Fukuoka is the birthplace of my favorite donut chain in Japan, I’m Donut? so naturally, I had to make a proper visit to their flagship shop during this trip. Thankfully, it’s just a few steps away from Hakata Ikkousha Nishinakasu (博多一幸舍 西中洲店), where we just had our ramen lunch not long ago, so we didn’t have to walk far at all.
I’m Donut? took the world by storm when owner-chef Ryouta Hirako first launched the concept in Tokyo back in 2022, showcasing his signature nama donuts originally developed at his Fukuoka-based bakery café AMAM DACOTAN (now rebranded as dacō). He later brought the concept back home to Tenjin, Fukuoka in the same year.
Known for their light, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, nama donuts have since made their mark in Tokyo and now even in New York City. I’ve visited a few of their Tokyo locations, which typically offer fewer than 10 flavors, but this was my chance to see their full lineup of over 20 flavors, featuring both sweet and savory options.
It only took about 10 minutes of waiting outside the shop before my turn to experience some of the best donuts Japan has to offer!
The shop was tastefully designed, with wooden cupboards beautifully filled with rows of freshly baked donuts. Staff was seen restocking the shelves with donuts fresh out of the oven.
We began with a collection of traditional ring-shaped donuts, available in a variety of flavors including chocolate, matcha, strawberry, caramel, and more. 🍩🍩
Soon after, the much-anticipated nama donuts made their appearance.
While the original "Nama Donut Plain" was clearly the most popular choice among the few customers ahead of me, I also spotted exciting and new flavors I hadn’t seen in Tokyo before including this mentaiko (明太子) donut.
The anchovy cheese was another intriguing option.
I ended up grabbing four donuts, one each for me and my teammates to indulge in.
Double strawberry 🍓 (330 yen) – For my strawberry loving son. This came with a beautiful strawberry glaze and was topped with strawberry-flavored chocolate pieces.
Nama donut plain (220 yen) – Exactly the airy texture you’d expect from a nama donut. Not bad but it lacked that satisfying mouthfeel of a creamy custard filling.
Pistachio nama donut (440 yen) – For mom who’s a huge fan of pistachio (and nuts in general). I had this a couple of times before and it definitely came highly recommended by yours truly.
Mentaiko egg nama donut (380 yen) – Something new for me. I thought the savory-sweet combination added a nice twist (the dough was subtly sweet, thanks to the pumpkin base), but the mentaiko flavor could have been a bit stronger to let that unique savory-spicy combo truly shine.
That said, kudos to the team here for trying something innovative and keeping fans on their toes.
The shop is located on the ground floor of the Tokan Building Fukuoka, right across the street from Mitsukoshi (三越). You absolutely won’t miss it — just look for the line of loyal die-hard fans waiting patiently outside.
Later while I was strolling around Daimyo, I stumbled upon dacō, the sister concept of I'm Donut?.
Here they take their creativity with doughnuts even further, offering funky creations like the Daco Dog with a sausage, the Daco Burger, Chocolate Sand, and more. Too bad I wasn't in the mood for yet another donut at this hour.
Food Rating: 7.2/10
Price: ￥￥￥
Address: G/F Tokan Building Fukuoka, 5-24-30 Watanabedori, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, 810-0004 Japan
Closest Metro Station: Tenjin-minami
Website: https://instagram.com/i.m.donut
Opening Hours: 10:00am - 7:00pm daily
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