Today, I want to share my review of Kura Sushi Hakata Nakasu, a conveyor belt sushi restaurant I visited during my trip to Fukuoka. After a busy day of sightseeing, it was already quite late when I went out for dinner. Originally, I had planned to try Motomura Gyukatsu, but even at that late hour, the line was still incredibly long π. In the end, I gave up on Motomura and headed to Kura Sushi, my go-to spot for affordable conveyor belt sushi.
About Kura Sushi Hakata Nakasu, Fukuoka
There are several Kura Sushi branches in Fukuoka, but the one I visited was Kura Sushi Hakata Nakasu. It is conveniently located in the city center, making it easy to access. The restaurant is just a short distance from Nakasu-Kawabata Station, and it is also near the famous Ichiran Ramen main store, which is a popular stop for many travelers π.
The building where Kura Sushi is located also houses Don Quijote on the first and second floors, making it a great spot for shopping before or after your meal π. If there is a wait, you can take a number and browse Don Quijote while passing the time.
One of the biggest advantages of major conveyor belt sushi chains is their late-night operation, and Kura Sushi Hakata Nakasu is no exception. The restaurant is open until midnight, so you can visit without worrying about the time. It’s also perfect for a light late-night snack!
Since I had previously experienced long wait times, I decided to make an online reservation in advance. Upon arrival, I easily took a numbered ticket from the self-service kiosk at the entrance. The system allows you to select your seat type (counter or box seat) and the number of guests. Itβs an intuitive and user-friendly system, so even first-time visitors can navigate it with ease.
π‘ Tip: If there is a wait, selecting counter seating can help you get a seat faster π.
Dining at Kura Sushi
Most people prefer table seating for comfort, but solo diners can enjoy their meal comfortably at the counter seats. While a table can accommodate up to 6 people, it is most comfortable with a maximum of 4 guests.
Before the pandemic, sushi was priced at 100 yen per plate, but the price has since increased. Now, the cheapest plate costs around 125 yen, although this may vary slightly depending on the branch.
Once you place your order using the touch panel, your sushi is delivered to your seat via a dedicated express rail above the main conveyor belt. When the restaurant is busy, sushi might take some time to arrive, so I recommend placing your orders in advance to maintain a smooth dining experience.
Unlike many other conveyor belt sushi chains, Kura Sushi has long used a unique lidded sushi case. Thanks to this system, they have continued serving sushi on the rotating conveyor even after the pandemic. However, most customers now prefer ordering from the touch panel rather than picking up sushi from the belt.
Fukuoka Kura Sushi Dining Experience
Whenever I visit a conveyor belt sushi restaurant, I always start with chawanmushi (Japanese steamed egg custard) and miso soup. The chawanmushi varies by season, featuring crab, clams, shrimp, and other delicious toppings. Itβs warm, silky, and absolutely a must-try! π
Next, I had tamago (egg) sushi, and I also tried a seasonal corn-topped egg sushi.
After that, I ordered a variety of sushi, including:
π£ Onion salmon
π§ Cheese shrimp
π Tuna
π½ Corn salad gunkan
Since crab legs were available as a limited-time menu item, I gave them a try. They were sweet, moist, and delicious π. While there are plenty of budget-friendly options, Kura Sushi is also a great place to enjoy seasonal and limited-edition sushi at a reasonable price. π
If you’re not a fan of sushi, don’t worryβKura Sushi offers over 100 menu items, including:
π Ramen
π€ Tempura
πΊ Drinks
This makes it a great place to dine even with friends who donβt like sushi. Since you can order exactly as much as you want, itβs also perfect for a quick meal, a late-night snack, or even a beer!
One of the reasons I love Kura Sushi is their delicious dessert fruit. The apple mango is incredibly sweet and perfectly prepared for easy eating. During melon season, I always end up having several plates of melon because it’s so tasty! π
Another fun aspect of Kura Sushi is their plate return game. After finishing a dish, you insert the empty plate into the return slot, and for every five plates, a mini-game plays on the touch panel. If you win, you receive a prize, usually featuring collaborating anime character merchandise.
Payment
When you are finished eating, simply scan the seat number ticket you received upon arrival at the self-checkout machine to pay.
π° How much does it cost?
For two adults, I usually spend around 4,000 to 5,000 yen for a satisfying meal. Of course, this depends on what and how much you eat, so it’s a good idea to budget accordingly π.
Overall Review
Kura Sushi is a large conveyor belt sushi chain where you can enjoy the authentic Japanese sushi dining experience without any pressure. π Personally, I am always quite satisfied with my visits, and whenever I travel to Japan, I make sure to stop by at least once or twice.
Don’t expect high-end sushi, but if youβre looking for a budget-friendly option with fresh and seasonal sushi, this is a great place to visit. Since Kura Sushi is always busy with both locals and tourists, I highly recommend making a reservation before visiting. : )
