
Want to eat motsunabe in Fukuoka? Here are some recommended restaurants and transportation options.
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Fukuoka is famous nationwide as a place where you can enjoy delicious motsunabe. Hakata motsunabe is loved by many tourists for its fresh, plump offal and rich flavor. If you are traveling to Fukuoka, it is one of the gourmet foods you should try at least once.
In this article, we will introduce 12 recommended motsunabe restaurants in Fukuoka. In addition, we will explain the convenience of car rentals as a means of transportation within Fukuoka, and the new service "Uqey" that allows you to rent a car without waiting. If you are planning to visit Fukuoka, please refer to this article.
12 Places to Eat Motsunabe in Fukuoka
There are many famous motsunabe restaurants in Fukuoka. The 12 restaurants introduced below are all popular restaurants loved by locals and tourists alike. Please refer to the characteristics and recommended menus of each restaurant and be sure to visit them.
Beef offal hotpot Oishi
"Beef Motsunabe Oishi" is a popular motsunabe specialty restaurant with multiple locations in Fukuoka City. The motsunabe is made with fresh domestic beef offal, simmered in a rich soup with an exquisite balance of flavors, and is an unforgettable taste once you've tried it.
You can choose from three types of soup: miso flavor made with a blend of four types of miso, soy sauce flavor made with local soy sauce, and mizutaki-style soup. It has a strong garlic flavor that will warm you from the inside out during the cold season. To finish off your meal, you can choose from champon noodles, udon noodles, or rice, so choose your favorite.
There are plenty of side dishes using plenty of local ingredients, so you can enjoy dishes other than motsunabe. The spicy cod roe, a Hakata specialty, is especially recommended. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, making it the perfect place to dine with friends or family.
All seating is on tatami mats, so you can relax and unwind. The Sumiyoshi branch is about a 15-minute walk from JR Hakata Station. You can stop by on your way back to your hotel or after sightseeing, so be sure to stop by.
Hakata Motsunabe Maedaya
Hakata Motsunabe Maedaya is a motsunabe restaurant that is easily accessible, located within walking distance of Hakata Station. Maedaya's motsunabe comes with three different soups to choose from: miso, soy sauce, and spicy motsu. All of these soups go perfectly with the tender, fresh motsu from the highest quality domestic wagyu beef.
The soup, which is full of the delicious flavors of vegetables, is so delicious that you'll want to drink it all up to the last drop. To finish off, try the curly noodles that are unique to Hakata.
We are open for lunch on weekends and holidays. The menu is the same for lunch and dinner, so you can enjoy authentic motsunabe even at lunch. Maedaya also offers a wide variety of dishes other than motsunabe. All of our dishes, which use fresh local ingredients such as sesame mackerel delivered directly from Nagahama Market and Hakata gameni, are masterpieces that you should try at least once.
The restaurant is spacious and can accommodate large groups. The interior is casual yet clean, making it a great place for tourists. If you make a reservation in advance, you can enter the restaurant smoothly.
Motsunabe Tashu
"Motsunabe Denshu" is a long-established motsunabe restaurant with multiple locations in the Western Japan area. You can choose from four flavors of motsunabe: a rich and creamy miso flavor, a simple soy sauce flavor, a Japanese dashi based on kelp stock, and a motsunabe made with Korean spicy miso. The miso flavor is especially popular, and you can enjoy its mellow taste that goes well with the sweetness of the motsu.
The most distinctive feature of Denshu is the cheese risotto served at the end of the meal. Risotto with cheese and eggs is something you won't find anywhere else. In addition to the motsunabe, Denshu also offers a wide variety of side dishes.
We especially recommend the horse sashimi and mentaiko flavored with green shiso.
The restaurant has a relaxing Japanese atmosphere, allowing you to enjoy your meal at your own pace. It is often full with tourists and locals. It is especially popular in the winter, and tends to get crowded on weekends and holidays, so we recommend making a reservation early.
