Phu Quoc Itinerary - Travel Guide Blog

Ultimate Travel Guide Blog to Phu Quoc itinerary

posted in: Vietnam | 0

Last updated on December 22nd, 2024

This Phu Quoc itinerary will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time on Phu Quoc. Everything you need to know for a perfect gateway!

If you are reading this Phu Quoc Travel Guide blog because you are either heading to Phu Quoc or thinking about it, you are in the right place. Phu Quoc is a most-loved island nestled in the southernmost of Vietnam. This lesser-known Vietnam travel destination is renowned for its tropical wonder, and pristine beaches with a view of turquoise clear blue waters. The island is also known for its amusement parks and Safari Park. Perfect for a family beach gateway!

In this Phu Quoc Travel Guide blog, we want to give you the details on everything you need to know about Phu Quoc to help you plan your ultimate holiday getaway. This includes how to get to Phu Quoc when to visit Phu Quoc, getting around Phu Quoc, where to stay in Phu Quoc, the best things to do in Phu Quoc, where to eat and drink in Phu Quoc, and even a perfect 5 or 6 days Phu Quoc itinerary!

Things to know before your Phu Quoc Trip

Phu Quoc Travel Tips

In order to enjoy all the good things Phu Quoc has to offer to the fullest, it is important to be savvy about your trip and know all the essentials before getting there! That’s why we have listed below my recommendations regarding practical information about the island.

This Phu Quoc Travel Guide blog is long but it has everything you need to know for your trip. I’ve compiled all the awesome suggestions and travel tips with everything you can do on Phu Quoc. Let’s check it out!

What is the Best Time to Visit Phu Quoc

The best time to visit Phu Quoc is between October to April, which is the dry season. During this time, the sea is calm, and the water is always clear. The weather is sunny and the skies are clearer. The temperatures are around 30°C and suitable for fun activities. Note this is also high season so there will be many other travelers on Phu Quoc as well.

From May to September, this is the rainy season for Phu Quoc. The weather is often rainy and it may limit some water activities. However, you can still choose Phu Quoc for summer vacation, just arrange your schedule and monitor the weather situation accordingly.

How long should I stay in Phu Quoc?

If you can, then stay as long as you want. If not, then I’d say a stay of at least five days will be good.

I personally feel that a whole 6 days and 5 nights trip to Phu Quoc is the perfect amount of time to spend on the island. with 6-day Phu Quoc itinerary, you have an amber of time to explore Phu Quoc. You may consider spending a longer time if you want to enjoy a relaxing time at the beach.

How to get to Phu Quoc

How to get to Phu Quoc

By Plane: Most visitors to Phu Quoc will probably be flying into Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC), which is located 15 kilometers from Duong Dong, the main town on the island.

Phu Quoc Airport serves both domestic and international flights. International travelers from Malaysia, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Russia, and South Korea can fly directly to Phu Quoc which is very convenient. There are also several domestic flights from different cities within Vietnam (such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Nha Thrang) where you can reach Phu Quoc within an hour’s flight.

From Phu Quoc Airport to Hotel

Once you arrive at Phu Quoc International Airport, there are several ways to get to your hotel from the airport.

Phu Quoc Travel Tips: Phu Quoc airport is fairly isolated. It’s probably best to take a airport private transfer or taxi directly to your hotel.

Phu Quoc Airport Private Transfer

BY PRIVATE TRANSFER: This is the best and most convenient option from Phu Quoc Airport to any destination in Phu Quoc. The driver will be waiting for you at the arrival area and then take you directly to your hotel. You can arrange for airport transfers through your hotel or through Klook.

Phu Quoc International Airport Transfer

BY TAXI: You can also take a taxi to your hotel but it may be more expensive than a private transfer. The taxi stand is located outside of the airport.

BY GRAB: Grab is efficient and relatively cheap in Vietnam. Expected about 160,000 – 200,000 VND for a one-way trip to Doung Dong town. Just download the app and you are ready for an e-hailing ride in Phu Quoc.

BY SHUTTLE BUS: It is the most cost-effective option. VinBus Electric Bus Phu Quoc provides free shuttle bus service from multiple routes including Airport. There are currently 2 Phu Quoc Airport bus routes operating on the island. You can board the shuttle bus to travel from Phu Quoc Airport to your hotel if you are staying on the bus route.

