Welcome to Kakinoha Sushi Honpo Iroha

Hello there, travelers! Have you remembered me yet?
It’s Binako, your Sarukuma writer.

Today I’m excited to introduce a wonderful spot in Shimomachi, Ozu Town, Kikuchi District—
【Kakinoha Sushi Honpo Iroha】.

This restaurant shares the same building as 【restaurant + cafe Iroha】, which we previously featured on Sarukuma.

【restaurant + cafe Iroha】One of Kumamoto’s most popular shaved ice spots! ≪Ozu Town, Kikuchi District, Kumamoto≫

Last time we showcased their famous shaved ice, but today we’re focusing on their lunch menu.

Kakinoha Sushi Honpo Iroha has its own parking lot right on the property—super convenient if you’re driving.

Step inside and you’ll be transported to a charmingly nostalgic Japanese atmosphere.
The traditional irori (sunken hearth) right in the middle of the room is absolutely stunning.

On the right, beautiful handmade pottery is lined up on the shelves.
Many of these pieces are available for purchase—why not bring home a one-of-a-kind Japanese ceramic souvenir?

The display case is filled with artistic, beautifully crafted sushi.
These require advance reservations, making them perfect for special gatherings or banquets with friends and family.

You can also grab their signature kakinoha-zushi (persimmon leaf sushi, 8 pieces for 1,040 yen) without a reservation.
It makes a wonderful, authentic Japanese gift to bring along when visiting friends.

Kakinoha Sushi Honpo Iroha offers tatami seating, regular tables, and counter seats.
It’s welcoming whether you’re dining solo or visiting with kids—plenty of guests were enjoying themselves on our visit.

Along the engawa (traditional veranda), you’ll find nostalgic chairs alongside small ones for children.
Little ones who can sit up on their own can comfortably sit beside you—great news for families!

Recommended Menu at Kakinoha Sushi Honpo Iroha

The lunch menu is offered as set courses, with three options to choose from:
・Ajisai (Hydrangea) Course — 1,850 yen / with drink set 2,130 yen / with drink & dessert set 2,410 yen
・Kaede (Maple) Course — 3,080 yen / with drink set 3,360 yen / with drink & dessert set 3,640 yen
・Tsubaki (Camellia) Course — 4,310 yen / with drink set 4,590 yen / with drink & dessert set 4,870 yen
The higher-tier courses include premium meat dishes.

This time, I went with the Ajisai course with the drink and dessert set.

First up was the hashizome—a small starter to begin the meal.
Every dish highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients, often with a delightful hidden twist.
Each bite is so wonderful you’ll wish the meal would never end.

Next came the seafood salad.
Fresh fish paired beautifully with crisp vegetables—it felt as luxurious as eating sashimi.
Pumpkin and sunflower seeds on top added a delightful crunch and contrast in texture.

Then came the seasonal gratin.
This was absolutely incredible. The fragrance of green onion spread gently across the palate,
while the subtle aroma of mustard paired magically with the creamy gratin.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to recreate it at home (though I have zero confidence I could pull it off!).

To finish, soba noodles and kakinoha-zushi were served.

The soba dipping sauce had a rich, brand-new flavor I hadn’t experienced before—I wanted to drink every last drop.
Each slurp of the noodles let me savor the wonderful taste fully.

And here it is—the kakinoha-zushi (persimmon leaf sushi). Inside was salmon.

The moment it hits your mouth, a rich, smoky aroma fills your senses—you could happily eat one after another.
The flavor of the salmon lingers beautifully, and even the aroma drifting up through your nose tastes incredible.

For dessert, I chose the cheesecake.
Its deep, rich cheese flavor and firm texture made it satisfying without ever feeling heavy—I finished it refreshingly fast.
The smooth cream on the side paired wonderfully with the cheesecake.

Every dish, every single bite, was a luxurious experience full of depth—you want to savor it forever, almost reluctant to finish.
That’s exactly the kind of lunch I enjoyed here.

Why not treat yourself to this special dining experience on your next visit to Kumamoto?

【restaurant + cafe Iroha】One of Kumamoto’s most popular shaved ice spots! ≪Ozu Town, Kikuchi District, Kumamoto≫

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Frequently Asked Questions

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