Welcome to Inaka Shokudo Imo8 (Imohachi)

Hello, travelers! This is Gachako, writer for SaruKuma.

Today I’m taking you to Imou, Kahoku-machi, Yamaga City, home of
【Inaka Shokudo Imo8】 — a hidden gem of Kumamoto’s countryside cuisine.
Just about 2 minutes by car from the Imou intersection on National Route 3.
The restaurant’s name is actually inspired by its location — “Imo” comes from the local address.

The parking lot fits about 8 cars,
and there’s even a dedicated area for motorcycles and bicycles!
That makes it a perfect pit stop for touring riders exploring rural Kumamoto.

The shop curtain (noren) was flipped on the day of my visit — they must have been busy! Please forgive the slightly off look (´;ω;｀)

This is a dago-jiru specialty restaurant! (Dago-jiru is a traditional Kumamoto dumpling soup.) Let’s step inside.

The space is a beautifully renovated traditional Japanese house (kominka), restored by the husband-and-wife owners themselves. Lovely! Their concept is “Your Countryside Hometown” —
and it absolutely nails that nostalgic, homecoming feel ✨ There are 6 four-person tables inside.

Children are warmly welcome here, with ride-on toys to keep little ones entertained and
a special kids’ meal on the menu — perfect for traveling families.

Menu highlights include the Kids’ Meal… 880 yen.

Lunch Set A: simmered offal (motsu-ni), dago-jiru, 4 small side dishes, deep-fried items, rice, salad, dessert, and a drink… 1,470 yen
Lunch Set B: ginger pork (shogayaki), dago-jiru, 4 small side dishes, deep-fried items, rice, salad, dessert, and a drink… 1,470 yen

Choose between simmered offal or ginger pork as your main ♪

Inaka Shokudo Imo8 (Imohachi): What to Order

I went with Lunch Set A — Simmered Offal.
The spread feels exactly like a Japanese countryside meal — so many little side dishes!
The motsu-ni is miso-based, completely free of any gamey taste, and tenderly simmered to perfection.

The dago-jiru here is a clear soy-based broth — lighter than most. Separately grilled pork belly is added for a smoky, rich aroma that takes the bowl to the next level. So delicious! It tasted just like something you’d eat at a countryside grandparent’s home.

The vegetables are chunky and generous, letting you really savor each one’s natural flavor.

The fried items featured a delicate ginkgo nut tempura and crispy fried enoki mushrooms.

“Try our flavor-changing spice!” the owner suggested,
bringing out his very own house-blended spice mix.
It includes oven-roasted mandarin orange peel — a beautiful labor of love.
A quick sprinkle adds a refreshing zing that keeps every bite exciting until the very last spoonful!

For drinks, choose from coffee, oolong tea, orange juice, apple juice, cola, Calpis, or ginger ale.

The set already came with yogurt, which I assumed was the dessert… but no — there’s another sweet treat to come!
You get to pick between amazake jelly (sweet rice drink jelly) or shiso (perilla) jelly ✨

The peaceful countryside scenery outside is just as soothing as the meal itself.

If you’re traveling through Kumamoto, please come and feel the warm “welcome home” hospitality at Inaka Shokudo Imo8 (Imohachi) ✨

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Frequently Asked Questions

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