Introducing Umazakana

Hello, travelers!

With my right leg gone numb,
it’s me — Binako, your Sarukuma writer!

Today I’m taking you to Umazakana, a beloved local restaurant located in Kubota, Kikuyo Town, Kikuchi District, Kumamoto Prefecture.

Quick pronunciation tip: the kanji 「うま魚」 isn’t read “uma-uo” — it’s “uma-zakana”, meaning “delicious fish.”

There’s a spacious parking lot right in front of the restaurant — super convenient if you’re driving around Kumamoto.

That said, this place is so popular that I highly recommend making a reservation in advance!

Takeout is also available, so you can enjoy a delicious Japanese lunch back at your hotel or rental.

Inside, you’ll find both private rooms and traditional Japanese tatami seating with low tables — a great way to experience authentic Japanese dining culture.

They provide kids’ chairs,

and small plates for the little ones — perfect for families traveling with children.

Pro tip: sign up as an app member
and you’ll get a complimentary drink —
definitely worth doing the moment you sit down!

Recommended Menu Items

Here’s a peek at the lunch menu:

・Kaisen-don (Fresh Seafood Bowl) — 900 yen
・Healthy Okra & Yam Neba-Neba Teppan Set — 750 yen
・Maguro-don (Tuna Bowl) — 800 yen
・Umazakana Set Meal — 600 yen
・Tempura Set — 800 yen
・Seafood Yakisoba — 650 yen
・Kids’ Lunch — 500 yen

The lunch lineup is wonderfully varied.

You’ll also find
daily chef’s specials and
ikesu (live tank) seafood dishes made with the freshest fish imaginable.

Not a fish lover? No worries.
Take a look — they have plenty of meat dishes too.

Harami (skirt steak), hamburg steak, horumon (offal) — there’s a great variety of meat options for every palate.

This time, I went with the Umazakana Set Meal at just 600 yen!
You get to choose your main from sea bream (tai), mackerel (saba), or sashimi.

Things kicked off with these starters —
lotus root sandwich fritters, karaage (Japanese fried chicken), and crispy squid rings.

Fresh out of the fryer and unbelievably crispy.

And then the set meal arrived.
The mackerel main wasn’t even visible yet —
the spread was so generous that I almost forgot the main was still coming!

The ara-jiru (fish bone soup) is loaded with tender chunks of fish.
It has that comforting, soul-warming taste you’d happily eat morning, noon, and night.

And the xiao long bao — bite into one and the savory broth gushes out!

Here’s the wonderfully stylish drink I got as a thank-you for downloading the app.

And finally — the star of the show: the grilled mackerel.

Can you believe a set meal this packed with delicious side dishes
costs just 600 yen?

The fatty mackerel was rich, melty, and bursting with umami.
Seriously — SO good.

The skin was perfectly crisp — not a single millimeter went uneaten.

Worth saying twice because it’s that important:
All this volume for just 600 yen.
Your stomach AND your heart leave fully satisfied.

I’ve also heard the kaisen-don (seafood bowl) is incredible,
so that’s definitely on my list for next time.

If you find yourself in Kumamoto, please do stop by — you won’t regret it!

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is accurate as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.