In Fukuoka City's Chuo Ward, there is a popular tourist spot called Nishi Park, which is home to the Koun Shrine dedicated to the founder of the Kuroda Clan, who ruled Fukuoka and Hakata during the Edo period. The park boasts 1,300 cherry blossom trees and offers a stunning view of Hakata Bay from its observation deck. At the park, you can find a hamburger specialty shop called "Imaya no Hamburger," which was established by the current owner, Mr. Imazaki Katsumi, who acquired a kitchen car for selling hot dogs from a customer at his gas station workplace in 1972. Initially, the shop focused on selling hot dogs with ham cutlets and fresh vegetables sandwiched in, which became a must-try item at Nishi Park, a popular tourist and date spot in Hakata. However, as new facilities and fast-food chains started popping up in the area, the popularity of hot dogs declined. To adapt to the changing trends, Mr. Imazaki introduced handmade hamburgers made with patties and stir-fried cabbage, served between coppe bread buns. This unique twist on the classic hot dog recipe helped the shop regain its popularity, and Imaya no Hamburger is now known as a soul food of Hakata. While hot dog and hamburger food trucks used to be a common sight in tourist spots, Imaya no Hamburger is now one of the few remaining in Fukuoka and its vicinity. Mr. Imazaki has also been actively mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, with several of his disciples opening their own shops in various locations. As a Fukuoka native, I first visited Nishi Park on my scooter at the age of 16 and discovered Imaya no Hamburger at the observation deck entrance. Over the years, I have enjoyed many meals there, witnessing the evolution of the menu and the shop's growing popularity. Recently, I revisited Nishi Park to see the cherry blossoms and stopped by Imaya no Hamburger, where I was greeted by the familiar sight of Mr. Imazaki in his white chef's coat and traditional hat. It was a nostalgic visit that reminded me of the shop's delicious burgers and the warm conversations with the owner.

I traveled around Kyushu and visited Nagasaki. Before the trip, I heard about a special hamburger place from an acquaintance, so I decided to check it out. The place is run by an elderly man who is a bit hunched over, giving it a unique charm. Although it's called a hamburger, it actually looks more like a hot dog. It's a hidden gem known to locals. I recommend getting in line early because it takes about 7-8 minutes to make each one. If you're the 10th person in line, you could end up waiting for a while. The reason for the long wait is that they make everything fresh, from slicing the bread with a knife to heating the ingredients in the oven. Despite the wait, the quality of the burger is top-notch. It's best enjoyed fresh on the spot with crispy bread and hot ingredients. Overall, it's worth trying at least once.

A popular old food truck in the YouTube community. Well, it used to be a food truck. It is probably no longer mobile and has settled down. In this food truck with deep roots, a large iron plate is heated, and the master works alone in the sweltering heat. He opens the oven multiple times to check the cooking progress and then closes it. "Just a little more!" he says, while also considering the customers. A simple hot dog sandwich with tomato, ground meat, and garlic sautéed in a special sauce. It has a soulful, street-style taste...! I think the master still has a lot of passion, but eventually, the end will come. Until then, it is one of the legendary places that I want to visit.

In a small trailer parked on top of a small hill in Nishi Park, overlooking Hakata Bay, there is a line forming in front of it. The view is spectacular, the atmosphere is like stepping into a different world. The old man running the place by himself serves up burgers or hot dogs that are full of flavor and punch, a true taste of nostalgia. The meat is definitely not your typical 100% beef, but it's deliciously junky. If you had this as a kid, it would surely become your soul food, something you crave regularly and remember forever. The fact that the old man is still running the place is impressive, there must be something more than just money keeping him going. It's hard to imagine someone else taking over and replicating the same level of perfection, given the unique charm of the place. Sitting on a rock and enjoying the food in such a pleasant setting was truly wonderful. Watching families and children enjoying their meals just like I did made it even better. Japan.

Cheeseburger 400 yen, Frank Egg Cheese 500 yen. I used to visit this park often when I was younger. I would buy a bento box from the nearby bento shop and eat it here. I came here to pass the time before my appointment nearby. I sent my assistant to buy food while I enjoyed the view of the sea and ate my meal. The crispy texture of the bread reminds me of the hot dogs at Miyazaki's Heiwadai or the now-closed Horikiri Pass. Nice job, Mecha-Dock!

