A Winter Trip to Fukuoka – Hakata Edition, by Okinawa-Based Travel & Lifestyle Blogger @owncolorstravel
This Trip’s Theme: “Eat All the Delicious Food in Fukuoka!”
I’ve been to Fukuoka many times, but every visit brings new and exciting food discoveries!
From the rich and flavorful motsunabe (offal hot pot) to creamy tonkotsu ramen, and the freshest seafood straight from the Genkai Sea—every bite is pure bliss. No matter how many times I visit, I can’t help but get excited all over again!
And of course, when you think of Hakata, you think of mentaiko (spicy cod roe)! The city is home to many famous mentaiko brands, and this time, I found a stylish lunch spot where you can enjoy some amazing mentaiko dishes. Can’t wait to share it with you!
・YAMAYA SHIROGANEKOMICHI
YAMAYA SHIROGANEKOMICHI 1-5-5 Shirokane, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka 810-0012
The closest station to Mentaiko Yamaya Sohonten “Shirokane Komichi” is Yakuin Station.
Their hours are lunch from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM (last order at 3:00 PM) and happy hour & café time from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM (last order at 5:30 PM). I made it just in time for lunch!
The exterior has a sleek, modern look that gives off a high-end vibe, so I felt a little nervous walking in. Inside, the space is open and airy, with large glass windows. Toward the back, a group of guests was gathered around a table, while a woman sat alone at the counter by the window.
The atmosphere was so quiet and refined that it almost felt like an art gallery. I looked around for a staff member but didn’t see anyone, which made me wonder if I should have made a reservation. Just as I was hesitating, a female staff member appeared and kindly showed me to my table.
At first, the place seemed a bit upscale, but since it was freezing outside with snow falling, I was just happy to get inside and settle in. Now, time to enjoy the meal I’d been looking forward to!
From inside the restaurant, where traditional Japanese and modern design blend seamlessly, I had a view of a beautiful garden. Seeing such a spacious courtyard in the middle of the city felt like a luxury, adding to the elegant atmosphere.
Every now and then, snowflakes would drift down, enhancing the mood even more. Since it never snows where I live, the scene felt especially nostalgic and almost poetic.
・Menu
I was tempted by the set meals that came with a variety of small dishes and even the mentaiko pasta, but since I love Fukuoka’s seafood, I decided to go with the Hakata Mentai Seafood box, a seafood rice bowl.
Freshly made spicy mentaiko, a plump tiger prawn, sea bream from the Genkai Sea, rich and fatty amberjack, and glistening salmon roe—every ingredient came together perfectly, making this a truly special lunch.
This seafood rice bowl also comes with dashi broth, so you can enjoy it as ochazuke. Definitely give it a try!
・How about taking some mentaiko home as a souvenir?
・What is Karashi Mentaiko?
Karashi mentaiko is a classic Japanese seafood delicacy made by marinating pollock roe (from Alaskan pollock) in a spicy chili-infused seasoning and allowing it to mature. It is especially famous as a specialty of Hakata, Fukuoka.
Mentaiko is widely enjoyed as a topping for rice or as a snack paired with drinks. It also goes well with pasta, making it a versatile ingredient. In Hakata, it’s a popular souvenir choice!
At Shirokane Komichi, you can also purchase souvenirs and takeout items, including mentaiko and sweets.
They offer exclusive, freshly made mentaiko in special packaging only available at the flagship store, as well as unique varieties like squid and herring roe mentaiko—even premium selections!
For a special touch, check out the tin chopstick rests commemorating the brand’s 50th anniversary—they pair perfectly with a good drink and some delicious snacks.
Yamaya, known for its famous Hakata mentaiko, also operates restaurants where you can enjoy Hakata specialties like motsunabe (hot pot) and tempura.
If you’re visiting Fukuoka, why not experience these delicious local flavors in a stylish and refined setting?