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When it comes to squid in Kyushu, Yobuko in Saga Prefecture is the place to go.
While traveling around Kyushu with the JR Seishun 18 Pass, I took the opportunity to visit Yobuko for some authentic local squid!
There are many restaurants specializing in squid, but I chose to visit a place called Ika Honke.
They serve live squid sashimi and many other delicious squid dishes, including tempura — all of which were truly amazing!
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Yobuko, one of Japan’s top squid destinations – about 30 minutes by bus from JR Karatsu Station
If you’re traveling by public transport, it takes about 30 minutes by bus from JR Karatsu Station to reach Yobuko.
Known as one of Japan’s most famous squid-producing regions, Yobuko is full of fishing boats.
The famous Yobuko Morning Market is nearby as well.
Rotating dried squid — only in Yobuko!
I even filmed a video. It’s oddly mesmerizing to watch them spin.
Ika Honke’s main restaurant — also featured in the film “Akunin”
This time, I visited the main location of the well-known Ika Honke.
There was a face-in-hole photo panel — and yes, it’s shaped like a squid body!
Apparently, this restaurant was a filming location for the movie “Akunin”, starring Eri Fukatsu and Satoshi Tsumabuki.
I’m not sure how it fits in with the story — but interesting nonetheless!
Let’s head inside!
Right near the entrance is a large tank full of live squid — these are what we’re about to eat.
We were guided to a spacious tatami room on the second floor.
The view of Yobuko’s harbor from the window was lovely.
Here’s the menu — packed with seafood, especially squid.
I went with the live squid sashimi set meal. For an extra 400 yen or so, I upgraded the rice to sushi.
Enjoying a luxurious squid feast with live sashimi, shumai, and tempura
Here it comes — the squid sashimi! It’s so clear and still moving!
Chewy and incredibly tasty!
Next came the rest of the meal.
The sushi was also fantastic.
Squid, squid, and more squid — nearly every dish featured squid, with only a few exceptions.
Squid shumai!
Those eyes though — intense stare!
After enjoying the raw squid, they turned the remaining parts into tempura.
This tempura was incredibly good — one of the best I’ve ever had.
For dessert, instead of kabosu juice, we got kabosu jelly — also delicious.
If you’re in Yobuko for squid, Ika Honke is a great choice
As expected from a town famous for squid, the seafood here was absolutely top-notch.
While it’s a bit out of the way without a car, it’s totally worth the trip. Seriously — don’t miss it!
