“To bring a live squid directly to your mouth” — there is a place in Fukuoka and Saga where you can do just that. The “Yobuko squid,” raised in the rough waves of the Genkai Sea, is exceptional in terms of clarity, sweetness, and texture. In this article, we will introduce each restaurant, from famous spots in Fukuoka City to scenic establishments in Saga and Yobuko, along with videos.
- Kawataro Nakasu Main Store | Fukuoka City, Nakasu ── The Origin of Live Squid Sashimi
- Yahata-maru Genkai | Fukuoka Prefecture, Chikushino City ── A Hidden Gem Loved by Locals for Fresh Squid Sashimi
- Kabesima Live Fish Cuisine | Saga, Yobuko (Kabesima) ── Enjoy squid sashimi with a breathtaking view of the sea
- Seiryoku Ryokan | Saga, Yobuko ── Enjoy Fresh Squid Sashimi in Rooms that Float Above the Sea
- Ika Douraku | Saga, Yobuko ── A renowned restaurant where you can see the craftsmanship of live squid preparation up close
- Fukuoka and Saga: A Comparison of Famous Squid Restaurants
- Summary: The Transparency of Squid Reveals the Richness of Kyushu
Kawataro Nakasu Main Store | Fukuoka City, Nakasu ── The Origin of Live Squid Sashimi
Located in Nakasu, Fukuoka City, Kawataro is a long-established restaurant known for being the first in Japan to offer live squid sashimi. The squid, which is prepared alive upon ordering, still moves on the plate with its translucent white flesh. Just witnessing this spectacle makes it worth a visit.
One of the attractions is the “two-way enjoyment style,” where the tentacles are later served grilled with salt or as tempura. It is not uncommon for lines to form before opening, and the seats can fill up immediately. The video showcases its popularity and the impressive experience of live sashimi in detail.
Address: 1-6-6 Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, 810-0801 ／ TEL: 092-271-2133 ／ Business Hours: [Lunch] 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM (11:45 AM – on weekends and holidays / L.O. 1:30 PM) ／ [Dinner] 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (5:00 PM – on Sundays and holidays / L.O. 1 hour before) ／ Closed: Only during Obon and New Year holidays ／ Budget: Lunch ¥3,000 and up / Dinner ¥8,000 and up
Shiro’s Tip
On weekends, there are cases where it becomes fully booked even if you line up 30 minutes before opening. If reservations are possible, please do so in advance.
Yahata-maru Genkai | Fukuoka Prefecture, Chikushino City ── A Hidden Gem Loved by Locals for Fresh Squid Sashimi
“Located in a mysterious area known only to locals” — this phrase has piqued the interest of many Fukuoka food enthusiasts, referring to this squid sashimi restaurant, Yahata-maru Genkai (Chikushino City).
It is a place I highly recommend for those looking for a genuine local gem rather than a famous tourist spot.
Despite its location being different from the well-known Nakasu and Tenjin areas, the balance of squid freshness and price is highly regarded. Transforming from “I didn’t know” to “I absolutely want to go.” Encounters like this make your Fukuoka food journey much more enjoyable.
Address: 〒818-0066 Fukuoka Prefecture, Chikushino City, Nagaoka 1394-17 / TEL: 092-928-5566 / Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (L.O. 1:00 PM) / 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (L.O. 8:00 PM) / Closed: Thursday / Budget: Lunch ¥1,000~ / Dinner ¥3,000~
Shiro’s Tip
The reason locals keep coming back often lies in the “cost performance.” Since it’s not priced for tourists, the quantity and freshness often exceed expectations. It’s recommended to check the location on a map app before heading there, using the video as a reference.
Check reviews and English menu on TabelogKabesima Live Fish Cuisine | Saga, Yobuko (Kabesima) ── Enjoy squid sashimi with a breathtaking view of the sea
Located on Kabeshima, just beyond the Yobuko Ohashi Bridge, Kabesima Live Fish Cuisine is a restaurant where you can enjoy squid sashimi while gazing at the stunning Genkai Sea right in front of you. Being on an island, the visit itself becomes a highlight of your journey.
The squid is brought in still alive, with its translucent body moving on the plate. The freshness is so remarkable that it is noted, “It moves even when cut!!”, a testament to the rich sea that nurtures it around Kabeshima. The relaxed pace of life unique to remote islands, different from shops in Fukuoka City, is also one of the charms of this restaurant.
