Searching for an authentic Fukuoka izakaya near Tenjin Minami? Amenochihare offers rare tempura, mentaiko shabu-shabu, and a genuine local vibe perfect for friends. Discover this hidden gem!
#Tempura Ame no chi Hare Tenjin Branch (天ぷら 雨のち晴れ 天神店)
Location: 5 Chome-4-14 Watanabedori, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0004 Japan
Operating Hours
Daily: 5:00 PM ~ 12:00 AM
Reservations: TableLog, gnavi, Hot Pepper, etc.
☎ +8192 401 5349
Reservations Available, No Parking, Takeout Available
When you're exploring Fukuoka,
an izakaya naturally becomes the perfect spot to unwind in the evening.
This time, as I was traveling to Fukuoka with a friend,
instead of the bustling tourist hotspots like the Nakasu River food stalls,
we really wanted to soak in the authentic vibe of a local izakaya.
That's how we found this fantastic spot nestled in the Uratenjin alley.
It’s incredibly close to Tenjin Minami Station, just a 2-3 minute walk, which is super convenient!
From mentaiko shabu-shabu to freshly fried rare tempura and fantastic sake,
this place offered an experience we truly savored. In fact, it was so delightful
that I’d absolutely want to visit again on my next Fukuoka trip!
I'm talking about Tempura Ame no chi Hare Tenjin Branch.
For Koreans, it's also known by its beautiful meaning: 'Biondwimalgeum' (Clear After Rain).
So, let me give you a detailed tour, from its location and menu to the delicious dishes we actually tried,
and even the perfect sake we paired with our meal!
Menu & Interior
Just a short stroll away from Tenjin, Fukuoka's main bustling district,
you'll discover the enchanting Uratenjin alley, where the atmosphere completely transforms.
Instead of the glitz and crowds of the main thoroughfare,
you'll find charming little shops dotted along, creating that distinct, authentic local alley vibe that Japan is so famous for.
And right there, nestled in that very alley, is Ame no chi Hare!
It's incredibly close to Tenjin Minami Station, making it the perfect stress-free spot to head for dinner
after a day of shopping or sightseeing. I truly felt it was an ideal location
for the first evening of a Fukuoka adventure, or just to wind down a day's exploration
with a relaxed drink with friends.
The restaurant is thoughtfully laid out across two floors.
On the first floor, you'll find classic Japanese izakaya counter seating – perfect for a solo drink and meal –
alongside comfortable tables. With options for two-person and four-person seating,
it's an excellent choice whether you're out with friends or enjoying a meal with family.
Upstairs on the second floor, a dedicated space is available for larger groups.
With capacity for up to 30 people, it sounds like an excellent option
if you're traveling with an extended family or a bigger party!
What truly impressed me was the overall ambiance: it felt less like an overly-designed restaurant
and more like an authentic local spot where you'd simply step in for an evening drink.
That genuine, local vibe really hit the mark for me!
Once you're seated, simply use the QR code on your table to
browse the menu and place your order – super convenient!
Initially, I had a slight concern about navigating a Japanese-only menu,
but thankfully, it came with clear photos, and you could utilize the translation function,
making the ordering process surprisingly easy! Plus,
some of the staff members spoke English, so we could order directly
and even get some fantastic menu recommendations.
✔️ Menu Highlights
The star of the show at Biondwimalgeum (the Fukuoka izakaya I highly recommend)
is their incredible Mentaiko Pork Shabu-Shabu!
Beyond that, they also offer unique dishes like Bluefin Tuna Rare Tempura and Black Wagyu Rare Tempura –
truly specialties you won't easily find at just any izakaya!
They have a fantastic selection of dishes waiting for you!
You simply can't visit Fukuoka without trying Mentaiko (spicy pollack roe)!
That's why, among all the recommended dishes at this Fukuoka izakaya,
the one I was most excited to try was Mentaiko Shabu-shabu.
It's a unique take on shabu-shabu, where mentaiko is added to a rich broth flavored with katsuobushi (bonito flakes) and kelp, then you lightly dip and cook thinly sliced meat.
