I visited Akane-So at 12:30 PM on Friday, April 11th, with two friends from Shanghai, China.
We reserved two Akane courses and one Sukiyaki course, and the meal far exceeded our expectations! :D
My two non-Japanese friends said, “This entire Zashiki private room feels just like my grandma’s home—so relaxing and peaceful, with the forest and stream just outside.”
One of the highlights of our visit was the warm hospitality and performance of the Okami (proprietress/女将). She spoke a little English, but her words carried all the meaning and heart we wanted to hear. It was a beautiful and memorable moment.
While areas like central Fukuoka City(福岡城市), Dazaifu(太宰府), and Yanagawa(柳川) etc, are wonderful, they are also getting entirely commercial and crowded.
If your group is renting a car and looking for a truly local and unique rural experience in Fukuoka, I highly recommend Akane-So (茜(あかね)荘).
Thank you so much! I’ll definitely bring more international guests within the next month! ✌️
A café within the office aiming for community revitalization
The Chikuho Office Interaction Cafe is a universal design café operated in collaboration with Iizuka City and local residents. The spacious interior is easily accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, offering a rich menu focused on local ingredients. It's a community-rooted café where you can enjoy local flavors at affordable prices.
A beloved, homey sushi restaurant in the community
Yukizushi is a sushi restaurant with a homey atmosphere that is loved by the locals. In addition to fresh nigiri sushi made with seafood, you can also enjoy a diverse menu reminiscent of an izakaya. This warm ambiance and delicious food are likely the reasons why people are so drawn to it.
MINA Kaho is a restaurant in Iizuka that serves authentic Indian curry. You can enjoy the flavorful spices of Indian cuisine, which are easy for Japanese diners to appreciate, and the unlimited naan refills are particularly appealing. With warm-hearted service and a diverse menu to choose from during lunch hours, it's definitely worth a visit. You'll have a wonderful experience feeling the true taste of a foreign land.
Furukawa is a hidden gem that specializes in fresh seafood bowls. Thickly sliced sashimi adorns the bowl, allowing you to fully savor the flavors of the fish. The interior has a calm atmosphere, and the warm personality of the owner ensures a pleasant experience every time you visit.
In a shop with a nostalgic atmosphere, you can enjoy a lively experience. Once seated, the service is quick, and it's great that the food can be grilled right away. The offal has a nice bounce to it, and you can really taste the richness of the fat. The kalbi is just the right tenderness, making it hard to stop eating. The special sauce with a strong garlic flavor is excellent, and it makes you want to keep eating rice. The service is friendly, and you can feel that this shop is loved by the locals.
A golf club restaurant where you can enjoy relaxation and dining
The restaurant within Fukuoka Lakeside Country Club is the perfect place to refresh after a round of golf. It offers a diverse menu, featuring mouthwatering dishes such as teppanyaki and set meals. The juicy tonkatsu and authentic beef butter steak are particularly popular. Enjoy a relaxing time in a comfortable space along with delicious food.
Located in Katsuragawa, Fukuoka Prefecture, RHINO CAFE is an attractive cafe reminiscent of a tropical resort, beloved by locals. The signature Rhino Burger, made with 100% domestic wagyu beef, stands out for its juiciness, enhanced by a special sauce. The roasted coffee and fluffy pancakes are also exquisite, and the spacious setting includes relaxing terrace seating and a kids' room.
Established 43 years ago, Café Rio captivates visitors with its atmosphere that conveys a sense of history and sophistication. Inside, you'll find cups and saucers over 100 years old, sure to overwhelm you with their beauty. The shop's signature hot sandwiches and carefully crafted coffee provide a leisurely experience, allowing you to enjoy blissful moments with a special cup in hand. It's a heartwarming café where you can savor a wide range of menu options, from Japanese cuisine to desserts.
The clubhouse restaurant is filled with light, feels spacious, and is very relaxing. I am happy to be able to enjoy my meal while taking in the view through the window. The baked curry has well-melted cheese, a rich flavor, and a satisfying aroma from the spices. The sizzling grilled offal is coated in a sweet and spicy sauce that pairs well with the vegetables, making the rice go down easily. You can also enjoy refreshing cold soba noodles, shaved ice piled high with mango, and ume (plum) mochi. The roast beef bowl is visually appealing and makes choosing from the menu a fun experience.
A perfect encounter of Western and Japanese cuisine
Located in Katsuragawa Town, "Gin no Hibiki" is a unique restaurant where you can enjoy both Western and Japanese dishes at the same time. The fluffy hamburgers and fresh sushi are particularly renowned among locals, leaving many visitors in awe of the culinary excellence. The interior boasts a chic Western-style ambiance, enhanced by the elegance of a grand piano, creating a special setting. You can experience a heartwarming hospitality and a blissful moment woven with diverse flavors.
A hidden izakaya where you can enjoy fresh seafood
Sakanaya Tsuki is an izakaya that boasts fresh fish provided by a proprietor with years of experience as a wholesaler at the Chikuho Fish Market. Upon entering the establishment, you are greeted by a tank of live seafood and a blackboard displaying the recommended menu. The sashimi and seafood bowls, in particular, allow you to indulge in seasonal ingredients that vary by day, offering new discoveries with each visit.
Ajino Gun is a Japanese restaurant. While its exterior exudes a sense of luxury, the reality is pleasantly surprising with its reasonable prices and great cost performance. Each dish, from sashimi and chawanmushi to fried items, is carefully prepared, making it a worthwhile place to visit. Particularly, the delicious udon is a highlight, making it a great recommendation for those who want to enjoy a variety of dishes.
The focus is on Japanese cuisine, but there are also izakaya-style dishes, making it fun to choose. The set meals allow you to select a main dish from options like tempura, fried chicken, or agedashi tofu, and they come with a small serving of soba, chawanmushi, and a small side dish, providing a sense of satisfaction. The tempura is crispy, and you can really taste the flavors of the shrimp and vegetables. The chawanmushi has a gentle flavor that is comforting. The interior has a counter and small private rooms, allowing for a calm and leisurely experience. The staff is pleasant, and I was able to enjoy a delightful meal with family and friends.