◉Genre: Hamburgers ◉Area: Nishi Koen Park, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City ◉Access: 10 minutes by car from Ohori Koen Station ◉Parking: Available ◉Credit card payment: Not available ◉Number of visits: First visit ◉Number of reviews: 1st review On this day, I casually visited "Imaya's Hamburgers." ◇Exterior and Interior This hamburger shop is located on an observation deck in Nishi Koen Park in Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City. It's not just any hamburger shop, but it specializes in hot dog-style hamburgers. Although it operates from a food truck, the truck itself doesn't move. The exterior has an old-school style, with simple chairs and tables around, and a line forms as soon as they open. ◇Seating There are a few chairs and tables around. ◇Menu Structure As mentioned, they specialize in hot dog-style hamburgers. They offer a total of 12 varieties, including hot dogs. I ordered the following: - Frank Egg Cheese (500 yen) It was daytime, and the sun was shining brightly. After waiting in line for 15 minutes, it was finally my turn. As mentioned earlier, their hamburgers are in hot dog style. When you order, they ask if you want mustard, and I chose to have it. The Frank Egg at this shop is a frankfurter with a slit cut into it, and the egg is a freshly made type. The ketchup seems to be a standard type, but the mustard is not regular mustard, it's a Japanese mustard. The bun is baked in an oven, crispy on the outside and slightly fluffy on the inside. Under the frankfurter, there are sautéed cabbage and onions, and they all blend together in your mouth. The Japanese mustard and black pepper add depth to the flavor, but the onions are the highlight. They add sweetness and simplicity to the deliciousness. Both the frankfurter and the egg have a rustic old-school taste that I personally love. Overall, it's a hamburger where you can feel the completeness (deliciousness) as a whole, rather than each individual part. ◆Strong Points Enjoy the old-school deliciousness in a location near the park! ◆Customer Service The staff were elderly but working hard! ◆Conclusion I don't know how many years they have been in business, but seeing the shop owner's bent back, I can't help but worry... However, considering the history they must have, I think they must be doing something right. It made me hesitate to give a score, but I'll do it anyway. Personally, I'm happy that you can drive up to the observation deck. Thank you for the meal! ^ ^

It was another hot day. Inside a small car, an old man was busy making hot dogs. Be careful of heatstroke! The hot dogs were piping hot with melty cheese and a spicy mustard that really hits your nose! By the way, the calcium in cheese is 10 times more than milk, and it contains balanced amino acids for quality protein intake! [Business Hours] 10:00-19:00 [Budget] Up to 500 yen [Ordered Menu] - Frank Egg Cheese - Mix Burger

Fukuoka - Nishi Park When it comes to parks in Fukuoka, Ohori Park and the adjacent Maizuru Park are well known, but if you move a little towards the sea, you will find Nishi Park, which has a small hill. In the central observation square of this park, there is a hot dog stand. In modern terms, there is a permanent food truck in one corner of the park that has been around for over 40 years, where you can buy freshly made hot dogs. There are also more than 10 parking spaces in the central observation square, so it's okay to use a car. Although they are called hot dogs from their appearance, they are actually hamburgers. When the owner took over from a friend and opened the business, the hot dogs, which were made by sandwiching processed ham in bread, were very popular, but as times changed and customer preferences shifted, they stopped selling well. After trial and error, they changed to the current hamburger style. The menu has changed to a poster-like design with food samples on the left, but your order will be taken just before the previous order is ready, so make sure to decide before that! (laughs) When you order, you will also be asked if you want mustard, so be prepared for that too. There is also a service where you can call 20 minutes in advance to place an order and they will have it ready for you, which is convenient for those who don't want to wait in line or don't have much time. Mixed Cheese - 450 yen (tax included) Frank Egg Cheese - 500 yen (tax included) At "Karakuri Bakery," butter or ketchup is spread on a special bread slice, then minced meat and cabbage are sandwiched in and baked in the oven. Your choice of sautéed ingredients are added and the special original sauce is poured on top, then it is baked again in the oven to complete the hot hamburger. While waiting for it to bake, I was told about their commitment to using high-quality onions in the patty. They explained that using fresh and expensive onions, instead of new or cheap ones, makes a big difference in the taste of the patty. They also mentioned that they add bananas for sweetness as a secret ingredient. After paying by placing money on the artificial turf, I received the hot hamburger in a bag and was given a few tissues, then headed to the bench on the observation deck. Eating "Imaya's hamburger" while enjoying the view of Hakata Bay is truly special. The hot dog-style hamburger, which was ranked third in the country in 2007, seems to have been passed down in terms of technique, as a disciple who learned from them has opened their own shop. In September 2020, "Nishi Park BURGER DOG Yakuin x Imaya's Hamburger" opened, and in December 2020, "Imaya's Hamburger Nishijin Store" opened. The owner, who works tirelessly, even on sunny days, and never takes a break, seems to be in his mid-70s but still looks very healthy. Please take care of yourself and keep serving Imaya's hamburgers for a long time. I will definitely visit again to eat. Thank you for the delicious meal.