We also offer a mail-order service, so you can enjoy the flavors of Tashu in the comfort of your own home.
Motsunabe Nagamasa
"Motsunabe Nagamasa" is one of the most popular motsunabe restaurants in Fukuoka city. Nagamasa's motsunabe uses the best dashi made from dried bonito flakes and kelp from Makurazaki. You can choose between "miso flavor", which is a blend of white miso from Kyoto and miso from Fukuoka, and "salt flavor", which uses Goto coarse salt from Nagasaki.
The miso flavor has a strong garlic flavor that will whet your appetite, while the salt flavor is light but still brings out the flavor of the ingredients.
In addition, Nagamasa offers a wide variety of a la carte dishes using local ingredients. All of the dishes are made using Kyushu ingredients, such as vinegared tripe, grilled Hakata chicken thighs, and Kumamoto pickled lotus root. Course meals that include small dishes and a la carte dishes are also available, and can be ordered from one person. They can accommodate a wide range of orders, from solo travelers to large groups.
For parties of three or more, reservations must be made by phone rather than online. Making a reservation in advance will help you enter the restaurant smoothly during busy times.
Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka
"Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka" is a famous motsunabe restaurant with over 40 years of history. In recent years, they have opened stores in Tokyo, including in Ginza.
Yamanaka's motsunabe is characterized by its special miso-based soup, which has an exquisite balance that brings out the flavor of the tripe. In addition, the vegetables served with the fresh tripe, such as bean sprouts, Chinese chives, and burdock, are also plentiful and hearty, making it a great choice for health-conscious people.
You can choose from three options for the final course: champon, udon, or rice. There are also plenty of side dishes available, such as mustard cod roe and sweetly simmered beef cheek.
The interior of the restaurant has a modern and relaxed atmosphere, making it perfect for a date or a couple's trip. The restaurant is spacious and has a variety of seating options, including tatami rooms and sunken kotatsu tables. It tends to get crowded, especially on weekends, so we recommend making a reservation in advance.
Motsunabe Oyama
"Motsunabe Oyama" is a popular motsunabe restaurant with multiple locations across the country, mainly in Hakata. The most popular motsunabe at Oyama is the miso flavor, which is a blend of Kyushu miso, Saikyo miso, and a special sauce. Other soup options include a soy sauce flavor made with vegetable and seafood stock, and a mizutaki-style soup made with ponzu sauce and grated daikon radish.
The motsunabe is made with fresh offal and carefully simmered, with a rich flavor that fills your mouth. In addition to the motsunabe, Oyama also offers a wide variety of a la carte dishes and desserts. In particular, the horse sashimi is available in three varieties: fatty tuna, lean meat, and mane.
All stores in Fukuoka City are easily accessible, so you can easily stop by during your sightseeing.
Taste of Hakata Yamaya
"Hakata no Aji Yamaya" is a motsunabe restaurant run by Yamaya, which is famous for its mentaiko. You can enjoy two types of soup: "soy sauce flavor" made with domestic grilled flying fish stock and brewed soy sauce, and "miso flavor" made with Saikyo miso and sesame oil.
Another attractive feature is the side dishes available, such as tamagoyaki (rolled omelet) made with Yamaya's mentaiko and Hakata's specialty bite-sized gyoza dumplings.
For dinner, we recommend the course meal. You can enjoy not only motsunabe, but also salad, champon noodles, and dessert. It also comes with some Yamaya cod roe to take home, so it's a great deal.
For lunch, you can enjoy a motsunabe set meal with several side dishes.
It's rare to find a place where you can enjoy motsunabe as a set meal for lunch, so this is a great place for people trying motsunabe for the first time. The restaurant has a modern and stylish atmosphere, and they also have tatami seating so they can accommodate large groups. It gets busy on weekends and holidays, so we recommend making a reservation in advance.
Motsunabe Goldfish
"Motsunabe Kingyo" is a hidden motsunabe restaurant loved by local customers who are particular about the miso flavor. There are two stores in Fukuoka City, both of which are hidden restaurants and loved by locals. They are perfect for solo travelers or small group trips.