Honestly, the idea of Mentaiko Shabu-shabu felt a little unfamiliar at first,
and I even worried it might be too fishy, but I decided to be adventurous and give it a try!
You start by adding vegetables and mentaiko to the pot, let it simmer,
and then simply blanch the thinly sliced pork for a moment before enjoying it.
I was super curious about how the mentaiko's unique salty and slightly spicy kick
would blend with the broth.
And honestly, when I finally tasted it, the flavors complemented each other far better than I could have imagined!
The broth itself was wonderfully clean and packed with umami,
and when the mentaiko's savory richness infused into it,
it created a flavor profile distinctly different from any shabu-shabu I'd had before!
The thinly sliced pork for the shabu-shabu cooked in a flash,
and it was incredibly tender with absolutely no unwanted flavors.
The pairing of the pork's delicate taste
with the mentaiko broth's savory umami was simply divine!
Eating the mentaiko dissolved in the broth, rather than on its own, seemed to mellow its flavor beautifully.
But what truly stood out was the exquisite, subtle seafood umami that gently blossomed with every single spoonful of that incredible broth.
Once you've enjoyed your fill of shabu-shabu,
it almost feels like a crime to let that incredible broth go to waste, doesn't it?!
That's exactly why we decided to add some udon noodles to our order!
The flavors from simmering the pork and vegetables had completely melded into the broth,
making it much richer and deeper than when we started.
And when we tossed in those wonderfully chewy udon noodles,
they absolutely soaked up all the mentaiko's savory goodness and that incredible umami – it was perfection!
Enjoying those plump, chewy udon noodles with the rich broth felt like savoring a whole new meal after the shabu-shabu!
Seriously, if you order the Mentaiko Shabu-shabu, you absolutely *must* add the udon noodles – you'll be blown away by how incredibly delicious they are!
And what's a fantastic meal without the perfect drink to accompany it? 🍶
This time, I ordered a Japanese sake:
the Junmaishu Daina from Otawara City in Tochigi Prefecture.
Tochigi Prefecture's Otawara City is renowned across Japan for producing exceptional sake.
The Daina I enjoyed is a Junmai type,
and true to its name, it's a wonderfully dry style of Japanese sake.
What's special about Junmai sake is that it's brewed using only rice, koji (rice malt), and water, with no added brewing alcohol.
From my first sip, I found it to be wonderfully dry and clean, making it an excellent companion for a variety of dishes.
It was particularly amazing after richer, oilier dishes like fatty tuna belly or rare wagyu beef tempura –
a single sip just seemed to completely cleanse and refresh the palate!
And for the Mentaiko Shabu-shabu, with its inherent savory depth,
this crisp, clean sake was a far better match than something sweet and heavy.
Personally, I was thrilled because it complemented the flavors beautifully without overpowering them,
acting as a perfect palate cleanser throughout the meal.
As its name, Ameno Chihare (meaning 'after rain, clear skies'), suggests,
this place also boasts an impressive array of tempura dishes.
This time, I decided to venture beyond the usual shrimp or vegetable tempura
and opted for something a little more special!
This dish features tuna *chubatsal* (medium fatty belly) deep-fried as tempura,
offering a completely different way to enjoy tuna compared to typical sashimi.
The outside is fried to a perfect crisp, while the inside remains deliciously rare,
preserving its tender and moist texture.
Take a bite, and behind the crispy tempura batter,
you'll discover the tuna's tender flesh and rich, savory flavor.
What makes it truly special is the inherent fatty richness of tuna *chubatsal*
which means it doesn't feel heavy like typical fried food.
Instead, it melts beautifully in your mouth.
If you're usually a fan of tuna sashimi,
I highly recommend trying this unique twist!
Our second order was the Japanese Black Beef Rare Tempura.
Eating beef as tempura was already an interesting concept,
but the fact that it's served rare made it even more exciting!