Getting Around in Phu Quoc

Getting Around in Phu Quoc by VinBus

Public transport in Phu Quoc is not available. Most travelers get a rental bike, or car charter, or book a ride via Grab to get around.

VinBus Electric Bus Phu Quoc

The VinBus Electric Bus Phu Quoc offers a free shuttle service to get around Phu Quoc Island. You can easily plan your visits, shopping, and entertainment at Phu Quoc.

The bus ride is free of charge as of now, making it the perfect mode of transportation for your Phu Quoc adventure. It brings convenience and can also save lots of travel costs during your journey. Just hop on board and discover this tropical paradise.

Check for VinBus route: https://maps.vinbus.vn/pq

Where To Stay in Phu Quoc

Best Hotel in Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc offers a wide range of choices to suit every traveler’s needs. There are so many great places to stay in Phu Quoc, ranging from 5-star luxury accommodations to humble but charming boutique hotels. There is something for every budget. The competition between hotels is so stiff that you can easily find beautiful hotels at very reasonable rates.

Below you can find my recommendations:

For convenient, stay at Duong Dong or Cua Lap. It’s at the heart of the island and puts you in the center of the island’s top attractions. Staying here also will give you easy access to both the northern and southern parts of the island.

Lahana Resort Phu Quoc and Spa is a family-friendly, beautiful, tranquil resort in the Duong Dong town.. The setting is idyllic with the gardens and the pool overlooking the trees and sea.

Seashells Phu Quoc Hotel & Spa is strategically situated in Duong Dong, allowing you access and proximity to local attractions and sights. The resort is nestled in a picturesque setting with stunning views of crystal-clear waters and pristine white sandy beaches. The rooms are beautifully designed, spacious, and comfortable. Affordable luxury spa and resort hotel.

For relaxing beach gateway, stay at Long Beach (Northern Island) or Khem Beach (Southern Island)

Sheraton Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort features European neoclassical architecture and offers an outdoor swimming pool in Long Beach. The resort has a private beach, water sports facilities, and 4 on-site restaurants. Everything you need for a relaxing gateway!

Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay is a family-friendly beachfront resort at Southern part of the island. It offers various facilities such as an outdoor swimming pool, kids zone, fitness center, and breathtaking sea view. A buffet breakfast is available with a wide selection of local and international food.

Planning for Phu Quoc Itinerary

Planning for Phu Quoc Itinerary

Now let’s lay out a perfect Phu Quoc itinerary. There are plenty of fun and interesting things to do in Phu Quoc. But beware that the transportation time from one end to another end.

We stayed at two different places during my visit to Phu Quoc to best suit our Phu Quoc itinerary: Sheraton Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort (Northern Island) and Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay (Southern Island). Please plan your stay in Phu Quoc before your trip.

Planning for 6-Days Phu Quoc Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrived Phu Quoc. Check-in resort at Northern Island. Relaxing at the beach nearby hotel.
Day 2: Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc at the morning. Late afternoon at Grand World Phu Quoc.
Day 3: Island-hopping in Phu Quoc. Admire the tropical wonders and see the pristine islands. Change accommodation to Southern Island.
Day 4: Sun World Hon Thom Amusement Park. Ride the world’s longest non-stop cable car.
Day 5: Explore Phu Quoc’s Iconic Attractions at Town. Eat the local food and drink Vietnamese coffee.
Day 6: Say goodbye Phu Quoc.

Phu Quoc Travel Tips: Attractions in Phu Quoc are spread out either in the Northern or the Southern of the island. Plan your Phu Quoc itinerary to avoid spending too much time on the transport arrangement.

Day 1: Arrived Phu Quoc

Depart from your prior destination and arrive in Phu Quoc in the mid-afternoon. Our resort offer free shuttle service from airport. You can consier to pre-book the airport transfer via Klook and it was pretty convenient.

Check in to your hotel and prepare to start your Phu Quoc adventure. If you are staying in a beach resort, stroll along the beach, dip your toes in the sand, and have a lovely evening taking in the sights from your hotel.

Read more for our stay – Hotel Review: Sheraton Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort.