Address: 260-1 Kabeshima, Yobuko Town, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture 847-0305 ／ TEL: 0955-82-5187 ／ Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last Order 4:00 PM) ／ Closed: Wednesdays, New Year’s Day (Note: Open on holidays, Golden Week, Obon, and New Year’s if applicable) ／ Budget: ¥3,000〜
Shiro’s Tip
It is convenient to access Kabeshima by car over the Yobuko Ohashi Bridge. Since lunch is often the main service, it is recommended to depart in the morning.
Seiryoku Ryokan | Saga, Yobuko ── Enjoy Fresh Squid Sashimi in Rooms that Float Above the Sea
Located along the coast of Yobuko, Seiryoku Ryokan is known for its guest rooms that extend over the sea, offering a panoramic view of the Genkai Sea. Guests can soak in the hot springs while staying overnight and enjoy fresh squid sashimi for dinner — here lies the deep charm of Yobuko that cannot be experienced in a day trip.
The freshness of the squid sourced directly from local fishermen and the dining experience with a view of the sea will surely leave a lasting memory of your trip. This is a top choice for a two-day, one-night stay in Yobuko.
Address: 1672-2 Tonoura, Yobuko-cho, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture ／ TEL: 0955-82-2311 ／ Check-in: 15:00〜 ／ Check-out: 10:00 ／ Closed: Open year-round ／ Price range: ¥15,000 for 1 night with 2 meals and up ／ Reservation required
Shiro’s Tip
During Golden Week, Obon, and New Year’s holidays, the ryokan can be fully booked months in advance. Early reservations are essential. It is recommended to book in advance through Trip.com or the official website.
Ika Douraku | Saga, Yobuko ── A renowned restaurant where you can see the craftsmanship of live squid preparation up close
The famous squid restaurant representing Yobuko, Ika Douraku.
The process of live squid being transformed into sashimi by the skilled hands of a craftsman is captured here.
The intensity of the moment when the “live” squid becomes translucent sashimi never gets old, no matter how many times you see it.
Address: 3606 Kabejima, Yobuko-cho, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture 847-0305 / TEL: 0955-82-5539 / Business Hours: Weekdays 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM (L.O. 3:30 PM) / Weekends and Holidays 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM (L.O. 4:30 PM) *May close early depending on supply / Closed: Thursdays (may open during busy periods) / Budget: ¥3,000~
Shiro’s Tip
Ika Douraku is located on Kabejima, just past the Yobuko Ohashi bridge, similar to Kabejima. It gets crowded during lunch hours, so it’s recommended to go right when it opens or choose a weekday.
Fukuoka and Saga: A Comparison of Famous Squid Restaurants
| Store Name | Area | Features | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kawatako Nakasu Main Store | Fukuoka City, Nakasu | A long-established restaurant known for its fresh squid sashimi | Those who want to experience the original flavor |
| Yahata Maru Genkai | Chikushino City, Fukuoka Prefecture | A hidden gem loved by locals for fresh squid sashimi | Those looking for local gourmet spots |
| Kabesima Seafood Restaurant | Yobuko, Saga Prefecture (Kabesima) | Enjoy fresh squid sashimi with a stunning ocean view | Those who want to enjoy Yobuko’s squid with a beautiful view |
| Seiryoku Ryokan | Yobuko, Saga Prefecture | Rooms floating on the sea + squid dishes | Those who want to fully enjoy Yobuko’s flavors with accommodation |
| Ikadoraku | Yobuko, Saga Prefecture | A famous restaurant where you can see the craftsmanship of fresh sashimi up close | Those who are particular about the skill of preparation and freshness |
Summary: The Transparency of Squid Reveals the Richness of Kyushu
The squid dishes in Fukuoka and Saga are unmatched in terms of “freshness.” Squid raised in the Genkai Sea has an extremely short time from catch to table, which creates that transparency and sweetness.
From the birthplace, Kawatako, to hidden gem restaurants known only to locals, the breathtaking views at Kabeshima, and the accommodation experiences in Yobuko—each place is truly worth a visit. The moment you see a live squid right in front of you, your travel memories will surely be rewritten.
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