Best Sushi in Fukuoka: 10 Restaurants with Michelin Stars and Awards

Savor the Uniqueness of Fukuoka Sushi

Fukuoka’s sushi culture, often called Kyushu-mae, offers a vibrant alternative to Tokyo’s traditional Edomae style by prioritizing ingredient freshness over the standard practice of aging fish.

Because the city is situated near the Genkai Sea, Fukuoka’s chefs source seafood caught just hours before service. This results in a crisp, chewy texture, particularly evident in translucent squid and white-fleshed fish.

Moreover, Kyushu-mae chefs frequently use additional seasonings besides soy sauce, such as kabosu citrus, specialty salts, and sesame.

Last but not least, the proximity to world-class fishing grounds allows diners to experience Michelin-starred sushi at a significantly lower price point than in Tokyo.

• Table of Contents
• 1. Sushi Gosuian: Superb Sushi in a Japanese Ambience
• 2. Sushi Kuma: Proudly Showcasing Kyushu Flavors
• 3. Sushi Kijima: Celebrating the Bounty of the Genkai Sea
• 4. Sushi Soejima: Kyushu Flavors and Expert Sake Pairings
• 5. Kifuku: Sophisticated Sushi Omakase
• 6. Sushiryori Ichitaka: Savor Masterful Sushi Creations by a Famous Chef
• 7. Sushi Kubota: Focusing on Seasonal Flavors
• 8. Sushi Tamon: A Legacy of Excellence
• 9. Sushi Ittoku: Taste Master-Level Sushi in Nishinakasu
• 10. Nishimura: Sushi with Seafood from Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka

1. Sushi Gosuian: Superb Sushi in a Japanese Ambience

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Located in the quiet back alleys of Maizuru, Sushi Gosuian is an award-winning restaurant operating under the "Aesthetics of Subtraction." The master chef meticulously strips away the superfluous to reveal the raw, honest essence of every ingredient.

This philosophy is most evident in the restaurant's signature shari. Seasoned with only a whisper of salt, the rice creates a transparent harmony that allows the natural sweetness of premium seafood to take center stage.

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Within this intimate, natural-wood retreat, the master’s sincere hospitality offers a profound escape from the urban bustle—a dining experience defined not by what is added, but by what remains.

2. Sushi Kuma: Proudly Showcasing Kyushu Flavors

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Sushi Kuma is a heartfelt tribute to the bounty of Kyushu. Here, the "warmth of natural wood" extends from the hand-carved counter to the sincere hospitality of the owner, who personally selects the day’s finest catch at the local markets.

The menu is a showcase of regional excellence: premium Hinohikari rice from Taketa, crisp seasonal vegetables from the fertile lands of Itoshima, and pristine seafood from across Kyushu’s vibrant coasts.

Every bite is designed to harmonize with a curated library of local Kyushu sake, specifically chosen to elevate the subtle, clean notes of the sea.

Whether dining solo or with loved ones, Sushi Kuma offers a refined yet soulful escape into the authentic flavors of the region.

3. Sushi Kijima: Celebrating the Bounty of the Genkai Sea

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A Michelin-selected restaurant in the heart of Hakata, Sushi Kijima offers an exquisite "sushi kappo" experience that celebrates the bounty from the Genkai Sea.

Under the master’s hand, the menu features a prestigious duality: fresh local seafood sourced from Fukuoka’s own waters and premium raw tuna delivered daily from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market.

By utilizing a clean, Kanto-style soy sauce, the chef allows the natural brilliance of each seasonal ingredient to take center stage, perfectly accompanied by a world-class selection of sake and fine wines.

The dining room itself is a gallery of Japanese artistry, anchored by a striking, six-meter ginkgo wood counter and walls adorned with artful ceramic panels by Arita porcelain artisans. It is a space where refined aesthetics and high-level craftsmanship converge for a truly memorable dining experience.

4. Sushi Soejima: Kyushu Flavors and Expert Sake Pairings

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Experience the heart of Kyushu at Sushi Soejima, an award-winning, family-run counter near Hakata Station where exceptional cuisine meets genuine warmth.

Hosted by a cheerful couple, this eight-seat counter offers an intimate escape for anniversaries and special evenings.

From delicate, hand-pressed sushi to seasonal à la carte creations, every dish celebrates Kyushu’s finest seasonal ingredients. The menu is thoughtfully paired with a selection of premium Japanese sake.

