Kyushu Hakata Daikichi Sushi PREMIUM

The culinary spirit of Fukuoka, a prefecture hugged on three sides by coastal waters, thrives in Kyushu Hakata Daikichi Sushi PREMIUM, an upscale sushi bar located on the second floor of THE BLOSSOM HAKATA Premier Hotel. This counter-only store is part of a respected network of restaurants across Fukuoka, overseen by esteemed sushi kaiseki establishments Kawasho and Kawataro. The latter is known to be the birthplace of squid “ikezukuri” (live squid sashimi) and “ikesu ryori,” a subtype of cuisine where fish are kept alive in a swim tank until they are taken out for preparation. Naturally, the recipes and techniques inherited from its parent store are infused with originality. The menu is driven by market availability, with chefs hand-picking the day's catch from select suppliers across the region. A counter crafted from a single piece of Yakusugi cedar encircles the open kitchen, where fresh seafood from the waters of Kyushu — the Genkai Sea, Tsushima Strait and Bungo Channel — is worked into exceptional sushi. Ingredients, rice and soy sauce are the focus. Delicate knife work transforms squid into beautifully scored sashimi, while conger eel is steamed and dressed with a special sauce, presented atop shari (sushi rice) seasoned with the store's original rice vinegar blend. Two types of “dashi” shoyu are offered: a rich variety and a sweeter version typical of the Kyushu region. Beyond sushi, the restaurant churns out kappo-style dishes featuring Kyushu-caught fish. Guests fall in love with the charcoal-grilled skewers and Kawataro's special squid tempura. Sake pairings can be picked from an assured list that boasts well-priced local brews from Fukuoka, Saga and Oita, as well as Kyushu’s celebrated shochu. The wine lineup ranging from white and red to sparkling is equally impressive and goes surprisingly well with Japanese dishes.