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Thursday, December 4, 2025

From Fishmonger to Sushi Restaurant: Sushi Ichiban in Fukuoka, Japan

Sushi Ichiban (すし一番)

This summer, my husband and I visited Fukuoka, Japan. Before the trip, I watched several YouTube videos about Sushi Ichiban (すし一番). Many people described it as a popular local sushi restaurant owned by a fishmonger. The sushi is known for being fresh and reasonably priced. Sushi Ichiban was also one of my childhood favorites. The last time I ate there was when I was a teenager. Returning after so many years made me feel both nostalgic and excited.

Sushi Ichiban (すし一番)

When I was a child, Sushi Ichiban was just one restaurant. Now they have a branch in addition to the main location. Both places only open for limited hours, so it is important to check the schedule before visiting. Lunch is served from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm, and dinner is from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm.

Sushi Ichiban (すし一番)

Lunch 11 am to 2:30 pm

Dinner 5 pm to 9:30

Main restaurant
2228-840 Kamitsumachi
Kurume, Fukuoka

Branch (Kamitsu Ten)
1669-1 Kamitsumachi
Kurume, Fukuoka

Sushi Ichiban is both a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant and an order-made sushi restaurant. If you want the freshest taste, it is best to order the sushi you like directly. When we arrived, it was already 1:30 pm, only one hour before closing. At that time, the conveyor belt had stopped, so ordering sushi was the only option.

At the entrance, the staff displayed the recommended menu for the day. The selections included Shima-aji (striped jack), Hirame (flounder), Kanpachi (yellowtail), and Kinmedai (golden eye snapper). There were also other seasonal choices available.

Sushi Ichiban Menu

As you can see from the menu, the food is very affordable. We decided to order the items we really wanted to try.

The sushi was consistently fresh, with bright flavors that made every bite enjoyable.

えび　Ebi (Shrimp) 143 yen for two

さーもん　Salmon 143 yen for two

いか　Ika (Squid) 143 yen for two

生えび　Nama Ebi (Raw Shrimp) 143 yen for two

やりいか　Yari Ika (spear squid) 264 yen for two

たい　Tai (Snapper) 143 yen each

本まぐろ　Hon Maguro (bluefin tuna) 143 yen each

まぐろ　Maguro (Tuna) 143 yen for two

しまあじ　Shima-Aji (Striped Jack) 198 yen each

かつおのたたき　Katsuo no Tataki (seared bonito) 264 yen for two

金目鯛　Kinmedai (Golden Eye Snapper) 264 yen each

うに　Uni (Sea Urchin) 352 yen for two

げそさらだ　Geso Sald (Squid Leg Salad) 198 yen each

ねぎとろ　Negi Toro (Minced Tuna) 143 yen for two

うにくりーむころっけ　Uni Cream Croquette (Sea Urchin Croquette) 352 yen for three

This time we wanted to try the Uni Cream Croquette. Some YouTubers recommended it, so we were curious. It arrived hot and crisp on the outside. The inside was soft and creamy, with a clear sea urchin flavor. The rich taste blended with the smooth texture, making each bite warm and satisfying. I really enjoyed it.

うにくりーむころっけ　Uni Cream Croquette (Sea Urchin Croquette)

We ordered many dishes. The fresh sushi and croquette cost only 3,784 yen including tax. For two people, it was just $26. In the United States, the same amount of sushi would usually cost much more, so this felt very affordable. Enjoying so much fresh seafood at such a low price made the meal even more satisfying.

Visiting Sushi Ichiban again after so many years was a special experience. The sushi was fresh, the croquette was unique, and the price was very reasonable compared to what we would pay in the United States. It reminded me of my childhood, yet also felt new because I was sharing it with my husband. Sushi Ichiban is not a fancy place, but it offers honest flavors and great value. For anyone visiting Kurume, it is a wonderful stop to enjoy local sushi culture.

These are my entries related to Fukuoka.