Hakata Meidai Yoshizuka Unagiya｜Taste the Kabayaki Praised by Tamori at Nakasu Kawabata
Located in Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, a 5-minute walk from Nakasu Kawabata Station, “Yoshizuka Unagiya” is known as a symbolic presence of Fukuoka eel, famously praised by Tamori as “the most delicious in Japan.” Many celebrities frequently visit, and its reputation is nationwide.
The biggest feature is the unique grilling method called “Konashi.” The kabayaki, which crisply finishes on the outside while being fluffy on the inside by removing excess fat, pairs perfectly with the sauce, offering an unforgettable taste with just one bite. It’s not uncommon for seats to fill up as soon as it opens at 10:00, so arriving early is essential.
Shiro’s Tip
The opening is at 10:00, but guidance starts from 10:30. It’s such a popular shop that people line up from 9 o’clock on weekends. The time between lunch and dinner (around 14:30 to 16:00) is a relatively easy time to get in.
Check reviews and English menu on Tabelog| Address | 2-8-27 Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture |
| Access | About a 5-minute walk from Nakasu Kawabata Station on the Subway Airport Line and Hakozaki Line / About a 3-minute walk from Kushida Shrine Mae Station on the Subway Nanakuma Line |
| Business Hours | 10:00～21:00 (Guidance starts at 10:30 / L.O. 20:15) |
| Closed | Every Wednesday, 2nd and 4th Tuesday |
Ai to Unagi Unagita Kanbee Sohonke｜Enjoy Eel to Your Heart’s Content Near Ohori Park
Located in Otemon, Chuo-ku, about a 5-minute walk from Ohori Koen Station on the subway, “Ai to Unagi Unagita Kanbee Sohonke” gained attention as a reputable store passionately introduced by Koji Nakajima, familiar from Fukuoka’s TV and radio, in a video. Despite its modern and accessible atmosphere, its dedication to eel is authentic.
The kabayaki, praised as “the kind of eel you can eat bowl after bowl,” boasts a thorough pursuit of compatibility with white rice. With its volume and high satisfaction, it captivates repeat visitors from their first visit.
Shiro’s Tip
There is a break between lunch and dinner (14:00 to 16:00). It’s recommended to take a walk in Ohori Park before visiting for dinner. Since it gets crowded during weekend dinner times, it’s reassuring to check in advance if reservations are possible.
| Address | 3-9-10 Otemon, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture |
| Access | About a 5-minute walk from Ohori Koen Station on the Subway Airport Line / About a 3-minute walk from the “Arato 1-chome” bus stop on the Nishitetsu Bus |
| Business Hours | 11:00～14:00 / 16:00～21:00 |
| Closed | Wednesday |
“`html
Ganso Motoyoshiya｜Founded in 1681, the Sacred Place of Yanagawa that Gave Birth to Steamed Eel
Founded in the first year of Tenwa (1681), “Ganso Motoyoshiya” boasts a history of over 340 years and is considered the oldest of the old shops in Yanagawa, having created the culinary style known as “steamed eel.” The unique way of steaming the eel slowly in a bamboo steamer, concentrating its flavor, and allowing the sauce and fat to permeate the rice is unforgettable once experienced.
The shop’s interior, a historical building with character, and the beautiful garden are also must-sees. The sight of skilled craftsmen carefully preparing domestic eel is truly the essence of Japanese food culture. Many people visit from Fukuoka City as part of a short trip plan combined with Yanagawa sightseeing.
Shiro’s Tip
It takes about 15 minutes on foot from Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station, so renting a bicycle at the station is a popular option. Visiting along with a river cruise is the classic Yanagawa sightseeing course. Since there are lines on weekends, it’s best to aim for the opening at 10:30 and head there early.
| Address | 69 Asahimachi, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture |
| Access | About 15 minutes on foot from Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station on the Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line (bicycle rental is convenient) |
| Business Hours | 10:30～20:00 (Last Order 19:30) |
| Closed | Monday (Open on holidays, closed the next day) |
Summary: Comparison of 3 Shops
| Shop Name | Area | Style | For People Who |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yoshizuka Unagiya | Hakata Ward, Nakasu | Kabayaki, Old Shop | Want to experience a famous shop in Fukuoka City, visit a shop associated with celebrities |
| Unagita Kanbee Sohonke | Chuo Ward, Otemon | Kabayaki, Modern | Want to combine with Ohori Park sightseeing, focus on volume |
| Ganso Motoyoshiya | Yanagawa City | Steamed, 340-Year-Old Shop | Want to combine with Yanagawa sightseeing, deeply understand Japanese eel culture |
Fukuoka’s eel is a seemingly simple yet profound food culture. You can easily enjoy it at kabayaki specialty shops in the city, or venture to Yanagawa to experience the origin of steamed eel. Be sure to create your own eel tour plan.
Find more unagi and Japanese restaurants in Fukuoka
Check Fukuoka’s Japanese cuisine and eel on HotPepper Gourmet
“`
コメント