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When it comes to Fukuoka’s nightlife, “Yatai” (food stalls) are a must-see, but another of **Fukuoka’s two major gourmet giants** is definitely “Motsunabe.” The plump offal, thoroughly simmered, and the rich flavor of vegetables melted into the soup provide an unforgettable experience once tasted. The Tenjin and Nakasu areas, in particular, are a fiercely competitive zone with many famous restaurants. While ramen as a late-night snack at a yatai is great, there must be days when you want to thoroughly enjoy motsunabe.
In this article, we introduce **5 carefully selected Motsunabe restaurants in the Tenjin/Nakasu area that Fukuoka locals confidently recommend as absolutely not to be missed**. We’ll thoroughly explain the reservation-required popular spots, each restaurant’s unique characteristics, and flavor profiles. Reading this will surely make you fall in love with the deep culinary charm of Fukuoka!
Contents
Fukuoka’s Representative Delicacy “Motsunabe”: Its Charm and How to Eat It
Motsunabe is a hot pot dish featuring fresh beef or pork offal as the main ingredient, cooked with plenty of vegetables like chives, cabbage, and burdock root, in a special soup base. Its history is old, having been popular as a stamina-boosting dish in post-war Fukuoka. Although it’s now famous nationwide, Motsunabe in its birthplace, Fukuoka, is exceptional.
The soup flavors are broadly divided into three main types: **soy sauce-based, miso-based, and mizutaki-style (with ponzu)**. Each restaurant pursues its unique flavor with secret recipes. The plump, collagen-rich offal has no unpleasant odor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Since it’s packed with vegetables, it’s also a great source of nutrition.
Flavor of Fresh Offal: Characterized by plump texture and rich, melting collagen.
Unique Soup Varieties: Secret recipes differing by restaurant, such as soy sauce, miso, and mizutaki-style.
Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with vegetables, popular even among women.
Delicious to the Last Bite: Enjoy the soup to the end with champon noodles or zosui (rice porridge).
Tips for Choosing a Motsunabe Restaurant: Popular Spots Require Reservations!
Fukuoka’s popular motsunabe restaurants are highly favored by both locals and tourists. Especially on weekends and during tourist seasons, **it’s almost impossible to enter without a prior reservation**. Once you’ve decided on a restaurant, make sure to book early through their official website or a gourmet review site. Also, checking the soup type, side menus, and restaurant atmosphere beforehand will enhance your satisfaction.
Especially Crowded on Weekends & Holidays: Popular restaurants can be fully booked weeks in advance. Early planning is crucial.
Aim for Opening Time: If you can’t get a reservation, there’s a chance you might get in right after opening, but it’s not guaranteed.
Course Meals are Common: For first-timers or groups, choosing a course meal with popular dishes included is recommended.
Absolutely Not to Miss! 5 Best Motsunabe Restaurants in Tenjin/Nakasu Area
Here’s a selection of Motsunabe restaurants in the Tenjin/Nakasu area, highly recommended by locals who are knowledgeable about Fukuoka’s gourmet scene. Refer to each restaurant’s characteristics to find your favorite flavor.
1. Motsunabe Yamanaka (Yamachu) – The Classic Miso Flavor in an Elegant Setting
Yamanaka is a renowned restaurant so popular that many people in Fukuoka say “Motsunabe means Yamanaka.” Its **miso-based soup** is particularly recommended, offering a rich yet refined taste, perfect for those trying motsunabe for the first time. The interior has a sophisticated and calm atmosphere, ideal for enjoying a meal at a leisurely pace. Reservations are very difficult to get, so book as soon as your trip is decided.
- Main Branches (near Tenjin/Nakasu): Honten (Ohashi), Akasaka, Tenjin
- Recommended Flavor: Miso-based
- Average Budget Guide: Dinner ¥4,000～¥6,000
- Reservations: Extremely difficult, highly recommended to book as soon as your visit is planned
- Official Website/Tabelog:https://tabelog.com/en/fukuoka/A4001/A400202/40000002/
2. Motsunabe Rakutenchi – The Original! Enjoy Authentic Flavor in a Casual Atmosphere
One of the “originals” said to have popularized Motsunabe culture in Fukuoka. It has multiple branches in the Tenjin/Nakasu area and is always bustling. It features a **light soy sauce-based soup** that’s said to be endlessly edible. With reasonable pricing, it’s loved by a wide range of customers, from local office workers to tourists. Some branches allow walk-ins without reservations, but you might have to wait during peak hours.
