Written by 
Updated on Nov 11, 2025
I strive to keep all content fresh, but details may change
Specialty Coffee Shops in Fukuoka
The vibrant city of Fukuoka is located on Japan’s third largest island Kyūshū. Best known for its modern architecture and mouth-watering Ramen, it has increasingly left its mark on Japan’s coffee map. Especially when Fukuoka based Yoshikazu Iwase won the Japanese Barista Championship in 2015, the city and its achievements in coffee were more in the spotlight than ever.
The specialty coffee scene in Fukuoka is still an intimate but rapidly expanding endeavor. While coffee chains such as Starbucks or Doutor as well as the traditional Kissaten continue to enjoy popularity, consumers are more and more considerate about the quality of their coffee. This is also reflected in the inauguration of the first Fukuoka Coffee Festival in 2016. However, for the majority of people in Fukuoka, the atmosphere still comes first, and the taste of the coffee second. Also, there is a distinct preference for dark roasts in the general public.
Nevertheless, the growing enthusiasm for third wave coffee manifests itself in the growing number of coffee shops following its values and quality standards. Particularly the neighbourhood around Yakuin metro station has become somewhat of a coffee hub in recent years. It is a buzzing area where residents and commuters to office buildings enjoy the vast network of shops and the convenience of being well connected by metro and busses. Here is a list of four specialty coffee spots around Yakuin, that fulfill several criteria – where an excellent cup of coffee can be enjoyed in the company of art, design and music.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something. While clicking these links won’t cost you anything, they will help me to keep this site up and running.
Located in Fukuoka’s buzzing Yakuin district close to Yakuin metro station, Coffee County is an oasis of peace and quiet in the midst of shops and office buildings. The owner Takaaki Mori spent a few month working on coffee plantations in Nicaragua back in 2013, before opening his roastery in Kurume that same year. In 2016 he launched Coffee County, which can only be described as a haven for third wave devotees.
Several single origins, mainly from Central America, are on display to try taste right by the entrance, most of which are sourced via direct trade. Apart from the usual suspects on the coffee menu, Coffee County has a special treat for foodies as well: homemade Alfajores that are so delicious, they take your taste buds straight to the streets of Buenos Aires.
A few minutes walk from Yakuin metro station an exciting mix of coffee, art and music can be found at Stereo, a multi-roaster café that opened in 2015. Stereo regularly features local roasters and invites international guest roasters, such as The Barn, as well. The second floor space hosts exhibitions which change on a regular basis. Community is at the heart of this project and what better way to bring people together, than brewing quality coffee with a great soundtrack running in the background, surrounded by local art.
Lulu Coffee & Cake stand is another fabulous member of Fukuoka’s specialty coffee club and brings delicious homemade baked goods and instant specialty coffee to the table. The founding mother-son duo sells the Hiker’s Drip Bag in store, for all those not wanting to compromise on quality coffee when on the move. No need to carry loads of equipment anymore, adding hot water to the coffee bags is all it takes to make a brew. Apart from innovating the way to brew coffee on the go, Lulu is something for the eye too. The small shop is tastefully decorated with art work and follows a minimalist approach to interior design. It is located in near proximity to Yakuin metro station.
Last but not least, Manu Coffee is somewhat of a pioneer when it comes to the third wave in Fukuoka and has opened its fifth outlet named Kujira close to Yakuin metro station in 2017. Set in an eclectic two-storey space, the distinct colour scheme and mix of vintage furniture create a funky and accommodating atmosphere. Everyone is welcome, and it is not uncommon to see elderly citizens mingling with hipsters and students. The roastery has an extensive menu featuring regular coffee drinks and new creations, such as the Vanilla Wasanbon Latte or Green Cafe Latte.
This article of mine was published in Coffee T & I magazine. For more specialty coffee shops in Japan visit my Japan Coffee Guide featuring Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and more.
