After arriving in Karatsu, I realized that visiting Yobuko the next day would be too tight schedule-wise. So, I decided to go all out for dinner and enjoy some sushi! I visited Hata Sushi (はた寿し), conveniently located near my hotel. I made a reservation about 30 minutes beforehand, but the counter seats were available, so it would have been fine without one. It was still early in the evening. However, during events like the Karatsu Kunchi festival, making a reservation is probably a good idea.
Hata Sushi is a bit far from JR Karatsu Station, but it’s conveniently on the way to Karatsu Castle, making it a great stopover.
As you step into the restaurant, you’ll find a counter area right at the entrance. Beyond that, there are tatami rooms and table seating. While it doesn’t seem to have many seats, the spacious layout ensures a relaxed dining experience.
While you can order sushi à la carte, the set menus are a great deal. I noticed other diners coming in, quickly enjoying their sushi sets, and leaving.
The side dishes are also tempting, offering sashimi, tempura, and grilled items.
For drinks, they also offer a nice selection, although I was a bit disappointed there were no local Saga sakes available that time.
Originally, I had planned to visit Hata Sushi for lunch. Their sushi set lunch is a steal at just ¥1,100.
Once seated, I immediately ordered an ice-cold beer. Along with it came a delightful surprise: the appetizer!
It was sesame-seasoned asparagus! I absolutely love asparagus, and these were thick, juicy, and incredibly fresh. I wished I could have ordered a larger portion of this as a standalone dish . A delicious appetizer always sets the tone for a great meal.
Being in Karatsu, the gateway to Yobuko, I couldn’t resist ordering squid sashimi. Although they informed me it wasn’t live squid, I was fine with that. Non-live squid has a chewy texture and a natural sweetness that I enjoy.
With such delicious food, I naturally wanted some sake. While browsing the menu, I noticed a
local sake tasting set displayed on the counter. It looked like a great deal, so I gave it a try.。
Surprisingly, the sake set came with three generous servings. From left to right: Miyaizumi (宮泉), Naraman (奈良萬), and Denshu (田酒). All three were perfectly chilled and absolutely delightful. These well-known brands offered a sense of reliability, making the set feel curated and thoughtful. It paired wonderfully with the squid sashimi, which I found myself savoring more and more.
I was feeling like having just a bit more to eat when something intriguing caught my eye: Octopus with Wasabi Mayo. While it sounds like a common dish, it’s actually quite unique—a blend of octopus sashimi with wasabi and mayonnaise. To my surprise, the flavors complemented each other perfectly! The octopus pieces were cut thick enough to retain their texture and flavor, even when coated in the wasabi-mayo blend. It was a delightful pairing with sake.
If I spot it on the menu, I simply can’t resist ordering it: Chawanmushi. The broth’s flavor was subtle but present, giving it a light and refreshing taste. The texture was smooth and silky, making every bite a joy.
To finish, of course, I had to go with sushi. I opted for the Deluxe sushi set. Although the restaurant’s signature dish is its large Anago (sea eel), I chose this set because I wanted uni (sea urchin) and ikura (salmon roe). The set came with eight pieces of sushi.
The squid, which had also appeared in the sashimi earlier, was rich and tender—absolutely delicious. Every piece, whether it was tuna, amberjack, grouper, or another type, was thick-cut, fresh, and full of flavor. The sushi was slightly larger than usual, making the assortment more than enough to fill me up.
The sushi sets and rice bowls here come with miso soup, which turned out to be another highlight. The soup was packed with umami from the fish broth, and the pieces of fish included in it were generously meaty. It was comforting and satisfying to the last drop.
Naturally, the sushi also pairs wonderfully with sake (though I sipped mine slowly).
This time, I took my time enjoying the sake and food, but I can also imagine coming here for a quick sushi meal. It’s the kind of place that accommodates both leisurely dining and swift, satisfying bites.
About
Name Hata Sushi (はた寿し)
Open Lunch, Dinner
Reservation Available
Credit card Available
URL Instagram
Google Map
