide’s Point of View
In addition to Japanese sake from all over Japan, which pairs well with Kyushu cuisine such as seafood dishes sashimi, and motsunabe.
They also offer a wide variety of beers, sake, shochu, cocktails, wines, and other types of sake.
Popular Dishes
1. Hakata Motsunabe
Hakata motsunabe is a Kyushu nabe dish made with the most delicious homemade broth and plump Japanese pork chops.
After enjoying the nabe, thin noodles are added to the soup to create a ramen noodle soup, offering two distinct flavors.
2. Hakata Mizutaki
Mizutaki, a Fukuoka specialty, is a one-pot dish featuring a clear broth slowly simmered from chicken bones.
Enjoy the chicken broth to the end by adding rice at the end.
Facilities & Services
Conveniently located just a short walk from Tenjin Station, stop by on your way home from sightseeing with your family or friends for a delicious meal and a unique dining experience.
Private rooms are available for groups of 2 or more.
ごちや 天神店 / Gochiya Tenjin
Looking for a reasonably priced izakaya in Tenjin serving yakitori?
"ごちや 天神店 / Gochiya Tenjin", a 5-minute walk from Nishitetsu Tenjin Station, has you covered!
Almost all dishes and drinks are under 300 yen!
Local Guide’s Point of View
This izakaya is a popular spot for young people looking to fill up on yakitori, with long hours from 5:00 PM to 5:00 AM.
Enjoy a night out in Tenjin with delicious food and drinks at this lively izakaya!
Popular Dishes
1. Gochiyaki
The "Gochiyaki" lives up to its name.
It is a huge yakitori, up to 21 centimeters long!
The juicy and thick meaty dish is a hit with many repeat customers!
It goes great with beer!
2. Karaage (Japanese fried chicken)
The popular "fried chicken" comes in a large size that is perfect for children. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat + 2-hour all-you-can-drink option with over 200 dishes, plus 8 kinds of after-dinner desserts!
Facilities & Services
The izakaya offers private rooms for parties of up to 180 people, with a buffet and all-you-can-drink service featuring a wide variety of items.
It's the perfect place for large dinner parties in Tenjin!
とんこや 今泉店 / Tonkoya Imaizumi
“とんこや 今泉店 / Tonkoya Imaizumi”, a seafood izakaya located 5 minutes from Tenjin Station, has been serving authentic seafood dishes for over 50 years.
Fresh sashimi and classic wagyu beef motsunabe (hot pot) are among the most popular dishes.
Local Guide’s Point of View
Run by a fishmonger who has been in Tenjin for generations, they purchase carefully selected fresh fish from the fishing ports of Kanezaki and Nagahama in the Genkai Sea every morning.
Their all-you-can-drink menu includes a wide variety of sake, beer, highballs, and cocktails to complement the seasonal fish!
Popular Dishes
1. Hakata's Specialty Motsunabe (Hot pot)
Hakata motsunabe is a hearty dish made with succulent Wagyu beef and a concentrated beef broth.
The warm soup will soothe your body and relieve travel fatigue.
Pair it with a selection of 30 carefully selected sakes from all over Japan for a truly memorable dining experience.
2. The Sashimi Platter (Fresh Seasonal Fish)
The sashimi platter with the freshest seasonal fish is a must-try.
Aji sashimi is known for its crunchy texture and sweet, fatty flesh.
Try the seasonal fish caught in the rough seas of the Genkai Sea.
Facilities & Services
The tatami room can accommodate up to 60 people, while the counter seating is perfect for couples or small groups who want to chat with the chef.
There is also a calm private room for families.
The subdued lighting creates a relaxing and inviting atmosphere.
Features of Tenjin
Tenjin is a popular sightseeing destination, and its proximity to Hakata makes it easy to enjoy both local Hakata specialties and Kyushu's regional cuisine.
Written by Alyssa
From New Mexico, USA
Lived in Japan for 2 years
Instructional coordinator at a language school in Shibuya.
My hobbies are collecting natural stones and reading healing books.
I love Japanese red bean ice cream, shaved ice.