5. Kifuku: Sophisticated Sushi Omakase

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A Michelin-selected destination, Kifuku is loved for its regional sourcing and artisanal precision. By blending three distinct vinegars—including a three-year-aged red variety—the chef creates a fragrant rice that perfectly balances umami with a sharp, clean acidity.

Each piece of sushi is hand-pressed to incorporate air, ensuring a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

The monthly-evolving omakase course includes sushi and seasonal side dishes. The sequence uses bright, acidic dishes to cleanse the palate after rich, fatty delicacies sourced from Kyushu, Ishikawa, and Hokkaido. Sake pairings are also available.

The interior, reminiscent of a traditional tea room, boasts an eight-seat L-shaped counter crafted from warm natural cedar. Kifuku is a serene space designed for focused, blissful dining.

6. Sushiryori Ichitaka: Savor Masterful Sushi Creations by a Famous Chef

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Sushiryori Ichitaka is an award-winning restaurant located near the serene Ohori Park. A pioneer of specialized fish aging techniques, Chef Kimiya transforms the finest Kyushu seafood into an entirely original style of sushi.

Each piece is hand-blended at the counter, featuring rice cooked in a signature seasoned broth to amplify the natural umami of the catch.

The experience is framed by understated elegance: a grain-matched wooden counter, master-crafted Karatsu and Nabeshima ceramics, and a curated cellar of Japanese sake and premium wines.

7. Sushi Kubota: Focusing on Seasonal Flavors

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A Michelin-starred restaurant, Sushi Kubota is defined by a daring philosophy: the complete absence of tuna. By removing the traditional centerpiece of the omakase, the chef—trained in Tokyo’s most elite kitchens—directs the diner’s focus toward the pure, fleeting excellence of the season’s finest local catch.

Within a beautiful interior centered on the pristine whitewood counter, the experience is one of "dignified charm."

Here, traditional Edomae techniques are filtered through the chef’s unique modern sensibilities to amplify the natural umami of every ingredient.

Paired with a curated selection of exquisite sake, Sushi Kubota offers a rare, high-concept journey for those who seek the true essence of the Japanese seasons.

8. Sushi Tamon: A Legacy of Excellence

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Now relocated to the sophisticated district of Yakuin in Fukuoka, the Michelin-starred Sushi Tamon continues its legacy of excellence.

At the heart of the experience is a signature shari—a masterpiece of balance. Crafted from Oita’s celebrated Hinohikari rice and seasoned with a proprietary blend of several vinegars, its mild, elegant profile provides the perfect canvas for the season’s finest catch.

Sourcing from the local Yanagibashi Union Market, as well as the elite stalls of Toyosu and Osaka, the chef creates a seamless flow of nigiri and refined side dishes.

The setting is equally curated: a striking, single-slab ginkgo wood counter, custom-designed seating, and artisanal Karatsu ware create a space of quiet luxury. To complete the journey, guests can explore an extensive cellar of seasonal sake and premium French wines, each chosen to elevate the nuances of the seafood.

9. Sushi Ittoku: Taste Master-Level Sushi in Nishinakasu

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Sushi Ittoku is located in Nishinakasu, Fukuoka’s premier enclave for discerning gourmands.

The dining experience focused on wild-caught Kyushu seafood, hand-selected daily by the master at the historic Yanagibashi Rengo Market to ensure peak umami.

To honor the unique character of each catch, the chef utilizes two distinct styles of shari—skillfully seasoned with either red or rice vinegar—to create a seamless, pure finish for every piece.

This culinary narrative extends beyond nigiri to include seasonal side dishes, all thoughtfully paired with a curated selection of 30 premium sakes.

Within the intimate space, the chef’s sincere craftsmanship and warm hospitality offer a peaceful retreat from the city's bustle, making it a great destination for those dedicated to the pure enjoyment of master-level sushi.

10. Nishimura: Sushi with Seafood from Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka

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Nishimura is a hidden gem where traditional Edomae sushi meets modern Japanese artistry.

Led by a chef who spent five years at the three-Michelin-starred Sushi Sakai, the restaurant operates on a singular philosophy: “Preparation begins with sourcing.” By maintaining deep-rooted relationships with elite vendors at Toyosu, Osaka, and Fukuoka markets, Nishimura ensures every cut is unparalleled.

Enjoy a seamless omakase course of expert nigiri sushi and innovative side dishes within a refined Japanese interior.

Enjoy Sushi in Fukuoka

Fukuoka’s food scene is full of highlights—don’t miss the sushi. If you’ve tried Edomae and Kansai styles, sample the local Kyushumae style to compare the flavors.

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