[Updated 2023 Fukuoka Nightlife Guide] Foods and Fun to be had at These Brand New Spots!

Fukuoka’s nightlife scene has never been more vibrant and fun than it is now. Among the many new faces we have the resurrection of the yatai in the city’s Nagahama region, a cocktail master, and new nightlife activities. These are all things that you can only find in Fukuoka!

A city’s night life is one part of what makes it an exciting and unique destination, and Fukuoka is no exception. Here are some of the experiences that will provide the finishing touch for your day. 

[Yatai] The Return of the Nagahama Yatai

The Nagahama area of Fukuoka can be found to North of Tenjin and is close to the water. The area is particularly famous for being the alleged birthplace of kaedama (the practice of ordering an extra serving of noodles for your bowl of ramen), and in the past was the legendary location of some of the city’s best yatai. Recently however the number of yatai in Nagahama had dwindled to only two locations, a shadow of the past. 

The story doesn’t end there however. In June of 2023 7 new yatai opened their businesses in the Nagahama region, with the dream of helping to restore the area to its former bustling glory. Without further ado, allow us to introduce you to the new spots!

1.Nagahama Ramen,Yakitori, and Brand New Experiences

(Left) Tonkotsu Ramen: 750 yen, (Right) 5 kinds of oden (oden with broth made from sardines): 1,000 yen / Yatai no Tamachan, Yatai no Tamachan Bekkan

Yatai no Tamachan/Yatai no Tamachan Bekkan: At this yatai you can find classic dishes such as the famous Nagahama ramen (tonkotsu ramen that is usually slightly less thick), yakitori (grilled chicken and other meats), oden (ingredients stewed in dashi stock), and yakiramen (stir fried ramen) and other such dishes. Also popular is the authentic teppanyaki beef (beef cooked on a large steel plate). 

(Left) Makimono (various kinds of maki-mono) 280 yen / Nagahama no Hiroshi, (Right) Assorted 5 skewers for 1,000 yen / Dogenya

Nagahama no Hiroshi: This yatai specializes in seasonal yasaimaki, or skewers that feature vegetables wrapped in meat. One particularly popular item is the oversized “Share-maki” which is meant to be eaten among friends. The communal aspect of eating it adds entertainment factor to dining here.

Dogenya: A Karaage (or fried chicken) specialist opened this kushikatsu (fried skewer) restaurant. You can partake of crisp kushikatsu as well as the popular tonkotsu ramen here.

 

2. Yatai Offering the Cutting Edge in Street Food

(Left) Mentaiko Tororo-nabe (grated yam) 1,200 yen, (Tight) Mentaiko Soup (2 pieces) 700 yen / Mentaichudoku

Mentaichudoku (Mentaiko Addiction): The first yatai in the city to specializes in dishes featuring mentaiko. The menu features over 10 unique items that use mentaiko as a key ingredient and you can only taste them here in Nagahama. 

(Left) Pork and green bell pepper stir-fry, 600 yen / Nagahama Citizens Ballpark, (Right) Cola Flavored Wings 3x, 600 yen / Nagahama Shoei

Nagahama Citizens Ballpark: The owner’s love for the Softbank Hawks baseball team carries over to this yatai’s overall feel and design, allowing you to feel as if you were at the stadium while dining.

Nagahama Shoei: A Chinese yatai that prides itself on cuisine that is true to what people in China actually eat, all arranged in Japanese style. 

[Nagahama Yatai Street]
Address: 3-14 Nagahama, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City
Access: 10 minute walk from exit 1 of Akasaka Subway Station
Click here for more details

 

[Drinks] Bar Hopping through Japan’s Top Bars

While locals may not know it, Fukuoka is actually becoming increasingly recognized throughout Japan for having some of the best bars in the country. Among the city’s 600 or so bars there are places that offer authentic drinking experiences as well as more conceptual and unique ones as well.