- Main Branches (Tenjin/Nakasu Area): Tenjin Honten, Imaizumi, Nishinakasu, and many others
- Recommended Flavor: Soy Sauce-based
- Average Budget Guide: Dinner ¥2,000～¥4,000
- Reservations: Possible (some branches may not accept), expect waits during peak hours
- Official Website/Tabelog:https://tabelog.com/en/fukuoka/A4001/A400103/40056554/
3. Hakata Motsunabe Ooyama – Very Popular with Tourists! The Classic Miso Flavor
Hakata Motsunabe Ooyama is one of Fukuoka’s leading famous Motsunabe restaurants. It enjoys immense popularity not only among locals but also among tourists. The **secret miso-based soup** is particularly recommended. This rich soup, a blend of Kyushu miso and other ingredients, pairs perfectly with the plump offal, creating an unforgettable taste. The lively yet clean atmosphere of the restaurant is supported by a wide range of customers.
With many branches around Hakata Station and in the Tenjin area, its excellent accessibility is also a major draw. It’s recommended for those who want to easily enjoy authentic flavors. Since it gets particularly crowded on weekends and during tourist seasons, early booking is wise.
- Main Branches (near Tenjin/Nakasu): Hakata Deitos, Fukuoka Parco, Canal City Hakata, and many others
- Recommended Flavor: Miso-based
- Average Budget Guide: Dinner ¥3,000～¥5,000
- Reservations: Recommended (online or phone)
- Official Website/Tabelog:https://tabelog.com/en/fukuoka/A4001/A400106/40001259/
4. Motsunabe Ichifuji – A Capable Contender Popular for Both Soy Sauce and Miso
This popular restaurant is highly rated for both its soy sauce-based and miso-based soups. Its **Kyushu soy sauce-based soup**, in particular, is light yet deep in flavor, gaining support from locals. The interior has a warm, Japanese-style atmosphere, making it comfortable for tourists. Don’t forget the champon noodles for the finale; they are exquisite.
- Main Branches (Tenjin/Nakasu Area): Tenjin, Imaizumi, and others
- Recommended Flavor: Soy Sauce-based, Miso-based
- Average Budget Guide: Dinner ¥3,000～¥5,000
- Reservations: Recommended
- Official Website/Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/en/fukuoka/A4001/A400103/40006532/
5. Motsunabe Maedaya – A Hidden Gem Packed with Hakata Flavors
A popular restaurant known to locals in Fukuoka. With branches in Nakasu and Hakata, its **soy sauce-based soup** is an exquisite blend of rich dashi flavor and offal umami, making it addictive once you try it. The generous amount of offal makes it very satisfying. With its cozy atmosphere, it’s recommended for those who want to casually enjoy authentic motsunabe. Side dishes like horse sashimi are also popular.
- Main Branches (near Tenjin/Nakasu): Hakata, Nakasu, and others
- Recommended Flavor: Soy Sauce-based, Miso-based
- Average Budget Guide: Dinner ¥3,000～¥5,000
- Reservations: Recommended
- Official Website/Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/en/fukuoka/A4001/A400101/40040925/
Tips for Enjoying Motsunabe Even More
To maximize your motsunabe experience, keep the following points in mind:
Savor the Finale (Shime): The Fukuoka way is to add champon noodles or zosui to the leftover soup, soaking up all the rich flavor until the very end.
Don’t Forget Side Dishes: Order Fukuoka specialties like sumotsu (vinegared offal), horse sashimi, and mentaiko (spicy pollack roe) to fully enjoy Kyushu’s flavors.
Pair with Drinks: It goes perfectly with beer, shochu, and sake. Enjoy it with local alcoholic beverages for the best experience.
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What to Know Before Your Trip
Visiting During Peak Hours: Friday nights and weekends are particularly crowded. If reservations are difficult, aim for earlier or later times.
Allergy Information: If you have allergies, be sure to inform the restaurant when making a reservation or upon arrival.
Attire: Since it’s a hot pot dish, your clothes might pick up odors. If you’re concerned, wear clothing that is less likely to absorb smells or easily removable outerwear.
Fukuoka Nights: Motsunabe is the Choice! The Best Food Experience
Fukuoka’s “Motsunabe” is not just delicious; it’s a special dish that allows you to feel the warmth of the local people and the depth of its food culture. The Tenjin and Nakasu areas are home to many renowned restaurants, each with its unique culinary philosophy. Refer to the 5 selections introduced in this article to find the best Motsunabe experience that suits your travel goals.
Let’s make your Hakata night an unforgettable memory with a heartwarming Motsunabe!