Day 2: Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc and Grand World Phu Quoc

Our day 2 is focusing on the attractions at Nothern island of Phu Quoc such as VinWonders, VinSafari, and GrandWolrd. We choose to spend the day at VinSafari and GrandWorld.

Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc

Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc is our highlight of the Phu Quoc itinerary. It is Vietnam’s first and only open zoo and a great place for tourists of all ages to see friendly safari animals up close and personal.

Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc Ticket

Bus Tour in Safari Phu Quoc

We headed straight for the Safari tour once entered the park. The Safari Tour is well-maintained, clean, and excellent. In the Safari tour, you can see more than 150 rare species, 400 plant species, and 4,000 wild animals from different places all over the world.

Phu Quoc Itinerary - Vinpearl Safari

Just followed the instructions and line to enter the bus. The bus will drive you through the savannah with the help of an English-speaking tour.

Giraffe Cafe at Safari Phu Quoc

After the safari tour, we spend the remaining time looking at all the animals. We enjoyed our lunch and had photos with the giraffes at the Giraffe Café. Truly amazing!

Feeding Giraffe at Vinpearl Safari

We bought the Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc Ticket from Klook. Redeemtion is super easy by scanning the QR code for entry!

We spent around 4 hours at the Safari Park and it is well worth a visit. A must-visit place in Phu Quoc and I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting Phu Quoc Island!

Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc
Address: Bãi Dài, Gành Dầu, Phú Quốc, Kiên Giang 922200
Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 to 16:00
Admission Ticket: Get the Admission Ticket from Klook

Grand World Phu Quoc

Grand World Phu Quoc

After the safari, we took the free VinBus shuttle to the Grand World for the remaining day The Grand World is a huge complex with accommodations, restaurants, cafe, shops, and Venice Venice-themed gondola ride around the main canal. Surprisingly, most shops and restaurants are closed and empty.

Garden at Grand World Phu Quoc

We went to the Vietnam Garden which was beautifully decorated with flowers and decorations. Took some photos and wandered around the complex.

Gondola Ride at Grand World Phu Quoc

When wandering around the Grand World, you can choose to take the gondola ride, which costs 800,000 VND per boat. You can occupied the whole boat or share with others.

There is also a free buggy service where you can take a free ride touring around.

Seafood Dinner at Grand World Phu Quoc

Next, we have a seafood dinner at one of the restaurants ar Grand World. The price is slightly on the high side but it was expected at the tourist spot.

Day 3: Island-hopping in Phu Quoc

Island-hopping in Phu Quoc

A trip to Phu Quoc wouldn’t be complete without going on an island-hopping tour. If you want to do an island-hopping, you must know it can be a bit confusing for first-timers and there are definitely an overwhelming number of tours to choose from. But generally, the island hopping tour is covered on the smaller islands in the south of Phu Quoc. You can do island hopping, admire tropical wonders, and see the pristine islands with various activities from morning till sunset.

There are various Island Hopping tours to choose from. Here are our recommendations:

We signed up for the 3 Islands hopping tour. After breakfast, the guide picked us up from our hotel and brought us to An Thoi Harbor in the south. This tour covered three smaller islands in the south of Phu Quoc. The islands are small but with turquoise waters.

We had various activities like snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing at the beaches. We also parasailing and jetskiing (available with a top-up) at May Rut Island. In short, we truly enjoyed the tour!

Day 4: Phu Quoc Amusement Park

Sun World Hon Thom Amusement Park

Next, heading to the Sun World Hon Thom Amusement Park on the next day of Phu Quoc itinerary. It’s one of the two waterparks on this island with over 20 adrenaline-filled slides and water rides in six different zones.

Sun World Hon Thom Ticket from Klook

Sun World Phu Quoc Cable Car

The most interesting is Sun World Hon Thom Amusement Park is connected with the world’s longest non-stop cable car. The 8-km cable car ride connects Phu Quoc island with Hon Thom.

The cable car ride offers an amazing view and nice scenery along the ride. The views from the cable car are absolutely spectacular!

Phu Quoc Travel Guide - Sun World Hon Thom

Once you get down from the cable car, you have direct access to the Aquatopia Waterpark. While the Water Theme Park isn’t very really impressive. Still, we truly enjoy the fun-filled rides and have a great day here.

The ticket can be purchased on the spot or in advance. Get the Sun World Hon Thom Ticket from Klook at a discounted rate!

Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park
Cable Car Operating Hours: From 9:00 to 11:30, 13:30 to 17:00
Aquatopia WaterPark Opening Hours: From 10:00 to 16:30
Admission Ticket: Get the Admission Ticket from Klook

Day 5: Explore Phu Quoc’s Iconic Attractions at Town

On Day 5 of Phu Quoc itinerary, we spend our time exploring Phu Quoc’s Iconic Attractions in Town. We visited the Dinh Cau Temple, visited the morning market, had a glace at the fishing village, and did souvenir shopping in the town.

Dinh Cau

Dinh Cau Temple

Built in 1937, Dinh Cau is a small temple built on rocks near the centre of the main town.

Phu Quoc itinerary - Dinh Cau Temple

This Buddhist temple is to commemorate Thien Hau whom the local people pray for protection esepcailly for fishermen heading out to the sea. Local praying here and also admire the beautiful view.

The entrance is free. Expected spend about 30 minutes when stopping by at the area.

Enjoy Vietnamese Coffee

Enjoy Vietnamese Coffee at Phu Quoc

Vietnam is known for its Vietnamese coffee. Although the coffee scene in Phu Quoc is not as good as in Hanoi, it is still worth spending some time to enjoy a cup of coffee. We choose to have a Highland Cafe, the popular chain store in Vietnam.

Vietnam Dipping Coffee

Vietnamese usually have it with condensed milk, but you can have it in black. The dripping coffee is always the best in the country!

Shopping for Souvenir

King Kong Mart

You can’t leave Phu Quoc without shopping for souvenirs. Aside from the Night Market, there are many other shopping places where you can shop for souvenirs such as high-quality pearls accessories, snacks, and local products.

For the best place to shop for souvenirs in Phu Quoc, head to the King Kong Mart. It is the biggest and cheapest grocery shop in the city where you can get almost everything here. All the goods are divided into specific sections, and they all come with the prices underneath so we can make the best choices. We bought all our souvenirs here!

Phu Quoc Night Market

Phu Quoc Night Market

End your day with a last stop at the Phu Quoc Night Market in Duong Dong town. Also known as the Bach Dang Night Market, this open-air market consists of a few streets lined with street vendors, souvenir stalls, bars, and seafood restaurants. This night market is vibrant and fun. You can try as much street food as you can. Not a must-visit place in Phu Quoc but worth stopping by for food.

We didn’t spend long wandering the night market as most of the food was the same. We stopped at one of the restaurants for some local dishes. The market opens around 17:00 until late at night.

What To Eat in Phu Quoc

What To Eat in Phu Quoc

One thing Vietnam is famous for is its cuisine. You’ll find an abundance of street food everywhere you look in Phu Quoc, and you won’t be disappointed with what’s on offer. Your trip won’t be complete without also enjoying a delicious bowl of pho.

There are many street food stalls and eateries in Doung Dong town. It might be a lesser choice if you are staying in the resort area. 

Bun Quay Kien Xay

If you are looking for what to eat in Phu Quoc, we highly recommend the Bún Quậy.

Bun is the Vietnamese rice noodles. The base ingredients are freshly mashed fish, shrimp, squid, and chopped shallots blended into a hot broth. This dish is simple but extremely tasty. This is a must-try dish when you come to Phu Quoc Island.

Bun Quay from Kien Xay

In Phu Quoc, there are many places to enjoy Bún Quậy but the most famous restaurant is Bun Quay Kien Xay. The food is really good and even locals frequently visit this place for their delicious bowl.

What To Eat in Phu Quoc - Bun Quay Kien Xay

The Bun Quay from Kien Xay is made to order and it has a unique chewy texture. Their noodles are excellent and we loved its seafood topping. Divine!

Kien Xay has a few stores in Phu Quoc island. Get to the one near you. We went to the Bun Quay Kien Xay near the King Kong Mart after shopping for souvenirs. Be warned that you might need to wait during the rush hours. Price varies as it depends on what you add.

Phu Quoc Travel Tips

Luxury Stay in Phu Quoc

The prices in Phu Quoc were slightly more expensive than the rest of Vietnam. Still, it depends on your preferred travel style and how you plan your Phu Quoc itinerary. Generally, a self-DIY itinerary can cost from 5,000,000 VND to 7,000,000 per person.

