Introducing Soba Kou Shimizu

Hello travelers! I’m Igaguri 🌰, a writer for SaruKuma.

It’s been so hot lately!
All I can think about is something cool and slurpable!

So today, I’m excited to introduce you to a wonderful spot in Yamamuro, Kita Ward, Kumamoto City:
【Soba Kou Shimizu】.

Recognize this row of signs?

From the back of the photo:
“Tonkatsu Hamakatsu”
“Mercedes-Benz” (the only car dealer in the lineup!)
“Ringer Hut”
“Obento no Hirai”
All lined up in a row!

Located right at the intersection along the Shimizu Bypass, you’ve probably driven past it countless times — but maybe never stopped in!

Inside, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming ♪

I visited around 2:00 PM on a Sunday.
It’s a popular spot with a steady stream of customers!

The tatami area features horigotatsu seating — sunken floor tables that let you stretch your legs comfortably!

Let’s take a look at the menu 👇

Soba Kou specializes in stone-milled, traditionally hand-pounded soba noodles. Their pure 100% buckwheat (juwari) soba is limited to just 30 servings per day!

The set menus are wonderfully varied. The #1 most popular set is the Tenju Set at 1,200 yen — soba paired with a tempura rice bowl.
Personally, I love how the dashi-rich rice bowls at soba shops always make it so hard to choose…

And although it’s slightly cut off in the photo, there’s also a kids’ set available!

À la carte menu
Zaru Soba (chilled soba): 660 yen
Kake Soba (hot soba in broth): 640 yen

Oh look — there’s also nabeyaki udon (hot pot udon)!

You can also order rice bowls, rice dishes, and small plates à la carte — perfect to pair with a drink!

Fried items and salads are on offer too,
plus soba shochu (buckwheat distilled liquor) and even soba zenzai (sweet red bean soup with soba).

The seasonal limited menu features chicken seiro soba with grilled mochi rice cakes…

…and there’s even an unaju (grilled eel over rice) set! With so many options, it’s seriously hard to decide.

Recommended Dishes at Soba Kou Shimizu

This time, I ordered the Tenju Set…

…along with the Juwari Soba (100% buckwheat) and Tempura Platter!

The juwari soba has such a richer, more fragrant aroma!

It’s fun to compare the two side by side ♪

The noodles are wonderfully smooth and easy to slurp, paired with a rich, flavorful dashi dipping sauce.

And don’t miss the soba-yu (the hot water used to cook the noodles) at the end — it’s absolutely delicious!

The tenju (tempura rice bowl) is beautifully soaked with savory sauce!

The shrimp tempura was wonderfully plump and juicy ♡

On the way out at the register, you’ll find — of all things — popcorn for sale (haha)!
With its convenient location, you can tell the restaurant is popular with families bringing their kids.

Soba Kou also has a Hamasen branch, but the Shimizu location’s regular closing day in July was Friday.
Nearby, you’ll also find Warajiya, which we’ve featured before — so this summer, why not cool down with a refreshing bowl of soba at your new favorite spot? (^_-)-☆

https://sarukuma.info/gourmet/post-43877/

Soracle is also within walking distance — definitely worth a visit too 👇

https://sarukuma.info/gourmet/post-52770/

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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.