🐎 A Delicious Detour: Motsunabe at Yamaya – Hakata’s Hidden Gem

When in Fukuoka, trying motsunabe (offal hotpot) is practically a must — and we had the chance to enjoy it at Yamaya, located in Hakata Ward. Originally, we planned to dine at a well-known motsunabe spot just across the street, but the long wait led us to discover Yamaya instead. And honestly, we were glad it happened. Even though there was a short wait here too, we were quickly seated in a beautifully designed restaurant that oozed traditional Japanese charm — wooden interiors, warm lighting, and a calm, inviting vibe. The servers were very friendly and took time to walk us through the menu, making the experience even better. We ordered the signature motsunabe, and it was my first time trying offals in a hotpot. To my surprise, the broth was incredibly flavorful — light yet rich — and the offals were fresh and tender. What stood out was the generous amount of fresh vegetables like cabbage and chives, which gave the hotpot a refreshing and balanced taste. On top of that, I ventured to try the horse meat sashimi — a rare delicacy — and it was shockingly clean and mild, with none of the gaminess I had feared. My kids, a little less adventurous, had the fried rice, which they polished off completely. Overall, Yamaya delivered a truly authentic and memorable Fukuoka dining experience. Whether you’re a fan of offal or trying it for the first time, this place is absolutely worth a visit. #summervacay #fukuokaeats #motsunabe #yamayahakata #fukuokafoodguide #horsemeatsashimi #japanesehotpot #hakatadining #offaldoneright #trylocalflavors #familyfoodieadventure #japan #japantrip #fukuoka #fukuokatrip