Published date: August 25, 2025
Fukuoka's Soul Food: A Journey to Enjoy Hakata Udon
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
I have used Nine Hours several times, including other locations since the COVID-19 pandemic. It is completely non-contact, and I like the concept including the firmness of the bed, so I keep coming back. This time, I used it after a long while and noticed some changes:
1. Checkout time has changed from 10 AM to 11 AM.
(This includes a shift in the check-in time by an hour as well.)
2. Slippers for consecutive nights used to be provided every time, but now it’s only at check-in.
3. Earplugs are available for self-pickup at the 9th-floor elevator for those who need them.
Nine Hours Hakata Station always provides a crisp bed-making and a clean atmosphere, making for a pleasant stay. I also want to highlight how conveniently located it is near the station.
Experiences during the trip
This trip was all about savoring Hakata Udon.
1. First stop, "Makki" or "Maki Udon":
You can choose the firmness of the noodles - "soft, medium, or hard." The classic "Goboten Udon" comes topped with tempura made from thickly sliced burdock. The batter is on the thicker side, absorbing the soup, so it comes in a kettle for self-refilling.
Green onions are also included in the bowl for you to add yourself (just enough to finish your meal).
Kashiwameshi (chicken rice) is also recommended! It is available for takeout, with the nearest location being at the underground bus terminal of Hakata Station. This takeout Kashiwameshi portion is smaller than at other stores.
2. Next up is "Yari Udon":
The dashi here has a gentle flavor. The Goboten is shaped like spears. The burdock, divided into four pieces and deep-fried, was surprisingly tender. The vegetable tempura (satsuma-age) was also fluffy and delicious.
You can find this at Fukuoka Airport and Nishitetsu Tenjin Station.
3. The last stop is "Ago Dashi Udon Koga Ne Maru" located inside the Fukuoka Airport gate:
This seems to be a part of the Royal chain of restaurants. They use dashi from Kayanoya. The Goboten Udon features burdock that is thinly sliced and made into a tempura. You can taste the flavor of burdock, and the parts not soaked in dashi have a crispy texture reminiscent of burdock chips.
The limited-time curry udon (with corn tempura) also looked delicious.
4. While not udon, the morning at "Ten no" is a must!
Located in the basement of KITTE. Breakfast is served from 7 AM to 10 AM. There was a limited-time salt-grilled salmon set meal that college boys ordered, featuring a thick cut of salmon.
The photo shows the mackerel mirin set plus something extra, which was delicious!