While Fukuoka tends to get attention for ramen, motsunabe hot pot, and mizutaki chicken hot pot, it’s also a place where fish is incredibly delicious.
You can eat fresh sashimi and live squid sashimi at ordinary izakayas around here.
One place that supports Fukuoka’s dining establishments, called “Hakata’s Kitchen,” is Yanagibashi Rengou Market.
It’s located very close to Tenjin, Fukuoka’s premier entertainment district, with various fresh ingredients lined up daily.
This time, I visited Yanagibashi Shokudo, a dining establishment inside this market!
Walking Through “Hakata’s Kitchen” – Yanagibashi Rengou Market
The exterior of Yanagibashi Rengou Market. An appearance that evokes a sense of history.
It’s within walking distance from Tenjin.
Going inside, it really feels like a traditional old-fashioned market. Fresh fish and vegetables are lined up.
Since it’s more geared toward businesses, foot traffic isn’t that heavy. Still, thanks to the lively calls, it’s a street where you can feel the energy.
Walking further along…
Hidden Gem “Yanagibashi Shokudo” in the Back of a Fresh Fish Shop
Found it! This must be Yanagibashi Shokudo… right? There’s a noren curtain saying “Dining Place,” so it must be correct.
The menu is posted on the first-floor wall, where you order and pay in advance. This time, I chose the most popular “Kaisen-don” (seafood bowl). 650 yen is cheap!
*Prices from 2012
Going up the stairs, waiting at the second-floor seating. (I forgot to take a photo when going up, so this is from above)
When I went up to the second floor, people who seemed like locals were waiting for their orders.
Going left, there are more table seats in the back. An elderly couple who also look like locals are eating here.
On the wall to the side, bold text reads “We ship nationwide.”
I went around 11:30, but office workers and other customers kept increasing, and I ended up sharing a table. It seems lunchtime gets crowded with locals.
Fresh, Cheap, and Delicious – Truly a Market Seafood Bowl
While this was happening, the seafood bowl arrived! A bowl with chunks of white fish, miso soup with fish broth, and pickles.
When you think of seafood bowls, you imagine various fish beautifully arranged for over a thousand yen… but this one has white fish like sea bream and others piled on generously (and somewhat haphazardly?).
Being in a market, freshness is guaranteed. 650 yen for this is definitely cheap…!
*Prices from 2012
The fish is already lightly marinated in sauce, but you can also add this soy sauce if you like. I dissolved wasabi in sashimi soy sauce and poured it on.
Can you see it? This slightly translucent look of the sashimi. There’s no way this wouldn’t be delicious.
As I continued eating, I found salmon buried underneath. This one has nicely fatty texture. (ﾟдﾟ) Delicious!!
When I finished eating and tried to leave, the storefront was bustling with housewives. There’s something nice about community-based shops.
Final Thoughts
Both the seafood bowl and miso soup were delicious, but in addition to that, the market atmosphere really added great flavor.
Since it’s close to Tenjin, why not stop by for a stroll sometime?
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