More About Japan 
Fukuoka City is packed with incredible local delicacies.
Motsunabe (offal hot pot) is one of those famous Fukuoka specialties. If you’re traveling or on business in Fukuoka, chances are you’ll want to try motsunabe at least once.
But one tricky thing about motsunabe is that it’s hard to find places that serve it for solo diners or at lunchtime.
Most motsunabe specialty restaurants only open in the evening, and many require you to order at least two servings. So if you’re traveling alone for business, and leaving by evening but still hoping for a hot pot lunch… it’s not easy to find.
That’s why Rakutenti, a long-established motsunabe restaurant with 45 years of history, is such a rare gem—it’s one of the few places where you can enjoy motsunabe solo at lunchtime.
It’s been a popular spot in Fukuoka for decades, and recently updated its logo while expanding to multiple locations mainly around Tenjin and Hakata Station.
This time, I visited their branch right in the heart of Tenjin Nishi-dori, an area popular with young people. I thoroughly enjoyed everything from vinegared motsu appetizer, to the hot pot itself, and finished off with champon noodles—all at lunch!
Table of Contents
Access & Basic Info for Rakutenchi Tenjin Nishi-dori Branch
The Rakutenchi Tenjin Nishi-dori Branch is super easy to find—it’s right next to the big red sign of Ichiran Ramen.
About a 5-minute walk from Tenjin Station on the Airport Line, 8 minutes from Tenjin-Minami Station on the Nanakuma Line, and 5 minutes from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station.
(☆4.8 reviews seem suspiciously high and numerous… maybe they ran a review campaign?)
※No matter how famous, it’s rare for places with tons of reviews to maintain over ☆4.5.
This article focuses on the Nishi-dori branch, but there are several other Rakutenchi locations around Tenjin and Hakata offering lunch. Check them out based on your sightseeing or work area.
Reservations & Store Info | 45-year-old Hakata Motsunabe Rakutenchi in Fukuoka
【Basic Info for Rakutenchi Tenjin Nishi-dori Branch】
| Name | Rakutenchi Tenjin Nishi-dori |
|---|---|
| Phone | 092-717-5002 |
| Address | 2-1-58 Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka, Japan |
| Hours | 11:30–24:00 (Last order 23:30) |
| Closed | Open year-round |
| Web | Official: Rakutenchi Tenjin Nishi-dori | 45-year-old Hakata Motsunabe Rakutenchi |
| Reserve | Book via PayPay Gourmet Book via Hot Pepper Gourmet |
Right on Nishi-dori—Perfect for Solo Lunch at Rakutenchi
Right next to the eye-catching tourist-focused sign of Ichiran, Rakutenchi Nishi-dori has its own standout sign.
They’re open from 11:30–24:00.
Note: the prices on the sandwich boards are before tax. (A little disappointing from such a good place, honestly…)
Since I was alone, I sat at the counter on the first floor. There seemed to be tables upstairs for groups.
Their “Best Hakata Memory Lunch Set” includes motsunabe, sumotsu, champon noodles or rice, an egg, and a soft drink for 1,848 yen (it was 1,628 yen when I visited in May 2022).
You can also order just a solo serving of motsunabe, but then you won’t get the drink, sumotsu, or finishing dish.
The eggs are the same type served on JR Kyushu’s luxury train “Seven Stars.” You can dip your meat like sukiyaki, make rice porridge, or enjoy tamago-kake-gohan (raw egg over rice).
Enjoy Rich Soy Sauce Motsunabe with Flavorful Variations
Since I still had work, I toasted solo with oolong tea! It’s great to sip a drink and nibble sumotsu while waiting. +250 yen upgrades to beer.
They have about 10 toppings you can use to customize the flavor of your motsunabe.
I recommend “motsu spice” and “yuzu kosho.” The oil-marinated mentaiko is best as an appetizer on its own.
Here’s the one-person motsunabe! Heated on the tabletop IH burner.
The oil-marinated mentaiko is delicious. Yuzu kosho and spices ready to go.
“Motsu” means offal—beef, pork, chicken innards—but motsunabe typically uses beef.
At Rakutenchi, they use a mix of various cuts, not just the commonly used small intestine.
It boiled nicely, ready to eat.
Motsunabe also packs in plenty of veggies, so it’s pretty balanced (probably). Let’s eat.
The 40-year-old soy sauce-based broth is robust and hits the spot for people who love strong flavors—like me. Delicious!
Most people think of motsunabe as featuring the rich small intestine. It really is the tastiest part.
Rakutenchi’s version has fewer small intestines, but you get to enjoy different textures and flavors. If you find all small intestine too greasy, this mix is perfect.
Finish with Champon Noodles or Rice—Get Bonus Spices via App
Of course, for Hakata-style motsunabe, finish with champon noodles.
Tastes great dipped in egg too.
Not sure if it’s still available, but in May 2022, downloading their app and showing it to staff got you free motsunabe spice. Nice perk.
They also offered rewards like 5% off and a frozen motsunabe set after 3 visits, 7% off and a staff T-shirt after 5, and 9% off with another hot pot set after 7. Pretty generous compared to most places.
For Solo Motsunabe Lunch Near Tenjin or Hakata, Try Rakutenchi
Besides this Tenjin Nishi-dori branch, Rakutenchi has several other shops around Tenjin and Hakata where you can enjoy motsunabe at lunch.
If you’re traveling or on business and want to casually try motsunabe, keep Rakutenchi in mind!
