Update-date: Dec 20 2024
Kumamoto Castle, said to be one of Japan's three famous castles, is now a must-visit place as it showcases the restoration efforts that have taken place over several decades. If one is going to Kumamoto, they would also want to enjoy the local cuisine! Here are some selected Japanese restaurants that would be helpful in such a case.
1. HAKATAYA
An adult Izakaya where one can enjoy seasonal delicacies along with Kumamoto's local Sake and carefully selected drinks.
Located just a short distance from Karashima-cho Station, there is a quietly situated restaurant on the basement floor of a building. HAKATAYA is a hidden gem for adults, where they can enjoy seasonal fresh fish and vegetables paired with local Sake from Kumamoto. The luxurious "HAKATA-JU" allows diners to indulge in Hakata cuisine, featuring a whole premium Mentaiko, making for a visually stunning dish. The fluffy egg, enhanced with Dashi, pairs perfectly with the spicy Mentaiko, creating an exceptionally satisfying experience.
The restaurant features a calm atmosphere with counter seats equipped with comfortable sofas and private room spaces. It offers a luxurious yet relaxed environment where adults can enjoy food and conversation, making it ideal for dates, business meetings, and girls' nights out. The selection of beverages includes local Sake, Shochu recommended by a Shochu sommelier, as well as carefully chosen options like Kikuka wine and fruit liqueurs. There are also courses available with all-you-can-drink options, perfect for private gatherings.
HAKATAYA
Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:15 pm)
Closed: Wednesday, Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from SAKURA MACHI
Address: B1F, TM3Bldg., 13-18, Hanabata-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto
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Closed: Wednesday, Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from SAKURA MACHI
Address: B1F, TM3Bldg., 13-18, Hanabata-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto
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2. Nihonryori Tomita
Enjoy seasonal flavors at a famous Japanese restaurant in Kumamoto.
Located near Shirakawa Park, Nihonryori Tomita is a renowned Japanese restaurant that offers seasonal Kaiseki cuisine using natural fish from Kyushu and fresh ingredients from across the country. There are four types of fully reservation-only courses available for both lunch and dinner, including a weekday-only lunch course. The dishes, crafted by a chef dedicated to traditional Japanese cuisine, incorporate new ideas into their techniques, with each dish evoking surprise and emotion. Additionally, the meal concludes with Matcha prepared by the chef, whose rich aroma and flavor provide a delightful aftertaste.
The space, infused with Japan's traditional beauty, is exceptional. There are private rooms available, including counter rooms for 2 to 4 guests and Tatami rooms for 2 to 8 guests, which can be used according to the occasion. How about enjoying the seasonal flavors and the traditional beauty of Japan in the refined space of Nihonryori Tomita?
Nihonryori Tomita
Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm *Reservation required / Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm *Reservation required
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 6,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Suidocho Station or 6-minute walk from Kumamoto Castle/City Hall Station on Kumamoto City Tram. 4-minute walk from Fujisakigu-mae Station on Kumamoto Electric Railway. 2-minute walk from Shirakawa Koen-mae bus stop.
Address: 4-5, Minami-tsuboi-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto
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Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 6,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Suidocho Station or 6-minute walk from Kumamoto Castle/City Hall Station on Kumamoto City Tram. 4-minute walk from Fujisakigu-mae Station on Kumamoto Electric Railway. 2-minute walk from Shirakawa Koen-mae bus stop.
Address: 4-5, Minami-tsuboi-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto
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3. Nihonshu Bar Ryu
A Sake bar where one can enjoy encounters with new Sake.
The Sake bar, Nihonshu Bar Ryu, offers a variety of regional Sake, rare delicacies, and homemade dishes, making it a great choice not only for Sake enthusiasts but also for beginners. One of the most popular features is the "free Sake tasting service", where customers can enjoy a tasting of three different types of Sake with the purchase of one glass. The selection of Sake is extensive, ranging from classic options unique to specialty Sake restaurants to rare varieties sourced from small breweries.
The chicly colored interior provides a space where one can relax whether alone or with friends. At the calm counter seats, guests can enjoy their drinks slowly while gazing at the array of alcohol lined up. Additionally, it is convenient for stopping by after a day of sightseeing as it is open late into the night.
Nihonshu Bar Ryu
Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] 7:00 pm - 1:30 am *Opens as usual during Golden Week and Obon holidays
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: 4-minute walk from Karashimacho Station on the Kumamoto City Tram. Go along Shimotoori Street, it is the basement of Mister Donut (B1F of the Ikeo building).
Address: B1F, Ikeo Bldg., 6-6, Shinshigai, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto
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Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: 4-minute walk from Karashimacho Station on the Kumamoto City Tram. Go along Shimotoori Street, it is the basement of Mister Donut (B1F of the Ikeo building).
Address: B1F, Ikeo Bldg., 6-6, Shinshigai, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto
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4. Akaushi Dining yoka-yoka Sakuramachi Ten
Enjoy authentic Akaushi beef cuisine in Kumamoto Sakuramachi.
Located on the 3rd floor of SAKURAMACHI Kumamoto, directly connected to Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal, Akaushi Dining yoka-yoka Sakuramachi Ten offers delicious meat dishes made with Akaushi beef raised on their own farm. The most popular dish is the "Akaushi Don", and they also recommend the "Today's Steak" featuring the recommended cuts of the day, as well as the "Akaushi Hitsumabushi".
The restaurant features a spacious atmosphere with large windows and high ceilings, equipped with counter seats, table seats, and sofa seating. It can be used for various occasions such as dates, girls' gatherings, or solo lunches. Additionally, its excellent location makes it easy to stop by during travels. Guests can enjoy high-quality Akaushi beef dishes while spending a special time forgetting their daily routine.
Akaushi Dining yoka-yoka Sakuramachi Ten
Open: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: About 10 minutes by bus or car from JR Kumamoto Station. Directly connected to Kumamoto Sakura-machi Bus Terminal. It is on the 3rd floor of the shopping mall, SAKURAMACHI kumamto.
Address: 3F-307, 3-10, Sakura-machi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto
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Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: About 10 minutes by bus or car from JR Kumamoto Station. Directly connected to Kumamoto Sakura-machi Bus Terminal. It is on the 3rd floor of the shopping mall, SAKURAMACHI kumamto.
Address: 3F-307, 3-10, Sakura-machi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto
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5. Kani Kaga Ryori Kadofuku
Enjoy Kaga flavors and exquisite crab dishes in Kumamoto.
Kani Kaga Ryori Kadofuku is a renowned restaurant where one can enjoy crab dishes made with fresh, live crabs from the Hokuriku region, as well as unique dishes crafted by chefs born in Hokuriku. The particularly popular "Kani Sashi" is a dish that features live crabs from Hokuriku served as sashimi. This menu item, which emphasizes high-quality ingredients, allows diners to fully experience the natural sweetness of the fresh crab.
The restaurant features a calm atmosphere with various private rooms, including table seats and tatami areas, making it ideal for dining with important guests. There is also a bar counter available, allowing solo diners to feel comfortable. This is a recommended spot for those who want to enjoy exquisite crab dishes in Kumamoto.
Kani Kaga Ryori Kadofuku
Open: 5:00 pm - 0:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: -
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Address: 7F, 10-18, HANABATA PLANET Bldg., Hanabata-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto
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Closed: -
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Address: 7F, 10-18, HANABATA PLANET Bldg., Hanabata-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto
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Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
