I’d like to introduce an original offal hot pot restaurant you shouldn’t miss in Fukuoka:
Motsunabe Rakutenchi, Watanabe-dori branch.
Locals line up for it too,
and the deep broth and mountain of vegetables are unforgettable.
Rakutenchi: Fukuoka’s Original Motsunabe for Over 40 Years
Fukuoka is known as the home of motsunabe in Japan.
Among its many restaurants, Rakutenchi has been loved for more than 40 years.
The rich soy-based broth, offal with no gamey smell and well-cooked vegetables come together perfectly.
The towering pile of cabbage and garlic chives that hides the broth is very photogenic.
- Location: 2-1-82 Watanabe-dori, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
- Hours: 11:30 a.m. to midnight
- Phone: +81 92-738-7770
Must-Order Menu
Rakutenchi’s signature dish is motsunabe, the offal hot pot.
It’s made by simmering plenty of fresh raw offal in a soy sauce broth.
- Manzoku course: 1.5 servings of motsunabe, a side dish (vinegared offal or kimchi), half a block of tofu and unlimited champon noodles. Highly recommended when you want a hearty meal.
- Single motsunabe: good if you just want to try the hot pot or plan to visit several restaurants.
- Extra toppings: try the tofu, extra large intestine and vinegared offal too.
Our Review: One Sip of Broth Is Enough
When the motsunabe arrived at our table, the mountain of vegetables hiding the broth left our jaws on the floor.
Over high heat the vegetables slowly wilt, and that’s when the broth’s magic begins.
The salty soy aroma, the sweetness of the vegetables and the nutty fat of the offal blend together,
spreading a clean yet deep savory flavor through your mouth.
The offal is tender and fresh, with no gamey smell,
and the garlic and yuzu pepper in the broth give it a clean, not-greasy finish.
Finish With Champon Noodles!
The true finale of motsunabe is the champon noodles.
Once the broth has reduced a little, add the chewy noodles
and simmer them in the remaining broth; that bite is pure Fukuoka happiness.
Rakutenchi is famous for this noodle finish,
so even if you’re full, it’s a must-try.
Tips for Eating Like a Local
1. Eat with chopsticks, local style
Spoons often aren’t provided. Use chopsticks for the solids and lift the bowl to drink the broth, just like locals in Fukuoka.
2. Use the yuzu pepper
Add a little yuzu pepper from the table to the offal for a burst of freshness.
It pairs perfectly with the rich offal.
3. Patience makes the flavor
Don’t stir before the vegetables wilt!
The deep broth that comes after waiting is Rakutenchi’s secret.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Reservations are a must. At peak dinner time, the wait can be over an hour.
- The course menu is the best value. It includes unlimited champon noodles, so it’s much better value than ordering single items.
- The Hakata main branch and Tenjin branch are also popular, so choose the branch that fits your itinerary.
If you want to experience real motsunabe in Fukuoka,
Rakutenchi is the answer, and with several branches, it’s easy to reach.
A sip of broth, a piece of offal and a mouthful of champon noodles flow together perfectly.
With 40 years of deep flavor and a local atmosphere,
I confidently recommend it as the original motsunabe restaurant in Fukuoka.
Prices, hours and details in this post are from our visit in October 2025 and may have changed, so check the latest information before you go.