The Nishinakasu area sits between Tenjin and Nakasu proper, and is known for being an elegant and secluded area filled with unique eateries and bars. 

What kind of place is Nishinikasu?

Nishinakasu is located in between Tenjin and Nakasu, two of Fukuoka’s most bustling neighborhoods. Compared to these two energetic areas, Nishinakasu is decidedly cool, collected, and secluded. It’s the perfect reprieve from all the action. 

Thanks to the presence of a wide variety of high-quality restaurants including experimental Japanese, French, Italian, and even Michelin-starred establishments, the area has been used as a venue for special events for many years. 

Restaurants open for more than 40 years sit tucked away amongst the alleyways even as newer restaurants and bars begin to spring up facing the Nakagawa River, the perfect venues for dates or girls’ night out. 

Basically, for those seeking something above average and out of the ordinary, Nishinakasu is the place to go.

Nishinakasu’s history and background

In the old days, Nishinakasu was a dark and squalid place and it wasn’t uncommon for fights to break out in the area. “Things can’t go on like this! We younger folks decided to take the future of the area into our own hands with the backing of the older store owners.” Says Kawaida-san.
    
“First, additional lamps were set-up to improve the lighting before security cameras were installed to make the area safer. Working together with the police department and city hall, we became a unified front in developing the area.”

When it came to the pavement, Kawaida-san and his team felt that “Our final project was to improve the quality of the roads. By cleaning up the streets we felt that they would become a little more integrated and accessible, making it easier for new guests and visitors to come with a peace of mind.” Their thoughts and efforts were successfully conveyed, as in 2017 they received permission to begin work on repaving Nishinakasu’s streets.

At the same time as the stone pavement work was undertaken, construction began on new buildings that matched the neighborhood’s atmosphere, further accelerating its transformation. 

Reflecting on the changes to the area, Kawaida-san is clearly very happy. “With the stone pavement having been finished it’s really crazy to see how much it has changed from the Nishinakasu of 20 years ago. Visitors are a lot younger now and it has become easier for newcomers to enter. In any case, the area is a lot safer.”  

Nishinakasu is home to both old institutions, some even over 80 years old, and newer stores of various genres seeking to make a name for themselves. With the completion of the stone pavement, it feels like the area has really come into its own. Kawaida-san and his team’s long held dream has finally taken form. 

The concept behind and special features of the new pavement

The primary purpose of using stone pavement was to give the neighborhood a tasteful element. In the planning stages Kyoto’s Ponto-chou and Tokyo’s Kagurazaka were considered as references. 

A unique point that they considered when designing the roads was the slipperiness of the pavement in rainy conditions. To avoid this, they elected to make the stone ever-so-slightly rough and bumpy for better grip. Of course, they also took into consideration that this would make it difficult for people with high-heels to walk on, so they had to be very measured in their approach. 

In any event, visitors came first in their list of design priorities, so on either side of the stone road they added asphalt pavement to make walking on the street hassle-free.

These new streets and the atmosphere they create together with the newly built buildings helped Nishinakasu flower into its own, unique entity. 

Different from the Nishinakasu of the past, this is now an area filled with character and personality that can be felt just by walking the streets.

A new power spot! Be on the lookout for the “hidden hearts” in the pavement!

A new power spot! Be on the lookout for the “hidden hearts” in the pavement!

A new power spot! Be on the lookout for the “hidden hearts” in the pavement!

Each heart contains a different Japanese character, and together they spell Nishinakasu (Nishi-西/Naka-中/Su-洲). 

Laughing, Kawaida-san says “The location of these marks is a secret. Please come and look for them yourselves!”

Upon locating all three heart marks there are then three shrines that can be prayed at for even better luck. 

A new way to enjoy Nishinakasu is born! 

With the completion of stone pavement, anybody can enjoy walking here

We then asked Kawaida-san: Going forward, how would you like Nishinakasu to be used?

He responded, “Hotels in Tenjin and Nakasu tend to serve breakfast at 7:00, and stores in the area open around 10;00. I really want Nishinakasu to be used as a place for people to spend their time even when it is light outside. Since it’s between Tenjin and Nakasu I think that it’s perfect for people heading in either direction.”