The outside was crispy, but the inside remained incredibly tender and juicy,
allowing the rich, distinctive aroma of beef to shine through.
Unlike typical fried meat where the batter often takes center stage,
this felt more like enhancing the exquisite flavor of the Black Beef with a delightful crisp texture.
While the Tuna *Chubatsal* Rare Tempura offered a soft, savory richness,
the Black Beef Rare Tempura provided a deeper beefy flavor and juiciness.
It's such a unique experience, I think ordering both to compare
would be a really fun culinary adventure!
Beyond the rare tempura mains we chose,
we also ordered some fantastic side dishes perfect for pairing with drinks.
First up was the Shiitake Mushroom Cream Cheese Tempura.
The distinctive aroma of shiitake mushrooms blended beautifully with creamy cream cheese,
creating a savory yet light flavor profile.
With a crispy batter and a creamy, soft interior,
it was the ideal snack for when you're feeling full but still want something delicious with your drink.
Next was the Eggplant and Jamón Serrano Roll Tempura.
The chewy and moist texture of the eggplant,
combined with the savory richness of Jamón Serrano,
made it another perfect accompaniment for drinks.
These kinds of dishes are especially great for breaking up the flavors between the rare tempura main courses,
offering a wonderful change of pace.
It was delightful to order a variety and enjoy them all!
Plus, at just 340 yen, they're incredibly affordable!
Visiting Amenochihare with my friend during our Fukuoka trip, I realized that
it's more than just a great spot for a drink.
If you want to immerse yourself in an authentic local izakaya atmosphere in Fukuoka
while savoring unique and special dishes,
then this is definitely the place to go!
Above all, its proximity to Tenjin-Minami Station was a huge plus,
making it incredibly easy to fit into our travel itinerary.
And thanks to the distinctive alleyway charm of Uratenjin, we got to experience
a side of Fukuoka's evening scene that's distinct from the main tourist areas.
✨ We highly recommend Fukuoka Tenjin Izakaya
Amenochihare for these travelers:
· Those looking for an izakaya close to Tenjin-Minami Station.
· Travelers who prefer an authentic local vibe over crowded tourist spots.
· Anyone curious to try Fukuoka's famous *mentaiko* (spicy pollock roe) in a unique way.
· Foodies craving special tempura beyond the usual fried dishes.
· Friends wanting to enjoy a sake (Japanese rice wine) together in Japan.
If you've spent the day enjoying shopping and sightseeing in Tenjin,
and now you're seeking a quiet spot in the Uratenjin alleys to unwind with delicious food and sake,
then definitely add this Fukuoka izakaya to your must-visit list!
How far is Fukuoka Tempura Amenochihare Tenjin from Tenjin-Minami Station?
Tempura Amenochihare Tenjin is located about a 2-3 minute walk from Tenjin-Minami Station. It's on the first floor of the Uratenjin alley, slightly off the main bustling street.
What are the daily operating hours for Tempura Amenochihare Tenjin?
Tempura Amenochihare Tenjin operates daily from 5 PM until midnight (24:00). We recommend making a reservation in advance, as many local customers visit during the evening hours.
Are there any recommended additional menu items after eating Mentaiko Pork Shabu-shabu at Amenochihare Tenjin?
After enjoying the Mentaiko Pork Shabu-shabu, we recommend adding Udon noodles. The chewy noodles, combined with the rich broth deepened by pork and vegetables, allow you to fully savor the savory and umami flavors of mentaiko.
What is the price of the 'Eggplant Jamón Serrano Roll Tempura,' a special tempura menu item available at Amenochihare Tenjin?
The 'Eggplant Jamón Serrano Roll Tempura' at Amenochihare Tenjin is ~$2. The chewiness of the eggplant combined with the savory flavor of Jamón Serrano makes it an excellent accompaniment to drinks.
What is the maximum capacity for group seating on the second floor of Tempura Amenochihare Tenjin?
The second floor of Tempura Amenochihare Tenjin has a dedicated space for group use, accommodating up to 30 people. It's ideal for large families or group travelers.