Fukuoka is additionally held by fans to be relatively more compact than Tokyo, which means it is far easier to go bar hopping. In this article we’ll be introducing some authentic bars and wine bars.

1. Cutting Edge Cocktails at Bar Oscar

This authentic bar is famous for its ingenious cocktail constructions and has earned a following both domestically and abroad for its creations. Bartender and owner Shuichi Nagatomo honed his craft in a famous bar in Ginza in Tokyo, winning the domestic cocktail competition and being recognized at international ones. Particularly popular are the cocktails that make use of seasonally fresh fruits. 

Bar Oscar
Address: Stage 1 Daimyo 6F, 1-10-29 Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City
TEL:092-721-5352
For more information, please visit @bar_oscar_fukuoka (Instagram)

 

2. A Wine Specialist popular with Women, Yukusu

A wine bar that specializes in wines from Japan. In addition to wines from Kyushu one can find wines from all over the country, including those from as far north as Hokkaido. The place is a hit with wine enthusiasts on account of its collection of rare and hard to find wines. The casual seating, proprietress Iwabashi-san’s kind explanations, delicious smoked snacks, and relaxing atmosphere create an excellent atmosphere. 

Yukusu
Address: 2-4-26-1F Yakuin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City 
TEL:092-791-1247
For more information, please contact @yukusu515(Instagram)

[Entertainment] A Truly Revolutionary Nightlife Performance Act

Fukuoka has long been considered a source of unique and exciting entertainment and culture throughout the whole of Japan and even beyond the country’s borders; living up to this reputation, Fukuoka now has a slew of new nightlife activities for guests to come and experience for themselves.

This time we will be presenting some nightlife institutions that continue to maintain their unique status within Fukuoka as well as some newer, cutting edge facilities. 

1. Where Cuisine and Entertainment Combine, the 010 BUILDING

The 010 BUILDING opened in the December of 2022, its three stories featuring a synthesis of art, immersive theater, food, and cocktails that brings together the best creators around the world to provide top class nighttime entertainment. The shows on offer here cannot be experienced anywhere else in Japan. 

010 BUILDING
Address: 1-4-17 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
For more details click here.

2. A Club With a Unique Vibe and Ardent Fans, “Kieth Flack”

Now heading into its 29th year, this nightclub and live house can be found in an alleyway off of Oyafukudori, recognizable by its eccentric and unique exterior. On the 2nd floor live artists and DJs will often be playing their music loud, and on the 1st floor one can enjoy a drink and relax. Artists of all kinds of genres and generations come here to play amongst passionate listeners and lovers of music.  

Kieth Flack
Address: 1-8-28 Maizuru, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
For more details click here
 

 

[Night Scenery] Places where you can Take Advantage of Fukuoka’s Nighttime Scenery

Haruyoshi Bridge connects Chuo and Hakata wards of Fukuoka City. The Haruyoshi Bridgeside Plaza offers a night view of Nakasu, one of the largest shopping areas in the city. The plaza also hosts a variety of events for locals and tourists alike. 

 

1. Enjoy the Light Show at "CROSS NIGHT Haruyoshi Bridge”

Illuminated by many beams of colorful light, this show uses lasers installed on either side of the river to turn the water surrounding the Haruyoshi Bridge into a magical play of lights. Weaving sound and light together to spectacular effect, this event is limited to the Summer season. 

July 10, 2023 - August 13, 2023 *For the latest information, please visit the website below.*

 

2. Come for the Light Show, Stay for the Food! [CROSS NIGHT MARKET]

 

In addition to the colorful light show, an assortment of food vendors will prepare and serve food to guests on Haruyoshi Bridge. Enjoy some local food and drinks as you take in the scenery. 

July 10, 2023 - August 13, 2023 *For the latest information, please visit the website below.*

[CROSS NIGHT Haruyoshi Bridge] 
Location: Haruyoshi Bridge, Near the Haruyoshi Bridgeside Plaza  
For More Details Click Here