[Kokura, Jpn] Tenzushi Kyomachi 1/25 visit

Hello everyone.

As requested here is a review of Tenzushi from a Jan 17th visit. The restaurant manned by Isao Amano is a highly regarded sushi restaurant in Kokura, Fukuoka. Currently it is 4.58 on Tabelog with a Gold status and ranked #4 in sushi in all of Japan.

Although certainly not an expert, sushi is probably my favorite finedining categories. I’ve been fortunate enough to try a number of highly rated sushi restaurants in Japan but never have been to Tenzushi so it has been on the bucketlist awhile. The restaurant does not follow the Edomae style but instead Kyushumae which is more lightly marinated and seasoned with salt and yuzu.

Reservations were done thru Tableall at the cost of 65000 yen. I made the request in late September and was confirmed in early October. Getting to the restaurant isn’t too difficult as it is a 5 minute walk from Kokura station. If you’re staying by Hakata station, it is a 15-20 min Shinkansen ride to Kokura. Seatings is usually 4-5 people so it’s definitely a more intimate setting vs Sakai. One of the individuals I met there was a regular from Tokyo who flew in that morning to have lunch at the restaurant and flew back after.

As for my experience, I was very impressed with the quality and meal overall. The yuzu and seasoning added to the nigiri gave a freshness to it that I’ve never experienced before. The meal was served at a nice pace and Amano-San is quite welcoming. He is able to converse in English which is pretty rare in Japan. Few tidbits about the restaurant is there is no alcohol served..only tea. The staff was really on top of changing your cup with a full hot cup even before you finished your prior cup. There was an option for either the Uni or shirako. You could order both but it’s extra so I just chose Uni. I probably slightly preferred my meal here vs Sakai but hard to compare as they are different styles. Overall there might have one or two I enjoyed a little more but overall a top notch experience.