While the accommodation cost can vary greatly. It can be as expensive or as budget-friendly as you choose it to be. The good news about Phu Quoc is that whatever accommodation option you will pick, it’s going to be extremely good value for money. 

For budget travelers, there are many 2-star, 3-star hotels, and even affortable luxury resorts with great reviews in the Duong Dong town. The Seashells Phu Quoc Hotel & Spa is popular pick for staying in the town. Alternatively, you can also go for high-end resorts such as Novotel Phu Quoc Resort. We also recommended the Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay with fantastic facilities for family Travelers.

Read on our stay in Phu Quoc:

Is Phu Quoc safe?

Much like the rest of Vietnam, Phu Quoc is actually quite safe even for solo travelers. The only thing you have to look out for is the money when you paying for something. Make sure you have the right amount of money when it is.

Keep your eyes open, don’t lose sight of your personal belongings, and avoid common taxi scams. We recommend using the Grab or pre-book private transfer and tour from reputation sites. Besides, free VinBus is another good transport when touring around the island.

Is it worth visiting Phu Quoc?

Yes absolutely! Phu Quoc is a beautiful place to visit and there are splendid beaches, a lush green jungle, and picturesque fishing villages.

Overall: A 6-Day Phu Quoc Itinerary

Lastly, thank you for reading my Phu Quoc Travel Guide blog. We hope that now you have a clearer idea of what to expect and how to make the most of your Phu Quoc trip.

During our visit, we had a great time on Phu Quoc and exploring the island and relaxing was a lot of fun. We didn’t pack many things to do on the Phu Quoc itinerary and enjoyed the island at the relaxing vibe. You can freely adjust your itinerary based on your interest. The island is beautiful and I’m sure you will love it.

Related Read:

Last but not least, don’t forget to check out my Vietnam Travel Stories for more travel inspiration. Happy Travel!

Traveling to Northern Vietnam:

Traveling to Central Vietnam:

Lastly, traveling to Ho Chi Minh City? Feel free to read on our Saigon travel stories.

Juan Kagoshima Food Review

Juan Kagoshima: Berkshire Pork Shabu-shabu

posted in: Kyushu Japan | 0

Last updated on July 24th, 2024

We tried Kurobuta Black Pork at Juan Kagoshima Station West Entrance Branch, one of the most recognizable restaurants in Kagoshima. It was one of the best shabu-shabu I’ve ever tasted in my life.

Kagoshima is home to the best Kurobuta Black Pork in Japan. Don’t miss the change to eat this mouthwatering food when visiting Kagoshima.

Juan Arata (寿庵) is a popular eatery in Kagoshima. The restaurant is famous for the shabu-shabu, served with the Kagoshima’s signature Kurobuta Black Pork. Their must-try dish is the Kurobuta Shabu-shabu served with six different types of original herb salts.

This Kagoshima food post is regarding my dining experience in Juan Central Station West Entrance Branch (Ju An Arata Branch). Let’s check it out.

Juan Central Station West Entrance Branch

Juan Central Station West Entrance Branch

Juan Kagoshima is a traditional Japanese establishment with lovely decor in a laid-back atmosphere. The restaurant has Western-style chairs and tables and also offers private dining rooms with tatami seating.

The main branch is located in Arata and it has a branch at Kagoshima-chuo station.

Dining in Juan Central Station West Entrance Branch

We chose to dine in Juan Central Station West Entrance Branch and it is easily found. After check-in, we walked to Juan to enjoy our dinner. From our hotel, Toyoko Inn Kagoshima Chuo eki Nishi guchi, it is about a 3-minute walk.

How To Get to Juan Kagoshima:

Juan Central Station West Entrance Branch is located about a 2-minute walk from the west entrance of JR Kagoshima-Chuo Station. So it’s very convenient. Parking lots are also available for driving customers.

Don’t forget to book in advance to secure your seat at this popular eatery!

