About the Restaurant

Hello there!
I’m Ayu-mama, a writer for “SaruKuma.”

Trendy spots and stylish cafes are wonderful, but when you’ve got little ones in tow, nothing beats the relaxed atmosphere of a good old family restaurant for a stress-free meal!
So today, once again, I’m bringing you another family restaurant recommendation (^^)

As a self-confessed family-restaurant lover,
today I’d like to introduce you to a spot in Higashi-machi, Higashi Ward, Kumamoto City:
Washoku Restaurant Shoya Sunroad City Kumamoto.

This is a Japanese-style family restaurant chain with its head office in Nagasaki, with locations spread throughout the Kyushu region.
Doesn’t a Kyushu-born brand just feel reassuring somehow?! (Or is it just me?!)

The branch I visited this time was the Shoya Sunroad City location.

It’s located inside Sunroad City, a shopping complex with stores like Maxvalu and Uniqlo, so you can grab a meal while you’re out shopping — pure heaven for families with kids.

Many of Shoya’s other branches are also tucked inside shopping malls, which makes it crystal clear that this chain has families firmly in mind!

Inside, you’ll find regular table seating, booth seating,

and traditional Japanese-style horigotatsu (sunken kotatsu) tatami seating.

And here’s wow factor #1 ↓

The tatami area provides indoor slippers — and they have child-sized ones too!!
Plenty of places stock adult slippers, but providing kid-sized pairs is next-level thoughtful!

If you’ve ever had to wrestle little shoes on and off every time you take a child to the restroom, you’ll know it’s a deceptively exhausting task (T_T)
This is a real lifesaver!

Recommended Menu Items

The menu is wonderfully extensive.
Great-value lunch sets,
gentle-on-the-stomach options like ojiya (Japanese rice porridge),

teishoku set meals and gozen-style platters,

The “Otanoshimi Gozen” combo even comes with meat, tempura, AND sashimi!
It’s like the Big Three of Japanese cuisine teaming up for a dream collaboration!

Steak and sushi options,

donburi (rice bowls),

noodle dishes,

a kids’ menu, and desserts,

plus à la carte dishes and an alcohol selection.

Today, I went for the value-priced lunch:
Karaage and Mini Udon Lunch — 680 yen!
The Karaage and Mini Udon Lunch comes with crispy Japanese-style fried chicken and udon noodles, plus tofu and rice on the side — all kid-friendly favorites, so I happily shared with my little one.

And from the children’s menu, I also ordered the
Kids’ Plate — 580 yen.
Piled high with crowd-pleasing French fries!

Wow factor #2 ↓
The Kids’ Plate comes with child-sized chopsticks!
I’m pretty sure I say this every single time, but for parents of toddlers, kid-sized chopsticks are an absolute godsend!
Of course, the Kids’ Plate also comes with a free toy!
Let’s be honest — half the reason kids order it is for the toy…

Special celebration meals are also offered,

and yes — takeout is available too!

It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed family meal during a shopping trip!
Be sure to drop in next time you’re in the area!

Frequently Asked Questions

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