About the Restaurant

Hello, travelers!
It’s Mikan, your friendly writer from Sarukuma.

Today I’d love to introduce you to a wonderful spot tucked away in Yasunaga, Mashiki Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture —
Shiki no Aji Yamamotoya (literally “Yamamotoya: The Taste of the Four Seasons”).

This was actually my first time visiting since the restaurant was rebuilt following the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes — and wow, what a lovely space!

The building is beautifully clean and welcoming.

Heads up: there’s currently some road construction in front of the restaurant as the street is being widened to four lanes, so the entrance can feel a little tricky to navigate.
But don’t worry — the restaurant is fully open for business!

There’s a dedicated parking lot right next to the restaurant — super convenient, especially if you’re driving!

I had originally planned to dine in, but…
surprise! The place was completely booked out by a large group reservation. (Tears!)

So unfortunately, I don’t have any photos of the interior to share with you this time…

So sorry about that! (More tears!)

Dine-In Lunch Menu

Domestic Wagyu Beef Steak Don (120g) — ¥1,300

Aka-dori Chicken Yurinchi Set Meal — ¥1,100

Anago (Saltwater Eel) Don — ¥1,200

Tendon (Tempura Rice Bowl) — ¥800

That’s a quick look at the dine-in menu!

I had my heart set on the steak don, so missing out was a real bummer.

Next time for sure!!!

Dinner

“Nagomi” Course — ¥3,700

Evening Set Meal — ¥3,000

Kaiseki (Multi-Course) Dinners

Kaiseki “Tama” — ¥10,000

Kaiseki “Mashiki” — ¥7,500

Kaiseki “Hana” — ¥5,500

Generally, the restaurant doesn’t take weekend reservations,

but reservations for the kaiseki courses ARE accepted on weekends!

On the day I visited, kaiseki bookings had filled up the place.

It’s a great choice for celebrating special occasions or family milestones — like a child’s coming-of-age ceremony or birthday! ♪

Recommended Menu Items

Takeout Menu

Futomaki (Thick Sushi Roll) — ¥700

Lettuce Maki (Lettuce Sushi Roll) — ¥700

Hosomaki (Thin Sushi Roll) — ¥350

Inari Sushi (orders of 4 or more) — ¥65 each

※The Makunouchi Bento set ended at the end of November.

Even though I couldn’t dine in, I wasn’t about to leave empty-handed!

My heart was already set on Yamamotoya,
so I went straight for a takeout order!

I got lucky and there was still some available, but takeout is incredibly popular here, so
I highly recommend pre-ordering by phone!

This time, I picked up the famous Futomaki Sushi Roll (¥700).
If there’s one dish that defines Yamamotoya, this is it!

Funny story — I craved this so badly during my morning sickness when I was pregnant. (Haha!)

Just look at how stuffed this thing is with fillings!!!

The takeout is wrapped beautifully with a paper sleeve printed with the restaurant’s name — almost like a traditional Japanese noshi gift wrapping.

Such a thoughtful little touch — it really makes the whole experience feel more special!

Packed to the brim!
And seriously hefty in your hands! (Haha!)

One roll per person is honestly more than enough —

this futomaki is meant to be shared with the family!

Now for the big reveal — the inside!

How about it? How about it? How about it??

You don’t see futomaki rolls packed THIS full very often, do you?

Especially if you love kanpyo (sweet simmered gourd strips) — this is heaven!

If the photo doesn’t quite show it, here’s a tip:

head over to any supermarket and check out their futomaki rolls.
You’ll instantly see the difference! (Haha!)

And of course, the flavor is amazing too!

I mean, I literally craved it during pregnancy — that says it all!

From sushi platters and party trays to bento boxes,
they offer a wonderful variety of catering options as well!

Whether you dine in or take it to go, Shiki no Aji Yamamotoya is a delicious experience worth having.
Definitely add it to your Kumamoto travel list! ♪

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At Sarukuma, we share lunch spots, parks, and indoor play ideas for families with young children in Kumamoto.
We’d love to have you follow along (*´∀｀*)

Frequently Asked Questions

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