Juan Central Station West Entrance Branch (寿庵 中央駅西口店)
Address: 1 Chome-3-1 Take, Kagoshima, 890-0045, Japan.
Business Hours: Weekday from 11:00 to 15:00, re-open at 17:00 to 21:30, Weekend from 11:00 to 21:30 (LO: 21:00)
Parking: Available (20 slots/free)
Website (Reservation): https://juan-chuouekinishiguchiten.gorp.jp/

What To Eat in Juan Kagoshima

Juan Kagoshima Menu

Juan Kagoshima offers various local dishes and is popular among locals. The restaurant exclusively uses authentic kurobuta meat (Berkshire black pork) that was raised in Watanabe Berkshire Ranch. The kurobuta meat is known for its delicate texture and rich flavor.

Eat the Berkshire pork with shabu-shabu or tonkatsu (pork cutlet) to taste its well-balanced firmness, tenderness, and sweetness. All the food are in reasonable price. The shabu-shabu set is around ¥3,000- ¥4,200 while pork cutlet sets cost less than ¥3,000.

Berkshire Pork Shabu-Shabu

Juan Kagoshima - Berkshire Pork Shabu-shabu

We decided to go with the shabu-shabu set meal. It was served with high-quality black pork slices featuring seasonal variations of Kagoshima seasonal ingredients such as vegetables, mushrooms, tofu, and many more.

The food was beautifully presented and looks delicious!

Special herb salts for Shabu-shabu

 The set is also served with six different types of original herb salts and dipping sauce.

There’s an English shabu-shabu guide that sets out the proper way to do shabu shabu. The friendly servers also tried their very best to explain every dish to us in limited English.

Kagoshima Berkshire Pork

The tender Berkshire pork is delicious, especially paired with the gentle flavors of the special dipping sauce.

Enjoy Berkshire Pork Shabu-Shabu

After dipping the Berkshire pork in boiling water for few minutes, eat it with the special dipping sauce or the special herb salts. I particularly love to dip with Sakurajima komikan (orane) salts, the pork slices become so tasty.

soba noodles from Juan Shabu-shabu set

End your meal with some soba (buckwheat noodles) in the dipping sauce. The soba flavored with the Berkshire pork, absolutely delicious.

Overall: Juan Kagoshima Food Review

All in all, our dining experience in Juan Central Station West Entrance Branch is truly amazing and we were not disappointed. All the foods were excellent and it was truly a visual and gastronomic delight.

Highly recommended if you are looking for what to eat in Kagoshima!

Traveling to Kagoshima? Here is our travel strories to Kagoshima Prefecture:

Visiting Kyushu and looking for some inspiration for what to do in Kyushu then be sure to read our Kyushu travel blog here: How To Plan Your Kyushu Itinerary: Ultimate Guide

Motsunabe Rakutenchi Food Review

Motsunabe Rakutenchi Hakata: Fukuoka’s Specialty Restaurant

posted in: Kyushu Japan | 0

Last updated on July 24th, 2024

Read about my dining experience in Motsunabe Rakutenchi, one of the best and oldest Motsunabe restaurants in Fukuoka. Enjoy the tasty food in a lively environment.

Motsunabe (もつ鍋) is a regional traditional hot pot dish of Fukuoka and has become one of the most popular dishes in the area. It is a must-try if you are in Fukuoka, and especially in the winter season.

Fukuoka does have one of the best and oldest motsunabe restaurants in town that specialises in motsunabe – Motsunabe Rakutenchi (楽天地). The restaurant is popular and renowned for providing quality motsu with a luxurious helping of Chinese chives and traditional secret soy sauce. It has been operational for more than 40 years and is still beloved by locals. Many tourists also visited Rakutenchi to taste Fukuoka’s specialty dish Motsunabe. Perfect place to check one of Fukuoka’s specialties.

This Fukuoka food post is regarding my dining experience in Motsunabe Rakutenchi at the Hakata ST-EAST BR branch. Check it out.

Food Trip to Motsunabe Rakutenchi

Motsunabe Rakutenchi

During one of Kyushu’s trips, we went to Motsunabe Rakutenchi to try this tasty motsunabe. We went to the Motsunabe Rakutenchi Hakata ST-EAST BR which is located a 3-minute walk from the Hakata-guchi exit of JR Hakata Station.

Inside Motsunabe Rakutenchi

The restaurant is lively with retro-flavored Izakaya Japanese style. It has an outdoor and inside dining area for patrons to enjoy their food and drinks. There is also a queue outside of the restaurant for those without reservations. We highly recommend for reservation as it can take some time to wait for the table.

