Hello, fellow travelers!
This is Rikotama, writer for SaruKuma!

Today I’m excited to introduce
Totanya Kengun,
a fantastic local izakaya located in Wakaba, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto City.

You’ll find it just steps from the Kengunmachi tram stop — super convenient if you’re exploring Kumamoto by streetcar!

Just look for this signboard out front!

Heads up: there’s no dedicated parking lot,
so you’ll need to use one of the nearby coin-operated parking lots.

When we drive over, we usually park at the coin parking lot right next to the restaurant —
the one with the Pachinko Tsuru signboard.

Good news — Totanya is a participating restaurant in the ‘GO TO EAT’ campaign,
and they accept the meal vouchers!

The restaurant used to have a large open zashiki (tatami floor seating area), but during COVID precautions they switched to private rooms only.

There are about 8 private rooms with horigotatsu (sunken floor seating with leg space underneath) — perfect for families with children to relax comfortably!

Here’s a peek at the menu!

You’ll find sashimi, yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), small plates, à la carte dishes, and motsunabe — there’s something for everyone!

First, drinks all around — kanpai! 🍻
(Meanwhile, the kids were happily absorbed in their toys.)

The complimentary otoshi appetizer was cabbage, and we ordered edamame for ¥180.

That miso dipping sauce that comes with the cabbage is absolutely incredible — you’ll want to keep nibbling!

For the kids, we got French fries — ¥380!

Also for the kids: karaage (Japanese fried chicken) — ¥380.

You get 5 generously-sized chunks of perfectly crispy, juicy karaage!

Our Top Recommendations

First up — you absolutely have to try this!

【Yakitori Skewer Set — 5 Pieces (pork belly, chicken skin, thigh, tail, eggplant)】¥480 *Photo shows 2 servings.

It’s the perfect way to sample their most popular skewers at a great value!

The thigh and tail (bonjiri) are unbelievably tender — even kids can devour them with no problem.
The extra-juicy grilled eggplant is a total revelation too!

And now — the dish I’d been waiting for: MOTSUNABE!!

Confession time: I’ve been obsessed with motsunabe (a hearty Japanese hot pot featuring beef or pork offal) ever since it became a national craze over a decade ago!

Back when I lived in Tokyo, every winter nomikai (drinking party) had to be at a motsunabe restaurant — no exceptions!

So when I discovered Totanya here in Kumamoto, it became one of my regular spots in no time.

After simmering, it’s reached the perfect moment to dig in!

Salt-Based Motsunabe — ¥980. The portion is generous enough to easily feed two people!

Honestly, ¥980 feels like a steal for this much food —
an absolute bargain you don’t want to miss!

The salt-flavored broth has soaked deep into the cabbage, and it’s just unbelievably delicious!

The star of the show — the motsu (offal) — is springy yet tender.
It has a satisfying chew, but you only need to chew 4 or 5 times before it melts away!

My son kept asking for more, shouting “Meat! More meat!” all evening!
(Well… it’s offal, son, but close enough!)

The tofu floating in the broth makes a gentle palate cleanser between bites — a lovely little break.

As the weather turns colder ⛄, this is exactly the kind of warming, soul-satisfying meal you want.

Totanya Kengun comes with our highest recommendation!
A must-visit for anyone craving authentic motsunabe and yakitori in Kumamoto!

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Frequently Asked Questions

*Information current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before your visit.