Motsunabe Kingyo in Yakuin, Fukuoka,...
is a famous restaurant among locals, known for its delicious food. The second branch of this well-loved establishment is called Haruyoshi Kingyo, using the brand name Kingyo, which means "goldfish" in Japanese. While Yakuin is right next to Tenjin, it's not a tourist-heavy area. On the other hand, Haruyoshi has excellent accessibility from Canal City and many hotels in the Haruyoshi area.
I first learned about Haruyoshi Kingyo before it even opened. While passing by, I noticed a restaurant undergoing exterior renovations, and it immediately caught my attention. They were using real, thick bamboo for the fence instead of the usual plastic replicas. The entrance's atmosphere felt like stepping into a historic restaurant in Kyoto. According to the owner, Mr. Kaneyama(金山), Haruyoshi Kingyo's interior design was inspired by a mountain villa in Kyoto.
But the concept doesn’t stop there. The five counter seats on the right side of the entrance are designed to evoke a Tsukimidai, allowing diners to gaze at the moon while eating. The highlight is the interior pond, which occupies one-third of the indoor space. A waterway leading to the entrance creates the soothing sound of running water as background music. The walls are adorned with traditional Japanese paper from Karacho, a 400-year-old paper company from Kyoto. Additionally, the ceiling features goldfish lanterns made by Japan’s top lantern artist, Masateru Mikami(三上真輝). This attention to detail, known as kodawari in Japanese, is a testament to Mr. Kaneyama's dedication.
Talking so much about the concept, I almost forgot to mention the most important part: the food. Haruyoshi Kingyo elevates Fukuoka's motsunabe to the level of Kyoto's kaiseki cuisine. There are no à la carte options, only three courses that include about seven different dishes such as zensai, otsukuri (sashimi), and hassun, alongside motsunabe. When you see the course offerings, you’ll be amazed at the value. Motsunabe is often associated with a somewhat casual and odorous dining environment, but Haruyoshi Kingyo transforms it into a refined Japanese dining experience. It’s truly a place that can be highly recommended.