With reservation, we were seated after confirmation of the details.

Motsunabe Rakutenchi Menu

The Motsunabe Rakutenchi menu is easy to read with Japanese and English translations. It also introduces the concept of Motsunabe as well as easy-to-understand price points for all of their courses.

Motsu Yaki

Besides the hot pot option, Motsunabe Rakutenchi also offers motsu-yaki (grilled offal) which is a new Hakata’s speciality. Try it if you are interested on its taste.

What We Ordered

Side Dish from Manzoku Course Set meal

It’s not our first time eating motsunabe, still, we were excited to try out this hotpot dish at Motsunabe Rakutenchi.

We both opted for the Motsunabe Manzoku Course set meal which is the most popular recommendation. The set consists of motsunabe the offal hotpot, 1 choice of appetizer (from vinegared offals, Kimchi, or mentaiko), tofu, and unlimited eat of champon noodles. Perfect pair with the cooling beer!

Fresh ingredient from Motsunabe Rakutenchi

Without a long wait, our food was served. The pot of Motsunabe Rakutenchi contains a heap of top-quality fresh ingredients like cabbage, and chives in traditional, topped with garlic and red pepper. It was boiled right at your table.

Cook at high heat for about 5 or 7 minutes until tender.

The hotpot Motsunabe Rakutenchi

Can’t wait for the first sip, its special soy sauce-based soup tastes sweet and delicious. The flavor of the soup is brought out by removing excess fats from beef offal. The broth is rich, with a subtle saltiness and sweetness in it. It tastes even better with the vegetable umami. Can’t get enough of this tasty Motsunabe!

Motsu Beef Offal

Here’s a closer look at those delicious pieces of offal. They’re soft and look fatty. When bite on it, it is quite chewy and not fatty at all. Absolutely delicious!

Champon Noodles from Rakutenchi

At the end of your meal, add the champon noodles to the leftover soup in the pot to create a tasty way to end the meal. The noodles have absorbed the flavor of the soup very well and are tasty.

We can’t stop eating and are so full!

Overview: Motsunabe Rakutenchi Food Review

All in all, we highly recommend the Motsunabe Rakutenchi. The food is tasty and the enviroment is lively.

Motsunabe Rakutenchi’s main shop is located at Tenjin and it has many branches in Fukuoka. We choose dine in the Motsunabe Rakutenchi Hakata ST-EAST BR located beside the Yodobashi Hakata and highly recommend this place. The atmosphere is busy and lively. Reservations can be made online and highly recommended to avoid waiting in line. Make sure you look for the correct branch.

Motsunabe Rakutenchi Hakata ST-EAST BR (元祖 もつ鍋 もつ焼き 楽天地 ヨドバシ 博多駅 店 1階)
Address: 〒812-0012 Fukuoka, Hakata Ward, Hakataekichuogai.
Operating Hours: Daily from 12:00 to next day midnight 3:00 (Last Order 2:30)
Getting there: 2 minutes walk from JR Hakata Station (beside Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Hakata)
Expected to Pay: Lunch for ¥1,800 and Dinner for ¥3,000

Check on Motsunabe Rakutenchi Hakata restaurant here (Official website)

Lastly, this Fukuoka must eat food blog is part of Kyushu travel post in Fukuoka. Free feel to read also our Fukuoka travel blog and food review.

Continue read on our travel guide to Kumamoto, Yufuin, Miyazaki and others places in Kyushu.

Nagasaki Food Guide

Nagasaki Food Guide: What To Eat in Nagasaki

posted in: Kyushu Japan | 0

Last updated on December 21st, 2024

Use this Nagasaki food guide to savor the city’s tastiest treats through our top picks of where and what to eat in Nagasaki.

Nagasaki’s food is one of the most interesting in Japan. Being a historical port city, Nagasaki’s food has been greatly impacted by the foreign food culture. It’s a mouthwatering blend of Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, and Dutch influences, and greatly extended to the local food culture. Some of the must-eat food in Nagasaki is Champon, sara udon, castella, and toruko rice.

When we visited Nagasaki, we tasted some of the iconic food and would like to share this Nagasaki Food Guide with you. Here are the top 3 must-eat foods in Nagasaki foods and where to find them. Eat like a local and delight your taste buds with these Nagasaki best food!

