There used to be a sushi restaurant along the Kokutai-doro road, with a huge turmeric roof that served as a landmark. Due to road construction, it has now moved to a regular residential area. They have also started offering lunch, with a lunch course priced at 4400 yen. Upon entering, there is a spacious counter seat area, as well as table seats and a second floor. As a solo diner, I sat at the counter. There was a couple who seemed to be YouTubers already seated. The chef seemed to have multiple assistants, as one was preparing sushi for the YouTuber couple while another served me. Each piece of sushi was served individually, starting with fatty tuna and sea bream. The texture and umami of each fish was distinct and delicious. I also had firefly squid and yellowtail. The grilled conger eel from Tsushima was served warm. The sea urchin and salmon roe gunkan roll was particularly tasty. The meal concluded with a tuna and medium fatty tuna roll, and I was informed that was the end of the course. I felt a bit unsatisfied as I wished there was a soup or chawanmushi available for order. Overall, it seemed like the course was more focused on the sushi itself rather than a well-rounded meal. The lack of a menu also made it difficult to add additional items.

This time, I went to Takatama Main Store located at 2-8-24 Haruyoshi, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City for dinner. The purpose of this day was "sushi", so I wandered around Haruyoshi area and found this familiar restaurant. I remembered it used to be along the Nakagawa River. Even though I didn't have a reservation, I decided to go in. The restaurant had a clean and luxurious atmosphere, which made me excited. The interior was bright with a main counter. Luckily, there was one seat available, so I sat down. They had acrylic boards for COVID-19 measures, so I felt safe. Normally, I would have gone for a draft beer, but since I had a test coming up, I reluctantly toasted with oolong tea. There was no menu, you could choose either a course starting with sashimi or order your favorite sushi. First, a small dish of egg and tofu arrived, seasoned with flying fish roe and yuzu zest. Then, I ordered white fish and they had fresh yellowtail fin, which was deliciously firm. Next, I had cured mackerel, lean tuna, fatty tuna, sea urchin, sardine, ark shell, and inari sushi. It was a feast for the eyes to see the ingredients displayed in front of me at the counter. The sea urchin was sweet with no bitterness. The sardine was served with ginger soy sauce. The ark shell was top quality. The inari sushi had a rich broth flavor. The service was good, they offered to refill my tea before I even asked. Next time, I'll make a reservation and enjoy starting with sashimi. And of course, I'll have some drinks too. Thank you for the meal.

When I was working, I was often brought here. We would leave the food selection to the chef, and if there was something we wanted to add, we could ask for it. The food and sushi were delicious, and I always ended up drinking too much alcohol. I would love to visit again if I have the chance.

Tonight's meal was delicious again! The only thing that bothers me is that there are only love hotels around the restaurant...

The head chef is very friendly and I love it. This was my first visit since they moved, and the atmosphere around the restaurant is a bit... but the taste and price are just right.

I was transferred to Fukuoka and six years have passed. When I found out I was being transferred back to Tokyo, I chose "Takadama" as my favorite restaurant. The first time I visited Takadama was for a dinner with clients when I first came to Fukuoka, and I have been back several times since then. The old main store had closed due to road expansion work on the Kokutai Road, so I had been going to the Nakasu store, but this time, I decided to have my final meal at the newly reopened main store. The store had the same traditional atmosphere as the old main store. I started with a special seat at the counter and enjoyed simmered fish, a delicious dish made with its liver, and a variety of sushi. The reason I choose Takadama is because I love the firmness of the sushi rice. The perfect firmness and balance of sushi vinegar! It's the best. Takadama has become a must-visit restaurant whenever I come to Hakata.

I bathed in fish from head to toe.

I wonder if it's not there.