Kyushu Japan. Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Nagasaki and Kagoshima. First timer Eats and Pics.

[Google_Gourmet]

Excited to be in Kyushu for the very first time. Fukuoka will be our home base for the next 12 nights. We will take exploratory over-night trips to Nagasaki and Kagoshima, plus day trips out to nearby prefectures. Especially Kumamoto, for some Oysters, Uni, Eel, what have you.

Our airport train pulled into Hakata station at 7pm, our hotel an easy 15 walk from the platform.

But first……we had to run the gauntlet of irresistible restaurants and food stalls within and surrounding the bus station. Everything was drawing us in: ramen, udon, mizutaki, unagi, tempura!!! Resisted the temptations and resolutely made our way to our hotel, just absolutely loving the vibe and energy of this new city.

After checking in and a quick freshen up, we wandered out for a quick delicious bite. Thought of following this little guy, should be a good eater.

Decided on Champon Noodles, a Nagasaki specialty. A side of Hakata Gyoza. Of course.

A welcoming homey first meal at the Ringer Hut chain restaurant. A no-nonsense salaryman/woman grab-a-bite before the train spot. Mostly counter/cubicle seating that mostly emptied out by the time we finished at 10pm.

[FindingFoodFluency (YouTube:@findingfoodfluency)]

Enjoy Kyushu!

Try to hit up Kurume (another city in Fukuoka prefecture) for their style of ramen, as well as some Fukuoka yatai (street stalls; they appear in the evening).

As for Nagasaki, I found the kasutera (castella) to be woefully underwhelming, but had a decent meal in Japan’s oldest Chinatown.

[Google_Gourmet]

First morning in-country started auspiciously. Early this morning (like 5am), DW tossed out the idea of Hakata Tanya, a Beef Tongue specialist for breakfast. I had also “found” this resto yesterday and Tanya was already at the top of my short list.

Forewarned about long waits, we anxiously rushed here by 6:45, a scant quarter hour before their 7am curtain opening.

Minutes later, a small crowd magically appeared and formed an orderly queue. We happily flowed into the restaurant with the first wave. The service was impeccably Japanese, helpful and mostly patient to us non-Japanese speaking gaijin. We ordered two breakfast sets. Grilled Beef Tongue for me, grilled Pork for she. Sets came with Rice, citrusy Cabbage Slaw and a peppery Beef Roth with a couple of teeny cubes of Beef Stew.

I didn’t plan to drink at 7am, but couldn’t resist having the “Morning Beer” listed on the breakfast menu. Also a side set of Mentaiko (cured Pollack Roe), Nori and a glorious Sunset Orange Yolked Egg each.

The meats were well grilled and delicious. But……that steaming fresh Japanese Rice, topped and mixed with raw egg, enhanced with nibbles of the Mentaiko. Simple Perfection!!!

We will definitely pay a few more visits on this trip. A dinner here is also a good possibility. Can’t wait!!!

• 3 locations in Fukuoka. We were at the Hakata Station branch.

[Alice]

Yes it sounds and looks like it amazing! I

[Presunto (--> Eating yoghurt in Athens .......... [Fleeced Taxpayer :@)) :@)) ])]

Mentaiko is a speciality of Fukuoka. They even sell it as a souvenir! They are not the only ones who enjoy eating mentaiko, though. Far southern islands all eat it as part of breakfast. It’s actually Korean (especially the kind that’s covered in chilli flakes). Fukuoka made it their own favourite.

Saving Kyushu for another trip when the newest Shinkansen runs more routes. At the moment only a short one it’s not worth a first class JP rail pass unless I combine it with other places outside of Kyushu. Otherwise I’d just get a Kuyshu rail pass and travel within the prefecture.

(See this as one exits the airport in Naha)
(Recently at my guesthouse on Amami island. Just a tiny piece at a time, though. But I buy a small package for myself.)