Chawanmushi at Yossou

Yossou Chawanmushi

For a true Japanese dining experience, head to Yossou Nagasaki for its local Japanese food.

Yossou (吉宗) is one of the best and oldest traditional restaurants in Nagasaki with a long history dating back to 1866. They serve a variety of local dishes, including tri-color sushi, tempura, bento, sashimi, and braised pork dishes. The must-eat food is chawanmushi (Japanese steamed egg custard).

Yossou Nagasaki

The signature chawanmushi from Yossou comes with many fresh ingredients – white fish, chicken, shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, ginkgo, kamaboko (fish paste), wheat powder, and anago (grilled conger eel). The sizing is big and packed with the ingredients. The texture was very silky smooth and it just slid down your throat. Absolutely delicious!

Check out my food post on Yossou in Nagasaki for more pictures and information.

Yossou, Nagasaki (吉宗)
Address; 8-9 Hamamachi, Nagasaki 850-0853, Nagasaki Prefecture
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 14:30 and 17:00 to 20:00. Closed on Monday and Tuesday
Getting there: 3 minutes walk from Kankadori Station

Champon and Sara Udon

Nagasaki Food Guide - Champon Noodle

The Nagasaki food scene has to include Champon (Chinese-inspired noodles) and Sara udon (crispy noodles).

Champon is a Japanese-Chinese ramen noodle dish which widely popular in Kyushu. This renowned noodle dish is inverted by Shikairo restaurant in Nagasaki. During the Meiji period, a Chinese chef from Shikairo made these noodle dishes for hungry students studying in Nagasaki.

Champon noodles are made with meat, seafood, vegetables, lard-fried pork, and springy udon noodles. All the ingredients are stir-fried together in a thick soup with chicken and pig bones for a cheap, tasty, and filling meal.

Champon can also be served over a bed of deep-fried noodles to make the local dish Sara udon.

Shikairo Chinese Restaurant

The long-established Shikairo Chinese Restaurant (四海樓) is the best place to try this authentic champon. The restaurant is hardly to be missed in China Town. It is an impressive five-story building with a large and lively dining room with harbor views on the third to the fifth floors. The first floor serves as a souvenir shop and the second floor as a champon museum for guests to visit.

Shikairo Chinese Restaurant serves a variety of classic Chinese dishes. A particular must-try is champon noodles. The noodles are unique in taste and addictive.

Shikairou Chinese Restaurant (四海樓)
Address: 4-5 Matsugaemachi, Nagasaki, 850-0921, Japan
Opening Hours: Daily from 11:30 to 15:00 and re-open from 17:00 to 20:00 (closed on Wednesdays)
Getting there: Located next to the Oura Cathedral tram stop

Nagasaki Castella

Nagasaki Castella

Don’t miss out on the famous Nagasaki Castella, a sponge cake made with sugar, flour, eggs, and starch syrup.

Nagasaki Castella originated from the Portuguese and was bought to Nagasaki by Portuguese merchants in the 16th century. The cake has been made to local taste with a secret recipe that has been passed down for over 400 years. Today’s Nagasaki castella cake is one of the unique foods and is often bought as a souvenir food item when visiting Nagasaki.

You can easily find many Castella stores throughout Nagasaki. But the three popular castella stores in Nagasaki, Fukusaya (福砂屋), Shooken (松翁軒), and Bunmeido (文明堂). All with long history back and are popular among locals.

We bought the Nagasaki Castella from Fukusaya at JR Nagasaki Station to try out. There have many castella brand available and convenient for travelers. The texture is refined, soft, and not so sweet. A very good confectionery with tea and coffee for the afternoon break.

Overall: Nagasaki Food Guide

All in all, we had fun exploring some of the unique food in Nagasaki. We love the rich history but I would expect more Japanese food flavor. Still, the food quality is pretty good. If you are visiting Nagasaki, why not giving try Nagasaki’s best food? Share with me your Nagasaki food review.

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful time exploring Nagasaki!

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Visiting Kyushu and looking for some inspiration for what to do in Kyushu then be sure to read our Kyushu travel blog here: How To Plan Your Kyushu Itinerary: Ultimate Guide