Tenzushi Kyomachi

Located in the city of Kokura, Tenzushi Kyomachi is one of the top destinations for sushi in the country. The menu follows what chef Koichi Amano describes as “sushi by addition”, a style rooted in Kyushu-mae tradition that remains open to experimentation. The most striking feature about the restaurant might be its compact size: just six seats are available at the counter, behind which the chef hand-crafts tenzushi- and Kyushu-style sushi using regional fish and citrus instead of soy sauce. Sushi is best enjoyed with your hands, and the experience is focused entirely on the counter progression. There are no side dishes, no alcohol, just the chef’s disciplined sequencing of seasonal catches.

Tatler Tip

Reservations are notoriously difficult to get. The waiting list can exceed 11 months, and the restaurant books up approximately two months in advance. Foreign visitors should book via the app Tableall, as the restaurant does not accept direct online bookings. Note that no alcohol is served, and guests are asked not to bring their own.