By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, reported by Chen Guanxin
For our festival-loving and night market food-loving editor Jin, being able to take part in local festivities and sample regional street food during trips is simply wonderful – you get to chat with locals and enjoy cheap, authentic eats. It’s pure bliss. And one of the most exciting destinations right now is Fukuoka in Kyushu, Japan. From July 1st to 15th, Fukuoka will host the “Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival,” where you can witness the thrilling sight of men in loincloths carrying one-ton floats racing through the streets of Hakata. The famous local “Hakata yatai” – what we know as street food stalls – not only give off a warm, welcoming vibe but are reminiscent of Tokyo’s izakayas. In summer, enjoying delicious food under the cool night sky paired with an ice-cold beer is an absolute delight.
![](\"/pic/20200317/a776cf00e2ad87c11179b12d618eb392.jpg\")
The Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival kicks off on July 1st. For those planning a Japan trip during the summer holidays, why not experience the local festival and enjoy some yatai street food in the evening? (Image provided by Moho Editorial Department)
Experience the Festival – Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival
The Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival originated in 1241 during the Kamakura period. The main event runs from July 1st to 15th each year, with the highlight, the Oiyama (float-pulling) event, taking place on July 15th. During the festival, visitors to Fukuoka’s Kushida Shrine and other locations can admire the ornate Yamakasa floats, but the most exciting part is undoubtedly the Oiyama. Twenty-six men in loincloths carry a float weighing around one ton and sprint through the streets of Hakata, covering approximately five kilometers in about 30 minutes. The event is both thrilling and wild, showcasing the strength and spirit of Hakata’s men, leaving hundreds of thousands of spectators in awe.
Taste the Food – Hakata Yatai
Most yatai start operating after 6:00 PM and stay open until late at night, with the busiest hours between 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM. However, Hakata yatai have become such popular tourist spots that they’re often packed before 8:00 PM, and the more famous ones see long lines from the moment they open. Keep in mind that most stalls are closed on Sundays, and they don’t operate in the rain since they’re outdoors. As for recommended dishes, just jot down the list below in your notebook.
Ippei
Tempura is the main menu item at Ippei, made with the freshest shrimp and fish. The seafood is handpicked by the owner every morning at the fish market, ensuring everything is alive and at its freshest before being fried to bring out the best flavors. That’s why the shop is closed on Sundays when the market isn’t open. There’s also classic yatai-style yakitori, and mentaiko sardines – a uniquely Hakata flavor you can only find here.
[Info]
Address: Near Haruyoshi Bridge, Nakasu Kawabata area, Fukuoka City
![](\"/pic/20200317/7282838425b6c4517dba7db3e062e575.jpg\")
Cold drinks and hot grilled delights – that’s how you enjoy summer to the fullest. (Image provided by Moho Editorial Department)
Takechan
Located by Haruyoshi Bridge, Takechan may not have many seats, but there’s always a long line – and it’s all thanks to the boss’s handmade dumplings. These bite-sized pan-fried dumplings are incredibly delicious, especially when paired with beer. Both men and women usually start their meal by ordering a portion for two. Another signature dish is the doden-nabe, a rich stew of beef tendons that’s so tender and flavorful, it’ll leave you craving more.
[Info]
Address: By Haruyoshi Bridge, Nakasu Kawabata area, Fukuoka City
![](\"/pic/20200317/7202eaf0f3830944f212019fbbae7887.jpg\")
It’s these dumplings that make locals willingly wait in line just for a taste of this handmade goodness. (Image provided by Moho Editorial Department)
Daichan
Run by a pair of brothers, Daichan’s pride and joy is its ramen – always a top favorite in Hakata. Their ramen is of the Nagahama style, featuring thinner noodles with a slightly firm texture, and a clear yet flavorful pork bone broth. The chili miso added to the noodles is a unique house specialty, and it pairs perfectly with the free red ginger on the table.
[Info]
Address: Along the Naka River in Nakasu Kawabata area, Fukuoka City, near Haruyoshi Bridge
![](\"/pic/20200317/38a29ed31a9fce5154ddc798c05a31a2.jpg\")
Sitting at a street stall and savoring authentic ramen – now that’s a local experience to dream about. (Image provided by Moho Editorial Department)
Yatai Bar Ebichan
Ebichan is the only cocktail bar among all the yatai in Fukuoka. With over 40 years of professional bartending experience, the owner takes great pride in his craft and keeps recommending his self-created cocktails like “Oishii” (delicious) and “Kore wa umai” (this is tasty). The secret to their great taste lies in using fresh fruit to mix drinks on the spot, ensuring authentic and delicious flavors. Aside from the cocktails, the bar snacks at Ebichan are also top-notch.
[Info]
Address: Reisen Park area, Fukuoka City
![](\"/pic/20200317/506d6d7878563c35269d668e69c9efbd.jpg\")
Want to enjoy a drink? Head to Yatai Bar Ebichan and give it a try. (Image provided by Moho Editorial Department)
- 1
- 2