Local cuisine, regional dishes, and everyday food culture in Japan.
Nestled in the tranquil hills of Yufuin, away from the bustling main streets, lies Murata Fushoan, a soba restaurant that offers more than just a meal—it provides a moment of serene indulgence. As the dedicated soba house of the esteemed…
When exploring the culinary landscape of Kyushu, many travelers have Nagasaki-style chanpon on their list. But in the heart of Saga Prefecture, the city of Takeo is home to a beloved local institution that offers a distinctly different take on…
In the quiet, rural landscape of Nakagawa City, just a 30-minute drive from the bustling center of Fukuoka, lies a ramen experience unlike any other. This is NakamuLab, a reservation-only ramen shop run out of a traditional Japanese house. For…
For ramen lovers visiting Fukuoka, a trip to the Ichiran Headquarters is a pilgrimage. Located in the vibrant Nakasu district, this isn’t just another ramen shop; it’s the heart of the world-famous tonkotsu ramen chain. This guide is for travelers…
Current date: 2026-01-04 (JST) Overview This is a simple meal eaten outdoors in a natural setting. Karatsu Burger is a small shop built inside Niji-no-Matsubara, one of Japan’s three major pine forests, located in Saga Prefecture . The restaurant has…
Current date: 2026-01-02 (JST) Overview This is an evening meal centered on grilled meat, but with an unusual focus. At Hakata Yakiniku Yasohachi, the rice receives as much attention as the beef. The restaurant uses Kyushu-sourced black wagyu and pairs…
Current date: 2026-01-02 (JST) Fuuraibou is an izakaya in Kurume, Fukuoka, known for two signature dishes: tebasaki (fried chicken wing tips) and Tarzanyaki. The name Tarzanyaki refers to fried chicken thigh meat—the shoulder meat of the chicken—served with a bold…
Current date: 2026-01-01 (JST) Akafuku is a 300-year-old confection maker in Ise, with its flagship store on Oharai Street near Ise Grand Shrine. The mochi is simple: a base of white mochi with smooth red bean paste on top. The…
Current date: 2025-12-28 (JST) URL Slug Suggestion: specialty-coffee-light-meals-saza-coffee-ibaraki Saza Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster based in Ibaraki, with locations across Japan. The flagship store sits in a quiet residential area near Katsuta Station, in a converted house that also…
Current date: 2025-12-22 (JST) Fukuoka is famous for its ramen. The city has Hakata tonkotsu, Kurume ramen, and countless regional styles. But there is a quieter tradition, less celebrated but no less intense: seafood-based broths. I visited Menya Sadotomo on…
