Introducing Sarasa Higashi Bypass

Hello travelers — Maru here, your Sarukuma writer 🙂🙃

Today we’re heading to Shimonanbe in Higashi Ward, Kumamoto City, to visit
“Sarasa Higashi Bypass.”

Step inside this charming traditional-style building and you’ll be treated to authentic Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine.
It’s the perfect spot for a special treat or a memorable anniversary celebration ＼(^o^)／

Even on weekdays the restaurant is bustling, so reservations are highly recommended.

Many locals will recognize this signboard along the Higashi Bypass.
It’s right next to Peaceful Yu-Yu.

You’ll find parking right in front of the restaurant…

…with additional parking just one building over.

A lush, green entryway welcomes you 🍃🌱

The open, airy entrance has that wonderfully traditional Japanese feel I love.
Although you’re just minutes from the city, it feels like you’ve escaped to a faraway retreat (^^)

These are the horigotatsu seats — sunken tables where you can stretch your legs comfortably while sitting Japanese-style.

Partitions between tables let you relax in privacy ♪

Can you spot it? There’s even an acrylic divider down the center of each table for added peace of mind (´∀｀)

Toward the back you’ll find Western-style table seating.

Children’s chairs are available for both table seats and tatami floor seating.

There are also several private tatami rooms available for guests ordering courses priced at 3,630 yen or more.

The views are gorgeous and the atmosphere is wonderfully relaxing 😄 An ideal setting for anniversary gatherings ✨

Here’s the menu!

Hanakago Gozen — 2,200 yen

Other options include the Sarasa Gozen — 3,850 yen

Wagyu Teppanyaki Zen — 4,950 yen

Yamaboshi Zen — 3,630 yen

And great news for families — the Children’s Zen is just 1,100 yen 👦👧

For special occasions, there’s the Kamogawa course at 5,000 yen (reservation required at least 2 days in advance)

Or the premium Arashiyama course at 7,150 yen (also reservation required)

Sarasa Higashi Bypass — Recommended Menu

Today I tried the Hanakago Gozen — 2,200 yen ✨

The first course arrives. Shiraae (tofu salad) with kanpachi (amberjack) sashimi salad.

Or shiraae paired with goma-dofu (sesame tofu). I went with the goma-dofu ♪

One bite of the shiraae and the silky-smooth texture had me hooked 😍
So creamy and refined!

The goma-dofu had this lovely jiggly texture and a wonderfully gentle flavor ♪

Already blown away by the first course, then…

The hanakago (“flower basket”) arrives ✨

Wow — so many tiny dishes, and the presentation is gorgeous! My excitement level: maxed out 😍

You’ll find seasoned vegetables, grilled fish and meat, gratin, dengaku-style nama-fu (wheat gluten) — and so much more.

Then comes the third course — rice with goji-ru (mashed soybean miso soup), tofu salad, and chawanmushi (savory steamed egg custard)!

The whole table is covered in dishes 😍 So much variety!

Thinking “Can I really eat all of this?” turned out to be unfounded — each small portion offers a new flavor, and you keep going without ever getting bored.

Every dish is gently seasoned to let the natural flavors of the ingredients shine 🎶

The chawanmushi was lovely — fragrant with yuzu citrus, and topped with a silky savory sauce that was right up my alley 😍

The only Western-style item was the gratin. It came with a big, juicy scallop inside 🎶

The tofu salad featured what tasted like house-made oboro tofu — a world apart from anything store-bought 😋

The goji-ru is a miso soup made with mashed soybeans. The slightly grainy texture is delightful, and the rustic flavor is deeply comforting!

For dessert, I added the Dessert & Coffee Set — 330 yen (you can choose coffee or amazake, a sweet fermented rice drink).

Pictured here is the anmitsu (traditional Japanese dessert with sweet beans and agar jelly) — apparently it was incredibly delicious 😍

I went with the soy milk pudding and coffee! Light, silky, and absolutely delightful (´∀｀)

The serene atmosphere made for a wonderfully relaxing meal ✨

Whether you’re treating yourself or celebrating something special, Sarasa Higashi Bypass is well worth a visit (^o^)

Follow us on Instagram for daily updates!
Sarukuma shares lunch spots, parks, indoor play areas, and more for families in Kumamoto.
We’d love your follow (*´∀｀*)

Frequently Asked Questions

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