Hello, I’m a gourmet specialist.When it comes to sushi in Fukuoka, most people tend to think of Hakata or Tenjin. However, there’s a sushi place in Kurume that I absolutely want to visit.This restaurant has been awarded the Tabelog Award 2026 Bronze and has also been selected as one of the Top 100 Sushi Restaurants in 2025.The interior is minimalistic, featuring a sleek counter.Surprisingly, it doesn’t have the tense atmosphere often found in renowned establishments.Thanks to the gentle vibe from Chef Yoshida, I found myself relaxing after sitting down. This comfortable ambiance left a lasting impression, separate from the food itself.The course begins not with sushi, but with appetizers.This is what makes Yoshida enjoyable.As I sipped on sake while sampling seasonal dishes, the anticipation for the sushi to come became increasingly delightful.Then came the sushi.The rice had a subtle sweetness and was served at a slightly warmer temperature. The portions were small compared to the toppings, allowing the fish to shine when placed in my mouth.Many of the toppings were thick, not just soft, and released umami as I bit into them.Rather than focusing on making each piece visually extravagant, there seemed to be a consistent emphasis on how to best present the fish.Focusing primarily on Kyushu fish, they enhance the flavors through aging and preparation.It’s fascinating how they don’t rely solely on freshness.It’s not just about serving good fish as is; they wait for the fish to reach its peak flavor or make adjustments. This meticulous process is encapsulated in each piece.As I continued eating, I noticed a seamless transition between the appetizers and the sushi.There was a moment to enjoy while drinking sake, and then my thoughts naturally shifted to the sushi.Even though it was a course meal, there was a lingering excitement about what would come next until the very end.When I’m busy with work, sometimes it feels extravagant to travel by train just for a meal.However, visiting a place like this flips that notion.It’s not that the food is delicious just because I made the effort to come.It’s that after finishing my meal, I find myself wanting to return again.That alone is a good enough reason to come all the way to Kurume.
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