Manbou

Underwater Restaurant Manbo is the birthplace of Yobuko’s famous specialty “ika shumai” (squid dumplings). Opened in 1983, it was Japan’s first underwater restaurant, with seating arranged around a large live fish tank. True to its name, the restaurant floats on the sea: the “underwater floor” (a below-sea-level dining area) has both table seating and raised tatami seating, with the space between acting as a natural sea fish pen. The above-water floor offers scenic tatami rooms with beautiful views over the Genkai Sea, so you can enjoy either the underwater or above-water atmosphere. The signature ika shumai is steamed using freshly landed local squid—rich in sweetness and umami—bound with onion and egg, letting you fully savor the flavor of squid. Access: by car, about 1 hour from Taku IC (Nagasaki Expressway) via Karatsu, or about 30 minutes from Sasebo-Mikawachi IC (also via roads toward Takeo and on to Karatsu/Yobuko). By public transportation, about 30 minutes by taxi from JR Karatsu Station. By bus, walk about 5 minutes from Karatsu Station to Oteguchi Bus Terminal, take a Showa bus bound for Yobuko via Minato, get off at “Yobuko” bus stop, then take a taxi about 5 minutes. Direct buses also operate from Hakata Bus Terminal to Karatsu Oteguchi Bus Center.