Futtsu, Chiba, Japan｜Fisherman’s Cuisine Hamabe

Wow, this place has the best friend sardines I've ever had. I never knew sardines could get so big! Each piece is massive, very succulent and full of flavor. The side of sashimi also was very good. Doors open at 12 and the restaurant stopped the line forming outside at 12:35. Prepared to arrive early and line up. It's very well worth the wait.

Superior aji fry! Large fillets perfectly fried. Sashimi was flavourful and fresh. Served from a tiny kitchen, meals are prepared four at a time in a restaurant with 12 seats. Efficient, but expect a wait to be seated and also for your food. The line starts forming by 11:30. Hamabe opens at noon, closes when the food runs out.

Arrived 3 hours before opening. As expected, I was in the front row. The staff at the store were kind and even though I was early, I was able to get in line without getting any bad looks. I had the Hamabe set meal. The fried horse mackerel is thick and fluffy. It was my first taste. It was worth lining up!