Grandpa's burgers made with love are amazing! Simple is best! Try the one with tomato and the one with cheese, both are delicious!! The view is also wonderful, making it a relaxing and healing experience while eating. Will definitely come back for more!

The most popular dish is the mixed burger with hamburger and sausage. The bread is warmed in the oven with vegetables sandwiched in between, then the burger is added and it's put back in the oven. It has a crispy texture and is juicy. It's made fresh each time, so it's served piping hot. It seems to be a hidden gem that even appears in in-flight magazines and other publications. There's always a line at the quiet back of Nishi Park.

Many people visit my blog by searching for "Imaya's hamburger closed," but the restaurant in Nishi Park is still going strong. It's been almost 30 years since I used to sneak out of school during lunchtime to buy their burgers. The owner may have developed a slight hunch, but on a weekday in December, you can feel the wind from the Genkai Sea. Despite that, they are still energetically operating. People drive or ride their bikes up to the observation deck, and high school students come to Nishi Park after school. It feels like it was the same way almost 30 years ago. I order the mixed cheese burger and wait while enjoying the view. For some reason, I always end up ordering the mixed cheese burger about 90% of the time. The smell of meat wafts through the air. The owner carefully checks if the buns are baking in the oven. "Okay, the mixed cheese burgers are ready, three of them," he says to the person in front of me. When it's my turn, he asks, "Would you like some mustard?" "Just a little bit," I reply. "Just a little bit, I'll start baking them now," he says. He reminds me, "The buns are almost done baking," and "Just a little more." The style hasn't changed, it's still good. Let's pay after you've finished eating, so we don't get confused with other people's orders. It's ready. I enjoy it at the seating area at the observation deck. The crispy bun, slightly spicy mustard... maybe a bit too much mustard? Sweet ketchup, and the cheese melts just right. It's just like when I used to sneak out of school to buy it.

Hey there! Have you heard of Oichan? When it comes to burgers and hot dogs in Fukuoka, Oichan is the master craftsman known for his expert grilling and amazing flavors! Rumors have been circulating that Oichan, who is turning 75, will be retiring and passing on his skills to the shops in Yakuin and Nishijin... but that's not true. When asked directly, he jokes, "I still have another 10 years in me!" and "I'll keep going with some beauty treatments!" Oichan is still honing his skills at Nishi Park. His perfect grilling and seasoning are truly a work of art that only Oichan can deliver. His bent back facing the hot plate tells the story. The crispy Chinese bakery bun, delicious meat, and the perfect mix of mustard, mayo, and ketchup with cabbage and egg all come together beautifully. As you eat, the flavors meld into the bread, making it irresistible. So tasty! The most popular item is the Mixed Egg Burger for 450 yen, followed by the Frank Egg Cheese for 500 yen. My personal favorite is the Frank Egg, made with specially sourced frankfurters. It's so meaty and delicious! Next time you're at Nishi Park, be sure to try it out. Oichan's Burgers and Hot Dogs at Nishi Park, Fukuoka City, Chuo-ku, 13-13 Observatory Parking Lot, open from 10:00 to 19:00. Closed on rainy days. #OichanBurger #OichanHotDog #NishiParkBurgerDog #Burger #HotDog #DayDrinking #tetsuya720

Fukuoka has a culture of street hot dog stalls. When I moved to Fukuoka, I was surprised by the unexpectedly delicious hot dogs at the YamaKatae Observatory hot dog stall. This stall is well-known and often featured in the media due to its location. There is also a hot dog wagon run by an older lady near Tsuruma Park in the vicinity. Both stalls offer hot dogs with a satisfying taste that exceeds expectations. While Costco and IKEA hot dogs are good occasionally, these hot dogs are a more luxurious version. They have a nostalgic taste that sets them apart from Doutor's hot dogs. In addition to these, there are famous shops like Yasuragi Maru in Nokonoshima and Mama Dog on Shikanoshima Island. Other hot dog stalls I have seen include one on the way from Itoshima to Sawara on Prefectural Route 49 near Hinata Pass, and one at Minamihata Hot Dog near Gokayama on the way to Montbell Shop. Due to the nature of street stalls, these shops are all located in the suburbs. The shop mentioned first would be the most accessible for travelers such as railway passengers. On the other hand, suburban shops are more suitable for those visiting by car or on a drive.