[Google_Gourmet]

@Presunto

I’d just get a Kuyshu rail pass and travel within the prefecture.

We got the Kyushu JR 7 day pass, 1st ride to Kumamoto coming Saturday. $166/pax. DW has already ticketed 6 rides for the 7 day period.

I recall that you (@Presunto) are particularly fond of cured roe. Myself, I don’t care for the Taiwanese version. I do love the Japanese Mentaiko, seems the Mentaiko is more marinated than sun dried cured (Taiwanese).

Homemade Mentaiko was an appetizer course at our Mizutaki dinner last night. Lovely, would have been even better with some good Japanese rice!

[Google_Gourmet]

Been wanting Nabe for some time, Fukuoka Mizutaki perfect to fill that need. Mizutaki is a Hakata special Chicken Hot Pot preparation, a single pot of Chicken, Vegetable, Tofu +++.

We were checking out the famous Fukuoka food stalls (Yatai) last night. Looked like lotsa fun, but not in the mood to squeeze into tight quarters for a meal. Walked by Hakata Hanamidori and Bingo!! Table for two please.

For our first Misutaki experience, we splashed out for the Hana set. Top of the line, still reasonable at ¥5,000/pax. A bottle of chilled Sake, Hanamaika was a great precursor to our meal.

The starters started flowing.

Very much enjoyed the Tuna Sashimi and the Chicken Sashimi!!!

Chicken Stock, Meatballs, Meat and Liver all from 50 day old heritage free range Hanamidori Chicken. Our server ladled out a small portion of the Broth, wonderful chicken goodness, Collagen level off the hook!!

Meatballs: hand chop Hanamidori Chicken mixed with Japanese Yam & Egg. Formed and scooped into the pot. Followed by Thigh Chunks, Tenders, Hearts & Livers. Fresh colorful array of Vegetables, Tofu & Glass Noodles joined the One Pot Party.

We opted to finish with table made Congee, though the Noodle option was mighty tempting.

Almond Pudding and Hot Green Tea to finish.

Excellent meal. Looking forward to doing Motsunabe next, the Beef & Offal Hot Pot version!

[damiano]

Chicken sashimi! Only in Japan…

[Google_Gourmet]

ONLY place I would ever eat raw chicken.

Even had some from the supermarket for lunch yesterday. Also Fugu sashimi (poisonous PufferFish) same market.

Living dangerously!!!

[Daniel]

Whenever I am in Fukuoka, I always want to get motsunabe, tonkotsu ramen and chicken skin on a skewer. Think all of those are worth a try

[Google_Gourmet]

Rakutenchi Hakata Motsunabe. Enjoyed this Fukuoka specialty at their Hakata Station store. Located on the B2 level, myriad restaurants offer a wide range of food options at wallet friendly prices.

Hakata Motsunabe is a Nabe, various ingredients cooked at the table. Motsunabe is a combination of Offal (Small Intestine here), Garlic Chives, Cabbage and Tofu in their own Dashi broth.

I started with my usual Jack Daniels Highball (when in Japan), make that a double. DW had a chilled Sake.

Server clicked on our induction burner, dinner is on.

Added an Oden set: Fried Tofu Wrapped Mochi Purse, Beef Achilles Skewer, Manten (deep fried Fish Paste Patty), Konjac (a Thin Noodle) and Tofu.

A Daikon Oden and extra round of Veggies.

Some Fried Chicken finished the meal.

Server gifted us a couple of nice shopping sacks. Arigato gozaimas!!!

[Google_Gourmet]

Woke up bright and early last week to drift the Venice of Kyushu, a lovely relaxing one hour gondola ride wending thru a serene waterway.

Planned to lunch at the 300 year old Ganso Motoyoshiya, the original Unagi Seiro Mushi purveyor. The Unagi (freshwater Eel) is lightly Grilled, then Steamed over rice in a bamboo steamer. This special method ensures your meal stays hot to the last bite and the luscious flavors fully permeate.

