May 2020
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Japan’s specialty coffee scene has grown a lot over the last 5-10 years, with the country grooming some of the world’s most acclaimed baristas. Fukuoka, in Kyushu prefecture, has been one of the most active cities. Some of its gourmet coffee shops have been open ahead of the wave, in the early 2000s. This makes for a great exploration if you are, like me, very much into the coffee.
Rec Coffee is a specialty coffee shop and roastery, believing that exceptional coffee is achieved by mastering the chain, from the producer to the cup. First opening shop in 2010, Rec Coffee is the brainchild of 2-time Japan Barista Champion Yoshikazu Iwase.
Dedication, excellence, and trust in amazing coffee have paid off, with 5 shops around Fukuoka city, and now 2 locations in Tokyo.
COFFEE KENCHÔ YAKUIN STATION SHOP薬院駅前店
Address: Shirogane, 1 Chome−1−26, Chuo Ward, 810-0012 Fukuoka
REC COFFEE Website--->>Here
Manly Coffee’s adventure started with the passion of bean origins, process, and service quality; all delivered in a cup of coffee. The shop opened back in 2008, and the team behind Manly Coffee has been involved in organising the Japan Aeropress Championships since 2012. Taking trips to Nicaragua or Costa Rica, and participating in roasting retreats in various countries, Manly embodies the dedication of their motto ‘from seed to cup’.
Address: 2 Chome-14-21 Hirao, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0014
Manly Coffee Website--->>Here
The Coffee County adventure started in 2013 in the Southern part of Fukuoka prefecture, in Kurume city, where Takaki Mori established his roastery. Three years later, the Fukuoka city coffee bar was open. The Fukuoka shop offers espresso-based drinks, as well as Aeropress or pour-over filter. Freshness and quality are applied to each step to create a cup that will make you quiver, according to Mori.
Address: 1 Chome-21-21 Takasago, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0011
NO COFFEE Website--->>Here
Minako Yamaguchi worked for 4 years in the specialty coffee industry before opening Etoile Coffee. Her goal is to make exceptional coffee available to everyone, including people that are not yet coffee enthusiasts. Both espresso and French press brews are available, and with Yamaguchi acting as a jury for the Japanese Barista Championship, you’re in for a treat. Along with coffee, Etoile offers Japanese seasonal sweets for a very local experience.
Address: 2 Chome-2-22 Hirao, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0014
Website--->> Here
The coffee scene of Fukuoka has been thriving and there is something for everyone. Japanese coffee is famous for being delicate and very flavorsome, so make sure to try local brewers during your trip. Coffee beans are also a great souvenir to take home.
**Some of these locations have been recommended to me by Kantaro, co-owner of 279 Victoria Street in Melbourne, where guest beans from Japan are often featured, along with their specialty onigiri and high-grade Japanese tea. See details here
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