About the Restaurant

Hello, fellow travelers!

It’s Binako, a writer for Sarukuma, with hands a little chilled from the Aso breeze!

Today I’m introducing you to a real local treasure tucked away in Uchinomaki, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture: “Meshi no Yamaichi”.

You’ll find it sitting right across the street from the famous “Imakin Shokudo,” the legendary spot known nationwide for its akaushi (Japanese red beef) bowl!

Yamaichi also serves akaushi beef bowls, and honestly? I cannot recommend it enough — please keep reading and you’ll see why!
Parking is easy, with the Uchinomaki public parking lot nearby. ^^

Inside, there are three table seats and a counter.

There’s also a traditional Japanese tatami-style seating area in the back, making this a great pick for families with kids! ♪

They have Bumbo seats and floor cushions for little ones — and the cushions are themed with the wildly popular Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba) anime, so kids absolutely love it!
There are also high chairs at the table seats, so it’s easy to enjoy lunch with the whole family!

They even have a full set of children’s tableware!

Now, right next to the kids’ tableware, there’s this…
Can you guess what it is?

The All-You-Can-Eat Tsukemono (Japanese Pickles) Corner!

Joy! Joy! Joy!
Who’s ever heard of unlimited Japanese pickles?
Here’s the secret — Yamaichi is actually directly run by a local pickle shop, which is exactly why they can offer this incredible all-you-can-eat tsukemono experience!

Thank you,
Yamaichi!!

I went back for refills again and again — pickle paradise!

That direct connection to the pickle shop is part of the charm and personality that makes this place so special ( *´艸｀)

Recommended Menu

Here’s what’s on the menu:

Akaushi Steak Bowl — 1,700 yen
Yamaichi Set — 600 yen
Aso Dago-jiru (Dumpling Soup) — Large 500 yen / Medium 400 yen / Small 200 yen
Aso Takana Rice — Large 500 yen / Small 200 yen
Akaushi Beef Tendon Stew — 400 yen
Akaushi Beef Tendon Udon — 500 yen
Miso Soup — 100 yen
Salt Rice Ball — 200 yen
White Rice — Large 250 yen / Medium 200 yen / Small 150 yen

And the absolute height of happiness
Aso Pickles All-You-Can-Eat — FREE!

This time, I went all in and ordered the
Akaushi Steak Bowl — 1,700 yen!!

I mean, just look at this beautifully glistening meat…
That ruby-red color is simply stunning!

Cooked rare to perfection,
the texture is unbelievably satisfying.
It’s hearty, deeply flavorful, and the pure beefy goodness is sheer happiness.

Wrap a slice of the steak around a bite of rice
and you’ll find yourself unable to stop!
The savory sauce is what truly bridges the meat and rice
— a match made in culinary heaven.

After one bite of this akaushi steak,
my taste buds were doing a full-on happy dance!

And the dago-jiru (traditional Aso dumpling soup) that comes with it
is just as wonderful.
Warm, hearty, and so soothing on a cool day.

Loaded with ingredients, too!
The bowl is overflowing with chewy dumplings — totally satisfying.
Its gentle, slightly sweet flavor will have you smiling from ear to ear.

Unlimited pickles, delicious dago-jiru, and a phenomenal akaushi steak bowl —
Yamaichi truly is incredible!!

The staff are friendly and welcoming too — just lovely people. ♪

If you’re traveling through Aso, you absolutely have to put this place on your list!

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the visit. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.