Introducing Agemono Hajime

Hello there!
I’m Binako, a Sarukuma writer who somehow always ends up cooking way too much food for just me and my child!

Today I’m introducing
“Agemono Hajime,”
a karaage shop tucked away in Kikutomi, Koshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture.

Nearby, you’ll also find “Mitsuimo Time,” a sweet potato shop we’ve featured before.

[Mitsuimo Time] So many sweet potato varieties you’ll be spoiled for choice (Kikutomi, Koshi City)

We’ve also covered plenty of other delicious eateries in Koshi City, so be sure to check them out too!

You can park right in front of the shop — super convenient for travelers.

Step inside, and you’ll find table seating.
If you have time to spare, you can enjoy your meal right here too.

Beside the register, rows of perfectly round, adorable karaage (Japanese fried chicken) are lined up just waiting to be picked.

Here’s a fun fact: the chef behind “Agemono Hajime” was originally a traditional Japanese cuisine specialist.
He even holds a fugu (pufferfish) preparation license — a serious mark of culinary skill in Japan!

Expectations are already sky-high…

The menu features:
• Salt karaage
• Garlic soy sauce karaage
• Soy sauce ginger karaage

There’s also a mix-and-match chicken karaage option.
With a variety of dipping sauces available too, you could easily host an endless karaage party!

Bento (lunch boxes) are available too — perfect for a quick takeaway lunch on your travels.

What’s more, they offer items like baby squid tempura (423 yen) and chicken grunt fish tempura (553 yen),
featuring fresh seafood tempura too.
The owner actually catches and fillets the fish himself,
so freshness — and flavor — are absolutely guaranteed.

There’s even a luxurious mixed karaage bento.
Perfect when you’re absolutely starving!

Recommended Menu Items at Agemono Hajime

This time, I tried:
• Salt karaage
• Garlic soy sauce karaage
• Soy sauce ginger karaage
And… I also heard about a brand new menu item that had just been released, so naturally, I had to try that too!

And here it is.
[I-Kara Niginigi (143 yen)]

The name is too playful and quirky to ignore!

Take a peek inside, and you’ll find rice waiting for you!

It’s actually a karaage stuffed with mountain vegetable okowa (sticky rice) — pure happiness in every bite!
Great as an afternoon snack, or perfect for fueling up before sightseeing!
The bite-sized portion makes it kid-friendly too, which is such a thoughtful touch.

This is the [Salt Karaage].

Made with luxurious Bolivian salt, this karaage delivers a beautifully refined salty flavor.
The meat is densely packed, so you’ll enjoy juicy, flavor-packed bites.

This is the [Garlic Soy Sauce Karaage].

With every bite, the rich aroma of garlic dances through your nose,
making this an absolute rice companion. A surefire hit with adults and kids alike.

And here’s the [Soy Sauce Ginger Karaage].

The gentle aroma of ginger meets a subtle, peppery kick — pure magic.
It pairs beautifully with the chicken and was honestly my personal favorite of the bunch.

Karaage crafted with the precision of a true Japanese cuisine chef.
Make sure to try the seafood tempura and the new I-Kara Niginigi too!

[Mitsuimo Time] So many sweet potato varieties you’ll be spoiled for choice (Kikutomi, Koshi City)

We update our Instagram daily too!
At Sarukuma, we share lunch spots, parks, indoor play ideas and more for families exploring Kumamoto.
We’d love it if you’d follow along(*´∀｀*)

Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the visit. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.