Most restaurants usually offer multiple types of soup, such as soy sauce, miso, and salt. However, Motsunabe Kingyo only serves miso. You can choose from two types: "Light Miso," which is light and easy to eat thanks to the inclusion of sudachi citrus, and "Heavy Miso," which has a strong garlic flavor, so it's recommended for people who like miso.
To finish off the meal, you can enjoy rice porridge with mentaiko or champon noodles with a carbonara flavor.
Motsunabe Ichifuji
"Motsunabe Ichifuji" is a popular motsunabe restaurant with multiple locations in Fukuoka City. The most popular soup is made with grated garlic. They also offer a soy sauce flavor with bonito kelp stock and a mizutaki-style soup with ponzu sauce.
In addition to motsunabe, Ichifuji also serves a la carte dishes such as vinegared offal and horse sashimi, as well as desserts. It also has a wide selection of Kyushu local sake, making it a popular spot for tourists. Private rooms are also available, and the Hakata branch has a total of 140 seats, so you can enjoy a private time with your family.
It's conveniently located just 3 minutes from the station. It's easy to stop by on your way to the hotel or after sightseeing. Reservations are possible, so you can visit without worry even during busy times.
Echigoya
Echigoya is a popular motsunabe restaurant that serves Kyoto-style motsunabe. The white miso soup, which is carefully sourced from Kyoto, has an original flavor that can't be found anywhere else. Other popular dishes include the soy sauce flavor, which uses tamari soy sauce, and the spicy miso soup, which uses doubanjiang to add a spicy kick.
Another attraction is the freshness of the offal. The owner, who has built a relationship of trust with the Fukuoka Meat Market, selects the best offal to purchase. Other side dishes available include salads, mentaiko, and diced steak.
The restaurant has several sunken kotatsu seats, making it the perfect place to spend a fun time with friends or family. If you make a reservation in advance during busy times, you can enter the restaurant smoothly.
Motsu cuisine Kawano
"Motsu Ryori Kawano" is one of the most popular motsunabe restaurants in Fukuoka City. They purchase carefully selected domestic beef offal, blanch it to remove the odor, and then carefully prepare it so that there is no unpleasant odor.
The soup is a traditional one made with bonito and kelp stock and soy sauce, and has remained unchanged since the restaurant opened. It is loved for its simple yet timeless taste. After eating the champon, you can add rice to make a delicious porridge.
You can also enjoy dishes such as hanging sashimi, which makes the most of the freshness of the fish.
Motsu cuisine Kou
"Motsu Ryori Kawano" is a long-established motsunabe restaurant with over 30 years of history. The first floor is divided into private rooms, the second floor has table seats, and the third floor has banquet seats. The appeal is that you can choose which seats are best depending on the number of people.
The secret ingredient in Ko's motsunabe is the soy sauce flavor. Instead of adding the tripe and vegetables to the soup from the beginning, the tripe is first cooked in the broth, then the soup is poured in and the vegetables and tofu are added.
They use fresh, domestically produced offal that has little odor, so you can enjoy their light flavor.
Knowledge about motsunabe
Motsunabe is one of the representative local dishes of Fukuoka, and is a dish that exquisitely combines the umami of the offal and the sweetness of the vegetables. By learning more about motsunabe, you can enjoy it even more deliciously. Here, we will introduce the characteristics and history of motsunabe.
What is the "Motsu" in "Motsunabe"?
The "motsu" in motsunabe mainly refers to the innards of cows and pigs. The intestines generally used for motsunabe are cow's small intestines, which are characterized by their chewy texture.
Offal is rich in collagen, B vitamins, iron, and other nutrients, and is said to be good for beauty and health. Collagen in particular is effective in keeping skin firm and moisturized, making it popular among women.
In addition, B vitamins increase energy metabolism and help relieve fatigue. Motsunabe allows you to efficiently consume these nutrients, so it is recommended for health-conscious people.
