For more than half a century, Ryotei Sagano has been refining a culinary experience that conveys the true essence of Japanese culture. Set in breathtaking traditional architecture overlooking the Naka River, the authentic kaiseki restaurant embraces every aspect of local craftsmanship and hospitality that must be enjoyed with all five senses.

Surrounded by lifeless office buildings, Ryotei Sagano is set in a walled sukiya-zukuri house on a 10,000 square feet plot in central Fukuoka. The historic building is hidden with all kinds of wonderful details such as the intricate engravery on every kawara slate of the roof. The striking calligraphy by the grand gate, a work of Kyushu Electric Chairman, welcomes every guest majestically.

Ryotei Sagano’s long and evolving history reflects the family’s dedication in building the best Japanese restaurant in the city. It first opened as a small restaurant in 1967 by the father of the current okami, the lady of the house. Over the next three decades, the family invested in expanding and upgrading the property, such as adding the tea room, until the place became what it is now.

Today, the restaurant is led by the veteran okami and the rising young chef, who together strive to offer every guest the most memorable cultural experience. As signs of warm welcome, she designs fresh flower arrangements and selects a different piece of art for each room, all carefully curated with the day’s guests in mind.

You slowly slide the gate open and step into a peaceful courtyard with swaying bamboo trees. You remove your shoes and are escorted through a number of fusuma panels to your private room. Today, we are invited to dine at the Takao room, one of their largest classic tatami rooms.

The spacious room is filled with works of craftsmanship. The nails on the pillars are covered by kugikakushi, buttons designed to hide the head of nails. The ones used here are made of bamboo and decorated with the restaurant’s emblem. Behind the sliding doors with ink wash painting of bamboo hang colorful donchos, drop curtains used in theater. Peeking through the drapes of fabric, you can gaze at the beautiful scenery of the river and garden. Here, you find true peace.

As the okami and team explored the roots of Japanese culture over the years, traditional tea ceremony, naturally, became an important integral of the Sagano experience. In their peaceful tea room, guests can enjoy a time of quiet reflection and celebration of grace, mindfulness, and beauty.

To accommodate groups or host cultural events, there is also a large banquet room that can fit as many as 60 guests. The restaurant also offers chairs if some guests can’t sit on the tatami floor, to make sure the experience is as comfortable and pleasant for everyone.