Recommended sushi restaurants in Fukuoka, Japan

Recommended sushi restaurants in Fukuoka, Japan

Recommended conveyor belt sushi restaurants in Fukuoka, Japan

Characteristics of Fukuoka’s Cuisine

The Gateway to Kyushu, The Charm of Fukuoka
Fukuoka Prefecture, located in the northern part of Kyushu, is an attractive area where rich nature and vibrant economic activities coexist. To the north is the Genkai Sea and to the south is the Ariake Sea, blessed with beautiful coastlines and diverse marine resources. In addition, mountain ranges such as the Sefuri Mountains and Hiko-san create rich natural landscapes.
It flourished as a base for exchanges with the Korean Peninsula from ancient times and developed as a castle town of the Kuroda clan during the Edo period. Since the Meiji era, it has evolved into a modern industrial city and now serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of Kyushu.
In recent years, its function as a gateway to Asia has been strengthened, establishing its status as an international hub.
The economy of Fukuoka Prefecture is well-balanced with manufacturing, services, and commerce. In particular, high-tech industries such as the automotive and semiconductor industries are thriving, with many companies from both Japan and abroad establishing operations. Moreover, Fukuoka City is Kyushu’s largest city, where financial institutions and distribution businesses cluster, promoting vigorous economic activities.
Fukuoka Prefecture, with its rich nature, vibrant economic activities, and charm as an international hub, is expected to continue developing even further.

The Treasure Trove of Kyushu, History and Climate of Fukuoka Prefecture
Fukuoka Prefecture has flourished as a base for exchanges with the Korean Peninsula since ancient times, nurturing a rich culture and history.
Dazaifu was a center of politics and diplomacy in ancient Japan. Its history is engraved in places such as Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and Komyozenji Temple, both designated as special historic sites by the nation.
During the Edo period, the Fukuoka domain governed Chikuzen and Chikugo provinces, under which a unique culture blossomed through the cultural policies of the Kuroda clan. Traces of this can be seen in Fukuoka City’s Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Fukuoka Castle ruins, and Yanagawa Castle ruins.
Fukuoka Prefecture’s nature is diverse. The coastlines facing the Genkai Sea and Ariake Sea boast beautiful scenery and abundant marine products. Mountains like the Sefuri Mountain Range and Hiko-san are popular spots for outdoor activities such as hiking and climbing.
The warm climate and fertile land are also favorable for agriculture. Fukuoka Prefecture produces a wealth of agricultural products such as rice, wheat, vegetables, and fruits, supporting Japanese dining tables.

The Food Treasure House of Fukuoka Prefecture’s Cuisine
Fukuoka Prefecture, where rich nature and vibrant economic activities coexist, boasts a diverse food culture.
For seafood, dishes made with fresh seafood from the Genkai Sea are popular. Specifically, Hakata’s sesame mackerel, squid sashimi, and mentaiko (spicy cod roe) are well-known local cuisines of Fukuoka.
For mountain delicacies, dishes using branded pork from Chikushino City’s “Ume Yamabuta” or Asakura City’s “Asakura No Pork” are recommended. Fukuoka is also Japan’s leading producer of burdock, and many dishes utilize it.
Fukuoka Prefecture is also rich in nationally famous local gourmet foods such as ramen and motsunabe (offal hotpot). Hakata ramen, characterized by its rich tonkotsu (pork bone) broth and thin noodles, attracts many ramen enthusiasts. Motsunabe, a hotpot dish stewed with beef or pork offal in miso or soy sauce, is a beloved winter delicacy.
Recently, restaurants serving creative cuisine using Fukuoka Prefecture’s ingredients have been increasing. While preserving traditional food culture, new food cultures are also being developed, making Fukuoka a veritable food treasure house.

Experiencing the Elegance of Hakata, Fukuoka Prefecture’s Sushi Culture
Blessed with abundant seafood, Fukuoka Prefecture’s sushi culture has also developed uniquely.
Unlike Edo-mae sushi, Fukuoka’s sushi, known as “Hakata-mae,” features fresh seafood from the Genkai Sea as its main ingredient. Additionally, unlike Edo-mae sushi, which mixes vinegar with rice, it is common here to use plain rice when forming sushi.
Representing Fukuoka’s sushi is Hakata’s “nigiri sushi,” which serves thinly sliced fresh seafood atop rice. Especially, sushi using blue fish such as mackerel and squid is one of the characteristics of Hakata-mae sushi.
In recent years, shops offering creative sushi using ingredients from Fukuoka have been increasing. Fukuoka, while preserving the traditional Hakata-mae sushi, is also developing new sushi cultures, making it a true sushi treasure trove.
There are many places to enjoy sushi in Fukuoka Prefecture, from long-established sushi restaurants to casual sushi bars, allowing you to choose according to your preference.

The Bounty of Fukuoka Prefecture, A Variety of Specialty Products
Fukuoka Prefecture, where rich nature and vibrant economic activities coexist, produces a variety of specialty products.
In terms of seafood, mentaiko, squid sashimi, and Hakata’s sesame mackerel made with fresh seafood from the Genkai Sea are popular. Additionally, branded pork like “Ume Yamabuta” and “Asakura No Pork,” raised in Fukuoka’s rich natural environment, represent the prefecture.
Fukuoka is also famous for its traditional crafts. Hakata-ori, a traditional silk fabric from the Edo period, is known for its beautiful patterns and textures. Kurume kasuri, a hand-woven cotton dyed with indigo, is popular for its rustic feel.
Recently, processed products using Fukuoka’s ingredients have also increased. Products that allow you to enjoy local gourmet foods such as Hakata ramen and motsunabe at home, as well as jams and sweets made with Fukuoka-grown fruits, are available in a wide variety.
When visiting Fukuoka Prefecture, consider purchasing local specialty products to make your trip even more memorable.