The way you select and prepare the offal is also important. Using fresh offal will allow you to make a delicious motsunabe without any unpleasant odor. By properly preparing the offal before cooking, you can bring out its natural flavor and enjoy its texture.
Fukuoka's motsunabe restaurants use carefully selected fresh offal, and the high quality of the food is one of the reasons they are loved by so many people.
The history of motsunabe
The history of motsunabe dates back to post-war Japan. During the post-war food shortage, motsunabe was invented as a way to make effective use of the internal organs of cows and pigs, which were often thrown away. There are various theories about the origin of the name, but the most likely is that it comes from "hoorumon," a Kansai dialect word that means something to be thrown away.
Motsunabe is a nutritious and inexpensive food that was highly valued as a valuable source of nutrition in the postwar world. It first became popular among coal miners, but due to its delicious taste and high nutritional value, it gradually became popular in ordinary households as well. Combined with Fukuoka's food stall culture, motsunabe has taken root as a part of the local food culture.
Today, it has become known nationwide as a local Fukuoka dish, and is a famous dish that attracts many tourists. Motsunabe is also popular as a home-cooked dish, and each household has its own unique recipe.
While maintaining its traditions, new arrangements have been added, and the dish continues to evolve into one that can be enjoyed with a variety of flavors.
Ingredients used in motsunabe
The main ingredient in motsunabe is beef intestines, but a variety of other ingredients are also used, with the most common being vegetables such as cabbage, Chinese chives, and bean sprouts.
These vegetables bring out the flavor of the tripe, increase the volume of the pot as a whole, and provide a well-balanced meal. By simmering them together with the tripe, the flavor of the soup permeates the pot, making it even more delicious.
The soup is available in soy sauce, miso, salt, and other bases, allowing you to enjoy the original flavors of each restaurant. Garlic and chili peppers are also added as condiments to enhance the flavor and whet your appetite. Motsunabe is a dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways depending on the ingredients you choose and the cooking method.
Fukuoka's motsunabe restaurants use an abundance of fresh local ingredients, allowing you to enjoy a simple yet profound flavor.
Types of motsunabe
There are many different types of motsunabe, each with its own characteristics. The three most common are soy sauce-based, miso-based, and salt-based. Soy sauce-based motsunabe has a light taste that brings out the umami of the offal.
Miso-based motsunabe has a rich flavor and is perfect for the cold season, while salt-based motsunabe has a simple seasoning that allows you to enjoy the flavor of the ingredients, such as the tripe and vegetables.
Each Fukuoka restaurant uses its own original soup and ingredients, so you can enjoy a wide variety of dishes. For example, spicy Korean-style motsunabe and healthy motsunabe made with soy milk have become popular in recent years.
These motsunabe are often served during certain seasons or events, so you can enjoy a new flavor every time you visit. It is also common to finish off your motsunabe with udon noodles or rice. The udon noodles and porridge are soaked in the flavor of the soup, so you can enjoy them until the last bite.
How to eat motsunabe
There are a few points to keep in mind when eating motsunabe. First, it is important to simmer the motsunabe thoroughly in the pot. Motsunabe can easily become tough, so simmering it until it is just the right amount of soft will allow you to enjoy its firm texture.
Also, in order to fully enjoy the flavor of the motsunabe soup, it is important to wait until the ingredients are cooked. Once the ingredients are cooked, first take a sip of the soup, then eat the vegetables and offal together, allowing the umami of the soup and the flavor of the ingredients to spread throughout your mouth.
Another great feature of motsunabe is that it becomes even more delicious when seasoned with condiments. By adding garlic, chili peppers, ponzu sauce, sesame oil, etc. to your taste, you can enjoy different flavors.
Finally, it is customary to add champon, udon, or rice to finish off your motsunabe. Noodles and rice porridge soaked in the flavor of the soup are a very satisfying dish. Each motsunabe restaurant in Fukuoka has its own original way of eating it and condiments, so you're sure to find something new every time you visit.
