Hi, I’m Sachi!
Today, I’d like to introduce one of my favorite sushi restaurants located in Onojo, just next to Dazaifu.
About a 20-minute drive from Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Gin Sushi (銀鮨) offers an authentic taste of Edomae-style sushi — refined yet surprisingly approachable.
It’s actually one of my husband’s favorite places, and this time was our third visit to celebrate his birthday!
While Edomae sushi often sounds fancy and expensive, this restaurant strikes a perfect balance between quality and price.
So if you’re visiting Dazaifu and feel like venturing a bit further for truly delicious sushi, this place is absolutely worth the short drive.
Discover the True Charm of Edomae Sushi
Gin Sushi is a cozy, owner-operated sushi restaurant in Onojo.
Inside, you’ll find both counter seats and sunken-style tables, creating a calm and elegant Japanese atmosphere.
Counter seats — enjoy watching the chef’s precise work up close.
Table seating — perfect for relaxing with family or friends in a calm atmosphere.
At the counter, you can watch the chef’s precise craftsmanship up close, while the table seats are perfect for enjoying a relaxed meal with family or friends.
Unlike conveyor-belt sushi where you dip each piece in soy sauce, Gin Sushi offers Edomae-style sushi — where every piece is carefully seasoned by the chef.
Toppings like finely chopped myoga (Japanese ginger) or green onions are paired to complement each fish, and some pieces are lightly salted instead of sauced.
Each bite brings a small surprise that makes you think, “So this is what true Edomae sushi tastes like!”
What Is Edomae Sushi?
Edomae sushi originated in old Tokyo (“Edo”) and is known for its traditional preparation methods.
Before refrigeration, chefs used techniques like marinating, simmering, or curing in vinegar to preserve fish and enhance its flavor.
These methods evolved into today’s refined sushi craft — delicate, balanced, and visually beautiful.
A Fulfilling Sushi Lunch
An example from the lunch course
Let me show you an example of the lunch course I enjoyed at Gin Sushi.
Since it’s an omakase (chef’s choice) course, the items may vary depending on the day — but this will give you an idea of what to expect!
First up: Hirame (flounder)
A delicate slice of white fish topped with chopped scallions and momiji oroshi (grated daikon with chili).
It’s a simple, classic combination — but that’s exactly why the difference in quality stands out.
You’ll immediately notice how refined it tastes compared to flounder from conveyor-belt sushi!
Kanpachi (greater amberjack)
This one came with a garnish of myoga (Japanese ginger), adding a refreshing summer flavor.
It’s rare to see myoga used as sushi seasoning, but here it’s a perfect match — cutting through the richness of the fish and leaving a clean, elegant aftertaste.
Ika (squid)
The squid was so translucent and fresh, with a hint of yuzu kosho (yuzu pepper).
Since raw squid is naturally firm, the chef used a technique called kakushi-bōchō — making fine cuts into the surface — to make it tender and easy to eat.
This is one of the key techniques of Edomae sushi, allowing the flavor to soak in beautifully.
A true showcase of the chef’s skill!
Aji (horse mackerel)
Topped with a slice of konbu (kelp) marinated in soy sauce — a perfect pairing.
Aji is all about freshness, and you can tell the chef’s eye for quality is top-notch.
The combination of the rich fish and umami from the kelp made this piece melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Chūtoro (medium-fatty tuna)
We can’t forget the chūtoro!
While ōtoro (extra-fatty tuna) is prized for its richness, chūtoro strikes the ideal balance between lean and fatty meat — many sushi lovers actually prefer it.
Often called the “red diamond,” this hon-maguro (bluefin tuna) was lightly marinated in soy (zuke style).
Honestly, this piece alone is worth the trip!
There were also scallop, salmon, and tamago (egg omelet) — eight pieces of nigiri in total, plus a sushi roll.
Each piece looked like a small work of art, beautifully presented and full of variety.
I found myself excited to see what would come next — and every single bite was delicious! ✨
Miso Soup and Chawanmushi That Deserve the Spotlight
At Gin Sushi, it’s not just the sushi that shines — the side dishes are equally impressive.
The red miso soup (aka-dashi) comes with Nankan-age, a specialty fried tofu from Kumamoto.
It has a deep, rich flavor that instantly warms your heart — the perfect way to end a sushi course.
But the true hidden gem here is their Cheese Chawanmushi (steamed egg custard with cheese).
I know what you might be thinking: “Cheese in chawanmushi? Really?”
Yes — and it’s absolutely amazing.
This is Gin Sushi’s signature dish, something you won’t find anywhere else.
Inside, there’s a piece of processed cheese that melts into the silky custard, creating a subtle Western twist on a Japanese classic.
It’s creamy, smooth, and perfectly balanced — I look forward to it every single time I visit! 😊
A Satisfying Lunch for ¥3,300
The “Service Lunch” at Gin Sushi includes eight pieces of sushi, miso soup, and chawanmushi — all for ¥3,300 (before tax).
Since I fell in love with the Cheese Chawanmushi during my previous visit, I asked to switch the regular one for the cheese version this time (for a small extra charge).
To be honest, ¥3,300 for lunch feels like a little splurge for me —
but it’s absolutely worth it.
The quality, the craftsmanship, and the whole experience make it a place I’d love to revisit for special occasions ✨
Because the chef runs everything on his own, I highly recommend making a reservation in advance.
Lunch usually starts at 12:00 p.m., and they also open for dinner.
You can order sushi pieces individually, but the lunch course offers the best value —
a great way to enjoy a variety of Edomae-style sushi at a reasonable price.
Craftsmanship and Care from a Dedicated Sushi Master
One thing I always look forward to at a sushi restaurant is the gari — the pickled ginger that comes with your meal.
And I absolutely love the gari at Gin Sushi.
Here, the chef makes it himself, marinating it for one to two months using only sugar and vinegar — no unnecessary additives.
The result is perfectly flavored ginger with just the right balance of sweetness and tang.
You can really taste the chef’s dedication in something as simple as this.
Another detail that really stood out to me was the three-tiered counter design.
It was actually custom-built by the chef himself, designed so that even women or smaller guests can easily pick up each piece of sushi.
That kind of thoughtful touch shows how much he cares about his customers’ comfort.
Enjoying sushi while chatting with the friendly chef across the counter is a special experience in itself.
Watching his precise movements up close, surrounded by a calm, welcoming atmosphere —
that’s the true charm of Gin Sushi.
Access Information
Address:
5-1-27 Minamigaoka, Onojo City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
Access:
Approximately 5–6 minutes by car from JR Mizuki Station,
or a 2-minute walk from the “Minamigaoka 5-chome” bus stop.
Parking:
Available (about 6 spaces in front of the restaurant).
Phone:
📞 092-596-2129
Reservations: Accepted
Private bookings: Available
Note:
The chef speaks only limited English, so please speak slowly and clearly when calling.
If possible, it’s best to have a Japanese speaker help with the reservation.
Conclusion
Gin Sushi is not only about delicious sushi — it’s about the chef’s dedication, craftsmanship, and genuine warmth that make every visit special.
Although it’s located in Onojo City, not directly in Dazaifu, it’s absolutely worth the short drive.
I wrote this article simply because I truly wanted to share how amazing this place is 😊
It’s close enough to visit after exploring Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine,
so if you’re looking for an authentic and heartwarming sushi experience,
don’t miss Gin Sushi!
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