Hello, travelers!
This is Maru, a Sarukuma writer.

About the Shop

Today I’m introducing
Takada Butcher Shop,
located in Aritsu, Kosa Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture.

The shop sits along National Route 443. Look out for this sign as your landmark.

Here’s the shop! Parking is available right out front.

A handy sign with the opening hours. And then…

Not flamenco, but
Niramenko! 🎶 — there’s a fun pop sign right there!

Yes — this shop is famous for its menchi-katsu (deep-fried minced meat cutlets) packed with fresh nira (Japanese garlic chives)! 😍

According to a newspaper article on display, the shop was damaged in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake and had to relocate.
As a way of giving back to the community, the owner relaunched the business with their signature niramenko as the star of the menu.

Inside, you’ll also find fresh local vegetables straight from Kosa Town’s farms,

and frozen niramenko ready to take home.

5 pieces for 950 yen, 10 pieces for 1,900 yen

And there’s plenty of meat to choose from too!
Miso-marinated pork, miso-marinated chicken, premium wagyu beef for yakiniku, and more.

They even have basashi (raw horse meat sashimi), a famous Kumamoto specialty!

The recommended Kumamoto Meat Set (miso pork, niramenko, and basashi) for 3,500 yen makes an amazing edible souvenir to bring home (^ ^)

And of course, the freshly fried tonkatsu (pork cutlets) and karaage (Japanese fried chicken) are an absolute treat ❤︎

There’s also an eat-in corner where you can dig in right away. (And yes — that’s Kumamon, Kumamoto’s adorable bear mascot, carrying a bunch of nira on his back, watching over you! lol)

There’s even a restroom in the back, so it’s a perfect spot to take a break during a road trip (^ ^)

Water and coffee are self-serve here — what a charming touch!
You simply drop a small donation into a cute little pig-shaped piggy bank ✨ (Pay what you feel is fair — true Japanese hospitality on the honor system!)

Recommended Menu Items

This time, I tried the freshly fried niramenko for just 190 yen!

Time to enjoy it together with Kumamon 💕

Loaded with Kosa Town’s prized nira (Japanese garlic chives) ♪
The rich umami of Japanese black wagyu beef and domestic pork bursts in every bite —
and the included ponzu-style citrus dipping sauce gives it a refreshingly light finish 😋

It’s so popular, they once sold a whopping 1,900 pieces in a single day! (●′(エ)′●)
(↑ that’s supposed to be Kumamon, lol)

I also picked up a 5-piece pack of niramenko for 980 yen to take home.
This one comes with the dipping sauce too!

They also make bento boxes here!The shelves were stocked with options like the Niramenko Bento for 680 yen — perfect for a quick lunch on the go!

Outside, you’ll spot the wonderfully eye-catching Niramenko Mobile too! (=^^=)
If you happen to see it at a local festival or event, be sure to stop by and check it out…

Come meet Kumamon at Takada Butcher Shop and
fall in love with niramenko! 💕💕

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information was accurate at the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.