Renting a car is recommended for travel within Fukuoka
Renting a car is a very convenient means of transportation when visiting Fukuoka. Fukuoka is a region where urban areas and nature blend together, and many tourist spots are scattered throughout the city. Public transportation is also well-developed, but there are restrictions on time and routes, so your freedom to explore can be somewhat limited.
Renting a car allows you to travel according to your own schedule and expands the scope of your sightseeing.
Furthermore, renting a car also saves you the trouble of having to carry around large luggage. Even if you have a lot of luggage during your trip, you can leave it inside the car, so you can enjoy your sightseeing in comfort. Another benefit is that you can buy souvenirs without hesitation.
There are many rental car shops in Fukuoka city, and if you make a reservation in advance, you can rent a car smoothly. It is also easily accessible from the airport and major stations, so you can use it immediately after arriving.
Advantages and disadvantages
There are advantages and disadvantages to renting a car. It is important to choose the best option for your needs based on the advantages and disadvantages. Here we will explain the advantages and disadvantages of renting a car.
Benefit
There are many benefits to renting a car. First of all, you can travel according to your own schedule. You can use your time effectively because you can visit tourist spots at your own pace without being tied down to public transportation.
Renting a car is extremely convenient, especially in an area like Fukuoka where tourist spots are scattered over a wide area.
Another major benefit is that it makes it easier to carry your luggage. Large suitcases and excess shopping baggage can be left inside the car, allowing you to move around lightly while sightseeing. Another attraction of rental cars is that you can visit hidden attractions and areas rich in nature that can only be reached by car.
For example, renting a car is ideal for driving to the Itoshima area, which is a little far from Fukuoka city, or the beautiful coastline of northern Kyushu. These places are difficult to access by public transportation, so renting a car will broaden the scope of your sightseeing.
In addition, rental cars are also suitable for family and group trips. Since you can travel with a large number of people at once, it is economical because it saves on transportation costs. Also, traveling together with everyone will double the fun of the trip.
There are many rental car shops in Fukuoka city, and if you make a reservation in advance, you can rent a car smoothly. It is also easily accessible from the airport and major stations, so you can use it immediately after arriving.
Demerit
On the other hand, there are some disadvantages to renting a car. First of all, it comes with the responsibility of driving. It is assumed that you have a driver's license, but for those who are not used to driving or are not confident in driving long distances, it may be a bit of a burden.
In addition, driving in unfamiliar areas can be confusing due to unfamiliar roads and traffic rules. In particular, in urban areas, traffic congestion and finding parking spaces are often issues, and congestion is expected to become even more severe during tourist seasons.
You should also be mindful of the costs, including parking fees. In addition to the rental car cost, you will also have to pay for gas and parking, so keep this in mind when planning your budget.
In addition, you should choose your insurance carefully. It is recommended to take out appropriate insurance in case of an accident or breakdown, but this can be costly. Depending on the car model you choose, driving comfort and fuel efficiency will vary, so it is important to do thorough research in advance.
Difference from car sharing
Car sharing is one of the transportation methods that has been gaining attention in recent years. Understanding the difference between car sharing and rental cars will make it easier to decide which one to choose when traveling or on a business trip.
The biggest feature of car sharing is that it allows for short-term use. Since you can use a car only when you need it, it is suitable for short-distance travel or short-term use. On the other hand, rental cars are suitable for long-term or long-distance use, and are generally used on a daily basis.
Pricing structures are also different, with car sharing mostly being priced by the hour, while rental cars are generally priced by the hour or day. For this reason, car sharing is economical for short-term use, but rental cars may be more cost-effective for long-term use.
There are also differences in the car model options. Rental cars have a wide range of models to choose from, so you can choose the best car for your trip purpose and the number of people in your group. However, car sharing often has a limited number of car models to choose from.
For this reason, they may not be suitable for large groups. It is important to understand the differences between each method and choose the most suitable mode of transportation for the situation.
