Introducing Shimoda Handmade Food Restaurant

Hello travelers!
The humidity finally got the better of me and I had to switch on the air conditioner —
this is Binako, your Sarukuma writer!

Today I’d like to introduce a hidden gem located in
Nakamatsu, Minamiaso Village, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture:
“Shimoda Handmade Food Restaurant” (手造り食の店しもだ).

Some other lovely spots I’ve previously introduced — Chamitsulle BAKES & HERBS, Minami-Aso Thomas Farm, and Ikenokawa Spring — are all nearby, so be sure to check those out too! ♪

【Chamitsulle BAKES & HERBS – カミツレべイクス＆ハーブス – 】美味しい焼き菓子とハーブが香るお店《阿蘇郡南阿蘇村中松》

【南阿蘇トーマス農園】今が旬！いちご狩り体験が出来る農園！《阿蘇郡南阿蘇村中松》

【池の川水源】これからの季節に水源巡りはいかがでしょうか？！《熊本県阿蘇郡南阿蘇村中松》

The parking lot is spacious enough to accommodate larger vehicles, which is great if you’re touring the Aso countryside by rental car.
Just note: the surface is gravel, so be careful with strollers.

The entrance is brimming with traditional Japanese countryside charm — exactly the kind of atmosphere I love. My excitement was already through the roof before I even stepped inside!

Inside, you’ll find a long, deep traditional zashiki (tatami-mat) seating area.
A classic electric fan whirring in the corner adds the perfect nostalgic touch ~~

There are little chairs for small children,

and even picture books and illustrated encyclopedias — a real lifesaver for families dining with kids! ♪

Recommended Menu at Shimoda

You can choose from four different course menus.
There’s also a Kid’s Curry (550 yen), and they even offer meat-free options for vegetarians or anyone who avoids meat.

It’s a wonderfully inclusive restaurant where everyone in the group can dine together happily ♪

I went straight for the most popular dish: the Aso Akaushi Beef Herb Hamburger Steak (1,600 yen). Akaushi (Japanese brown beef) is a regional specialty of Aso and a real treat for visitors!

The salad is beautifully simple and bursting with flavor.
This creamy white dish on the side is an eggplant and cheese terrine — rich yet refreshingly light, an exquisite balance of flavors.

The handmade sesame tofu (goma-dofu) has a lovely chewy bite. I went through a sesame tofu obsession a while back, and this dish is bringing it right back…

Next up, the homemade naturally-leavened bread and soup.
The portion sizes are absolutely spot-on — not too much, not too little.

The homemade natural sourdough bread is absolutely outstanding.

Crisp on the outside, beautifully chewy inside.
The toasty wheat aroma and the fragrance of the wild yeast pair perfectly with the cheese.

A chilled eggplant and potato soup — perfect for sipping smoothly even on a sweltering summer’s day.

It’s reminiscent of vichyssoise, with a beautifully mellow, creamy texture.

Now, the main star — the hamburger steak!!
The rice is 5-bun-tsuki genmai (lightly polished brown rice), which is gentle and easy on the palate.

The miso soup is loaded with vegetables — burdock root (gobo), carrots, bean sprouts, and more —
but what truly stunned me was the incredible aroma of the burdock root!!
When I asked about it, the owner told me they grow it themselves on their own farm.

No wonder it’s so good. Truly, truly delicious.

And here it is — the hamburger steak.
A glorious lake of meat juices that needs no further explanation.

The patty is meaty and juicy, but here’s the surprise — it’s wrapped in thinly sliced pork…!

Yet it never feels heavy, thanks to the bright, refreshing sauce.
Every element comes together in perfect harmony, and the rice just disappears bite after bite.

Then there’s the Sautéed Herb Chicken Thigh (1,630 yen) —
crispy chicken skin, tender juicy meat…
there’s no way it could be anything but delicious!

And the tartar sauce comes loaded with generous chunks of egg white, which take the flavor to the next level.

The dessert is also nicely sized — not overwhelming, just right.

You leave with that wonderful, cozy feeling of being just-perfectly full — another charm of dining here.

I have to mention these gorgeous teacups too — beautifully crafted and perfectly sized. I genuinely wanted to take some home!

At Shimoda, the ingredients themselves shine — pure, honest, and beautifully prepared.
If you’re exploring the Minamiaso area, please make sure to stop by!

【Chamitsulle BAKES & HERBS – カミツレべイクス＆ハーブス – 】美味しい焼き菓子とハーブが香るお店《阿蘇郡南阿蘇村中松》

【南阿蘇トーマス農園】今が旬！いちご狩り体験が出来る農園！《阿蘇郡南阿蘇村中松》

【池の川水源】これからの季節に水源巡りはいかがでしょうか？！《熊本県阿蘇郡南阿蘇村中松》

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Frequently Asked Questions

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