Extremely popular, wait times can be over an hour if you’re not in queue when the doors open. Wisely, we chose to dine at their 2nd location, arriving just before the lunch herd.

I was happy to be the first pax through the door. Not quite as happy to find there are only 8 tables of tatami mat seating. Woe is me.

DW ordered the Seiro Mushi set for me and a simpler set for herself. Feeling somewhat adventurous, we tried an appetizer of Eel Spine, I think baked or fried. “Interesting.”

Dutifully sampled a few vertebrae, had to save room for the real meal.

The main course, topped with thinly fried Egg. I also had a very tasty portion of Eel Tataki, grilled and touched with Mustard Vinegar. DW preferred this to the usual sweetish Teriyaki style.

Some Tsukemono (Japanese Pickles). The BEST Miso Soup ever!!!

Eel Liver added a velvety texture component, but the perfectly balanced flavors of the soup itself really shined.

A wonderful meal.

[Google_Gourmet]

Dinner at an Izakaya (no English name) the other night. We had happened by in the morning and saw live Ika (Squid) finning in the display tank. Live Ika has been the elusive unicorn for us, so we just had to return in the eve for dinner.

Started with the usual Jack Highball. Otoshi was a marinated Mung Bean Noodle dish. yawn

Uni and a Rice set (Miso Soup, Cuke/Onion)

Fresh Saba (Mackerel) Sashimi.

Oysters, tasted of the terroir of the nearby bay. Tho we still wished we had found oysters in Kumamoto.

Ika, the main reason we’re here. Only one small one left, these boyz go fast!!!

Some Tempura & Sashimi.

A low key meal, for an Izakaya. Leisurely stroll back. Beautiful evening.

[CCE (Keyrock the unfrozen caveman lawyer; your world frightens & confuses me)]

Wow, so many beautiful photos! Many thanks for posting.

[Google_Gourmet]

Enjoying our trip and sharing the experience with like minded food and travel lovers on this board.

Stay tuned, more to come!

[Google_Gourmet]

Lunch at Fukuoka City Center Wholesale Fish Market. About a dozen local restaurants populate the ground floor of the center. Not fancy at all, eating establishments catering to the warehousemen and salary workers in the neighborhood. Fresh market seafood at very reasonable prices. We’re in!!

As we were deciphering the menu and wall specials, our prescient server presented English menus with photos!!

DW has been fueling a raging Ika obsession, Squid Special please!!

Ika-Don. Sashimi of Squid, crispy strips topped with Ikura (Salmon Roe) on Sushi rice. Squid Tempura with vegetables. Miso Soup & a mystery side dish??

I went with Sashimi-Don (Chirashi like) and Tempura combo.

Tempura: Prawns, Tuna, Horse Mackerel, Sweet Potato, Bell Pepper, Burdock, Eggplant and Lotus Root.

Sashimi: Uni (Sea Urchin), Ebi (Sweet Shrimp), Salmon, Tuna, Ika, Hamachi and Scallop. All pristine, undeniably fresh from the adjacent wholesale market.

A thoroughly comforting meal. Our server had suggested a “Hokkaido Uni” tray @ ¥3000/$19.88. We have 3 more days here in Hakata, I’d come back for the Hokkaido Uni!!!

Leisurely walk back to our hotel. Mingling with the folks and gawking at all the glorious pictured menu boards en route. Per SOP, stopped midway at a Hoshino Drip Coffee for a soufflé, Japanese Pancake and a spot of Earl Gray.

What’s For Dinner!?!?!?!

[GretchenS]

I love the way you and your DW travel!

[Jackalope (Jack Chavez)]

The name of the izakaya on Oct.31 is Nihonkai Shōya [日本海庄や],
Looks like they have 2 locations — one just outside Hakata Station and the other in Nakasu. I’m guessing. you went to the latter.

(posted above, but it showed up in the wrong spot for some reason)