How to Enjoy Yatai – Tried and True Tips for your Yatai Visit!
Hi everybody! My name is Yamada Zenjido, and I live in Fukuoka. When you hear Fukuoka, yatai are probably one of the first things that come to mind, right? There are probably plenty of people who have never visited a yatai, and it’s understandable that they might feel a bit nervous before making their first visit. To those worried never fear- in this article I will introduce the ins-and-outs of dining at a yatai. Knowledge is power! Once you know these simple tips, going to a yatai won’t seem as imposing. *Even seasoned veterans could learn a thing or two, so please read on!
How to Enjoy Yatai – Tried and True Tips for your Yatai Visit!
1. Please leave room for other diners
Yatai are quite compact by design, usually able to fit no more than 10 people at once.
For this reason, it is important to ensure that others have space to sit.
When at a yatai, please refrain from taking up too much space when you sit, or sitting spread out to the side with your friends.
When other customers come in, please be considerate and make room for them.
In general, yatai also lack designated places to hang or keep luggage, so for those traveling, I recommend storing your things in a coin locker or leave them at your place of lodging.
2.Please respect others’ boundaries
One of the most fun parts about eating at a yatai is the free communication between diners and the stall proprietor.
Chatting about life with the head of the stall and making lasting friendships with co-diners is all part of the yatai magic.
But please be mindful that not everybody may want to engage in conversation.
For this reason, we recommend moderation in chatting with co-diners.
I understand that when the alcohol begins to flow, so does the conversation. However, it’s important to be mindful that not everybody might want to divulge personal information or discuss their lives at length.
This also goes for yatai regulars. Please be mindful of your co-diners’ limits and do not offer to pay for food for them too much.
By being respectful of others in this way, we can enjoy yatai together, easier.
3. Do not stay for long periods of time without ordering
One order per customer is a basic rule of dining out at yatai.
If one sits without ordering for long periods of time, new customers cannot get in, and the business suffers as a result.
Rapid turn-over and frequent orders are the lifeblood of the yatai business model.
I recommend getting your drink, food, paying and leaving without sticking around too long.
If you still haven’t had your fill, this is the perfect opportunity to do a spot of yatai hopping! Why not try a few rather than just one?
Please enjoy Fukuoka’s yatai while being mindful of these basic rules!
By respecting these rules, even first-timers can enjoy the yatai with peace of mind.
If there is anything you are unsure about, you can always ask the head of the yatai. They will more than likely be happy to answer your questions.
When in doubt, please refer to this article when you visit yatai stalls in Fukuoka!
Yatai are highly symbolic third spaces in Fukuoka where people can interact and socialize. With the sheer number and variety of stalls there are equally many ways to enjoy them. Minding one’s manners goes a long way in getting one’s yatai experience off to the perfect start. I hope you will visit many yatai during your stay in Fukuoka!
About Fukuoka Yatai
Fukuoka yatai are portable food stalls that are frequented by locals and visitors alike and are highly symbolic of Fukuoka City. Split between the Nakasu and Tenjin areas, there are roughly 100 different stalls located in the city. Outside of staples like ramen, one can also find oden, yakitori, international cuisines, and even cocktail bars represented among the varied stalls.
>>Introducing the Fifth Generation of New Yatai! Six New Yatai Coming this Spring!
>>Read more about Yatai
Designer
Yamada Zenjido
Haiku illustrations of Edo period townspeople in topknots and kimonos that look like they have time-traveled back to the present day, uttering surrealistic one-liners.
His illustrations have been featured in numerous media, with over 1 million followers on Instagram, and is often asked to illustrate for celebrities.
His books include “Yamada Zenjido de Gozaru” (I Am Yamada Zenjido).
>>Twitter：https://twitter.com/y_haiku
>>instagram https://www.instagram.com/y_haiku/
>>Facebook：https://www.facebook.com/yhaiku/>>Website：http://yhaiku.com/
>>Blog：https://zenjido.blog.jp/