During the day one can go searching after the hidden heart marks before heading to the former location of legendary club “Mitsubachi” with its hidden door. The unique atmosphere of this neighborhood is not exclusive to nighttime, and we hope those with a bit of time to spare will pay it a visit.

Of course, at night the area comes into its element. Yakiniku, sushi, Chinese fare, bars, snacks, and all other sorts of nocturnal entertainment come together in this compact region with so much to offer. 

Reflecting on his work, Kawaida-san, beaming with pride, adds “I think Nishinakasu has become a place where you can just casually say “hey, let’s go there”! without a care. It didn’t use to be like that.” 

With the completion of these alleyways, a nice atmosphere and a safe town has been established in Nishinakasu, and we invite you to visit.

Nishinakasu restaurant recommendations

1. Shiranita

An authentic Japanese restaurant serving kaiseki ryori (or Japanese fine dining) that makes use of only the freshest Kyushu-sourced ingredients. Features both counter seating for those who want to witness the artistry of the chefs up close and private rooms for those wanting a more intimate option. They are particularly famous for their claypot cooked “Sagabiyori” rice which is specially prepared for each individual guest before being layered with fresh pieces of sea bream sashimi in a transcendent chadzuke. 
 
■Address: RIN FIRST 4F, 4-4 Nishinakasu, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City [MAP]
■Hours: 
Lunch: 11:30 ~ 14:00 (Last order 13;30)
Dinner: 17:30 ~ 22:00 (Last order 21:00) 
*For more up to date hours please consult with the restaurant
■Holidays: Irregular, Year-end/New Year
■Telephone: 092-725-7336
■For more details please check their website:  https://www.shiranita.co.jp/

2. Raisin d'Or

A famed French restaurant that would be perfect for a special occasion or a date with that special someone. Sourcing ingredients from around Kyushu, Chef Naoki Kajisa then combines them with his know-how of traditional French fare in assembling an innovative French menu. Also worth noting are the considerable skills of owner-sommelier Hideki Ishii, who knows exactly which wines pair best with the cuisine. 

■Address: STAGE1 NISHINAKASU 2-25 Nishinakasu, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City[MAP]
■Hours: 
Restaurant: 17:30 ~ 22:00 (Last order 21:00)
Wine bar: 17:30 ~ 25:00 (Last order 24:00) *For more up to date hours please consult with the restaurant
■Holidays: Sundays
■Tel: 050-3628-1413
■For more details, please check their website: http://raisindor.jp/

3. Japanese Cuisine Nagaoka

A Japanese restaurant nestled in a picturesque lushly vegetated setting. The culinary experience is directed by Chef Shuugo Nagaoka who makes use of ingredients from his hometown of Hagi in Yamaguchi as well as from all around Kyushu to create a 10-item omakase menu of new Japanese cuisine. With both counter and private room seating, meals here can be enjoyed in a relaxed setting. 

■Address: Ren Round Building 103, 3-20 Nishinakasu, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City [MAP]
■Hours: 18:00 ~ 23:30 (Last order 21:30)
*For more up to date hours please consult with the restaurant
■Holidays: Sundays, Holidays (Please confirm with the restaurant!)
■Tel: 092-406-9181
■For more details please check their website:
http://shu-nagaoka.fukuoka.jp/

4. Bar Zecco

A long-established bar with a classy elegance tucked away in a back alley. Featuring a relaxed interior, both counter seatings and wide tables make it easy for both smaller and larger groups to use the venue. The fruit cocktails come highly recommended. With a constant selection of 10 different varieties of fresh fruit, these cocktails are incredibly popular with women in the area.

■Address: Nishinakasu Co-Po 1F, 5-6 Nishinakasu, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City [MAP]
■Hours: 19:00 ~ 27:00 
*For more up to date hours please consult with the restaurant
■Holidays: None
■Tel: 092-725-6307
■For more details please check their website:  https://www.instagram.com/bar.zecco/