Two years ago, during my visit to Miyazaki, I was deeply impressed by the sushi at "Isshin Sushi Koyo." This time, I wanted to visit again and learned that one of the chefs there has now become the head chef at a sushi restaurant called "Hitotsu," so I made a reservation. This was one of the places I was particularly looking forward to on my trip to Miyazaki. Standing at the counter was Chef Yuta Kawahara. The live experience of watching him prepare, cut, and shape each piece of sushi right in front of me was captivating. He was serious about his craft, yet when we spoke, he was very friendly, creating a close connection. While there was a certain tension typical of a sushi restaurant, it never felt stiff, and even as a first-time visitor, the conversation flowed naturally. The progression from appetizers to sushi was pleasant, and I enjoyed the local ingredients from Kyushu and Miyazaki. What particularly stood out to me was the sushi rice. I learned that it is made with red vinegar and wasanbon sugar. When I heard "wasanbon," I imagined it would be sweet, but when I tasted it, the sweetness was subtle and harmonious with the toppings, without being heavy. Even as the sushi continued, I never felt tired and enjoyed every bite until the end. As a sake lover, the selection of drinks was also one of the highlights. It wasn't just about enjoying the sushi; I paired it with sake and chatted with the chef. I believe that this experience itself is part of the charm of "Hitotsu." Of course, the delicious sushi was a given, but what left the strongest impression on me after the meal was, strangely enough, the chef's smile. His serious expression as a craftsman at the counter contrasted beautifully with his soft demeanor during our conversation. I took many photos, and even through the lens, his personality shone through. It all started two years ago with my awe for sushi at "Isshin Sushi Koyo," and now I have discovered a new place called "Hitotsu." This kind of connection might be part of the joy of exploring food while traveling. I now have one more sushi restaurant in Miyazaki that I want to visit again. Next time I come to Miyazaki, I hope to sit at the counter once more.
We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.