I always wanted to visit this place after seeing it in an in-flight magazine. Finally, I made it. It was unexpectedly located on a high hill, so taking a taxi was the right choice. An old man energetically took our order and asked if we wanted mustard, which was quite strong. Be careful. I chose the cheapest ¥300 hot dog. I thought it would just be a sausage, but it also had a garlic-filled meat and vegetable stir-fry, making it a satisfying hot dog with a lot of volume and delicious taste. I would like to try other items on the menu as well. The location seemed perfect for enjoying the view while eating, so it might be nice to sit there as well. I wish I had come here sooner. It might be tough to walk here in the summer, but there is a nearby parking lot where taxis can enter, making it convenient. On the way back, it was difficult to get a ride using a ride-sharing app, so we ended up flagging down a taxi nearby. People with mobility issues should be cautious. It was so delicious!

This restaurant is located in Nishi Park, one of the largest green spaces in Fukuoka City. It was featured on a TV show like "Kenmin Show" or "Ad-machi". They have a variety of hot dogs, but I decided to go with the Frank Dog, which is similar to a basic hot dog. It was nice to eat it while admiring the cherry blossoms on a warm sunny day. Many people were ordering hamburger options, so I'll try that next time.

If you go to Fukuoka, be sure to check it out! On a Sunday morning, in a small park on a hill, there is a line of about 10 people waiting for a famous food truck. The owner, who speaks various dialects, efficiently takes orders while bending over. Leaving my friends in line, I wandered around the park and ended up ordering the mixed egg dish. I devoured it on a park bench - the homemade hamburger and egg were delicious, and the stir-fried cabbage added a nice balance. I wanted to try the hot dog too, but one dish was already filling. The bread was nicely toasted, and I even dropped some for the birds to enjoy. The food is so good that you must eat it on the spot, not take it to go!

I've seen my grandpa work as a chef before, but this is the first time I've seen him run a hamburger shop. The patties and sausages he cooks look incredibly delicious. The hamburgers he makes are crispy like hot dogs and taste great with the mustard. It's like the ultimate deliciousness you'd find at a Chinese restaurant or like the food in "The Lonely Gourmet." Thank you for the meal. Now, I think I'll take a nap.

When you visit Fukuoka, be sure to stop by this restaurant. It's about a 15-minute walk from Ohori Koen Station, in the opposite direction of Ohori Park. At this restaurant, the owner cooks hamburgers and vegetables on a hot plate, and the savory aroma while waiting for the food to be ready is reminiscent of an okonomiyaki restaurant, which I really like. The storefront looks a bit run-down, but if that doesn't bother you, I highly recommend trying the food. After eating, you can take a leisurely walk back to the station to burn off the calories. Enjoy your meal!

I arrived at the Central Observation Plaza in Nishi Park, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture. This place offers a panoramic view of Hakata Port, and the main attraction seems to be "Imaya's Hamburger," which has reportedly ranked third in the country. The shop was quite popular, with a long line on my previous visit, but this time I was the first customer as the shop had just opened. I asked the owner for a recommendation, and after a short wait, I received the "Mixed Burger" for 400 yen. The burger consisted of a bun with sautéed vegetables, homemade hamburger and sausage, all cooked to perfection. The flavors blended seamlessly, making it a delicious hot dog. It was truly a delightful experience.

While visiting the Koun Shrine, I was approached by a local elderly man who told me about the 3rd best hot dog stand in the country located in Nishi Park. Intrigued, I decided to check it out around 3pm for a snack. The front of the shop was bustling with locals chatting, and people enjoying their hot dogs. The shop seemed quite popular, although I must admit I wasn't aware of its reputation. The menu offered various items, but unsure of which one was the nationally ranked hot dog, I decided to just order a hot dog. There were a few benches outside the shop, and being in a park, you could also enjoy your food on nearby benches. An elderly man was working alone, and after a short wait, my piping hot hot dog arrived. It was difficult to handle and even harder to take a picture of! The hot dog was served in a bun with cabbage, minced meat, and a sausage on top, topped with mustard and ketchup. It was extremely hot and slightly burnt, but overall tasty and very filling. It was more like a lunch than a snack. The menu listed drinks, but they were not available, so the owner suggested getting one from the nearby vending machine. I couldn't help but worry about the future of the shop, as the owner seemed quite elderly. I hope this delicious taste continues!

The hamburgers (hot dogs) here are unbeatable. There are many similar restaurants around, but the taste here is clearly different. Only this uncle can bring out this unique flavor.