Recommended for people like this
Renting a car is very convenient for families and those planning to travel in groups. It is more efficient and economical than using public transportation because it allows large groups to travel at once. In addition, if you have children, it is easier to carry strollers and large amounts of luggage.
Next, for those who want to travel not only within Fukuoka city but also to the suburbs and other tourist spots, we recommend renting a car. With a car, you can move freely even to places that are difficult to access by public transportation.
Renting a car is especially convenient for touring natural spots that can be visited on a day trip from Fukuoka, such as Itoshima and Mount Aso.
Renting a car is also ideal for those who want to move around freely according to their schedule. You can visit tourist spots and restaurants at your own pace, so you can enjoy your trip without being tied down to a schedule. Furthermore, renting a car is also recommended for those who want to enjoy shopping during their trip or buy lots of souvenirs, as it makes it easier to carry your luggage.
Finally, rental cars are perfect for those who love driving or want to enjoy driving. Driving around Fukuoka's beautiful coastline and mountain areas will make your trip even more memorable.
What is Uqey, where you can rent a car without waiting?
"Uqey" is a car rental service that allows you to rent a car without waiting. It features advance reservations and smooth procedures using smartphones. All procedures, from receiving the car to returning it and paying, can be completed on smartphones, significantly reducing waiting times.
From here, let's take a closer look at how to use Uqey and its benefits.
Why choose Uqey?
The reason people choose Uqey is because of its convenience and efficiency. First of all, reservations are completed in advance through a smartphone app, so there is no need to go through any procedures on-site. In addition, because the smartphone becomes the car key, there is no need to go to the store to make a reservation.
This is a great benefit for tourists who want to make the most of their limited travel time, as it eliminates waiting times and complicated procedures at rental car shops.
Another advantage is that you can rent and return the car 24 hours a day, so you can use it whenever you want according to your schedule. Since you don't have to return the car while the store is open, you can reserve a later train or flight.
You can easily change or cancel your reservation through the app, allowing you to plan your trip flexibly.
The fee structure is clear and there are no additional fees, making it easy to manage your budget. In addition, there are no membership fees or monthly fees. For these reasons, Uqey is a car rental service that is chosen by many travelers.
How to use Uqey
Using Uqey is very simple and can be done easily using your smartphone. First, download the dedicated app and register as a member. After that, you can make a reservation by specifying the desired date and time, car model, and pick-up location.
Once your reservation is complete, you will receive a confirmation email and can pick up your car at the designated location on the day of use.
To pick up your car, simply launch the app near the reserved vehicle. When you tap "Start using" on the screen, your smartphone will become the car key, and you can use the car immediately. To return the car, simply return it to its original location and complete the return procedure on the app.
All payments can be made via smartphone, making it extremely convenient.
By using Uqey, you can start using the car smoothly without having to wait or go through procedures at the rental shop. Another advantage is that you don't have to meet staff when returning the car, so you can return it at your own pace without worrying about the time.
In addition, payment can be completed within the app, eliminating the need for cash or cards. All of this means that Uqey offers a convenient and efficient car rental service, making it an ideal choice for many travelers.
Summary
The best way to enjoy motsunabe in Fukuoka is to visit a famous restaurant. The motsunabe served at the 12 restaurants introduced here uses fresh offal and a variety of vegetables, making it both healthy and delicious.
Furthermore, renting a car is a very convenient way to travel around Fukuoka efficiently. Renting a car allows you to move around at your own pace, making it ideal for touring tourist spots and making it easy to carry your luggage. If you're not sure which rental car to use, we recommend you consider using Uqey.
Ugey offers a service that allows you to start using a car smoothly with simple procedures using your smartphone. Since you can complete everything from picking up to returning the car and paying for it all on your smartphone, we will help you enjoy your trip in Fukuoka.
Use Ugey to enjoy delicious motsunabe and comfortable travel. By using a rental car, you will be able to fully enjoy the charm of Fukuoka.