Yobuko Ika - Clear Squid

After a hilly walk, we headed back to town for the real culinary adventure—raw squid at Genyou, a local gem known for its ultra-fresh seafood. We ordered a whole Yobuko Ika—a type of transparent, fresh squid prized for its firm texture and natural sweetness. It’s a local delicacy in the Karatsu area of Saga Prefecture, often served as ikizukuri (live sashimi).

To be honest, it felt a little strange to eat live squid—watching it move slightly on the plate made us pause for a moment. But it was more than just a dish—it was an experience of a lifetime, something deeply rooted in local culinary culture and tradition.