Tabelog ratingKawa Taro Hakata eki ten (河太郎 博多駅店) is centered around a single, dramatic experience: live squid sashimi, known as ikizukuri. A large tank in the center of the restaurant holds live squid, which are caught to order and prepared before your eyes. The meal is a two-act performance: first, the translucent, sweet, and crunchy body is served as sashimi. Then, the remaining legs and fins are taken back to the kitchen to be returned as crisp tempura or grilled with salt, a preparation called ato-zukuri.
Reviewers consistently praise this signature dish, along with other fresh seafood like goma-saba (mackerel with sesame). The counter seats surrounding the tank are highly recommended for the full show. Guests also note that the restaurant offers good sake pairings and has English and Korean menus, with staff who are often helpful to international visitors.
The main drawback is that the star attraction isn't always available. The supply of live squid depends on the weather and the day's catch, and it can sell out. Some guests have found prices high, especially when the squid served is smaller than expected. Service can also be inconsistent, with scattered reports of brusque or slow staff.
Expect to pay around ¥4,000–¥4,999 for lunch and ¥8,000–¥9,999 for dinner. Reviewers recently paid about ¥4,180 for the lunch set (いか活き造り御膳) and between ¥7,000 and ¥7,700 for the 'Hana' dinner course. If you prioritize the unique live-squid experience, most find it good value, but be prepared for variability.
- Getting There: The restaurant is on the 1st floor of the JRJP Hakata Building, a 2-minute walk from Hakata Station's subway exit West 13, or a 3-minute walk from the JR Hakata Exit.
- Reservations: Recommended, as the restaurant is often full. Book by phone or through official channels; reviewers warn against using the AutoReserve platform due to non-refundable fees. Lunch reservations are for 12:00 PM only, and dinner seating is limited to two hours.
- Live Squid: Availability is not guaranteed and depends on the daily catch. The restaurant may contact you in advance if squid is unavailable for your booking.
- Payment: Accepts major credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners), electronic money (transportation IC cards, iD, QUICPay), and QR code payments (PayPay, d Barai).
- Children: Children are welcome, but strollers are not permitted at the tables and must be left at the entrance.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking. A separate smoking area is available on other floors of the building.
- Parking: No parking is available.
