Welcome to Ajidoraku

Hello travelers! This is Suno, writer for SaruKuma.

Today I’m taking you to Hiyoshi in Minami Ward, Kumamoto City, to a beloved local okonomiyaki spot called
【Ajidoraku】.The restaurant sits near AEON Town Nishi-Kumamoto and Karikusa Central Park — handy landmarks if you’re navigating the area.
There’s parking for about 10 cars in front of the shop, including a second lot.

The T-junction nearby gets a fair bit of traffic, so take care when pulling in or out.
Step inside and you’re greeted by a wonderfully retro-feeling counter with two seats.
Look up and you’ll spot a big, classic menu board on the wall.

It has that timeless, old-school okonomiyaki shop atmosphere — exactly the kind of place travelers hope to find!
There are three traditional tatami zashiki (floor-seating) rooms that fit four people each — a great chance to experience authentic Japanese-style dining.
Plus two regular tables that seat four each.

There’s a Western-style toilet just behind this area.
From the counter you can watch the chefs at work on the teppan grill — my kids were completely glued to the action! ♪
Cashless payment is accepted — handy for tourists who don’t want to carry a lot of yen.

Beyond okonomiyaki, the menu features cheap, tasty, generously portioned teishoku (set meals), so the place is usually packed at lunchtime.

There are manga and magazines stacked next to the register, which makes any short wait fly by.

Recommended Menu Picks at Ajidoraku

Here’s the menu lineup.

Most dishes range from ¥580 to ¥900 — seriously wallet-friendly!

My personal recommendations? The Mochi Cheese-yaki (¥700) — a hit with female customers — and the Negi Suji-yaki (¥700), packed with tender simmered beef tendon.
There are so many varieties on the menu, you’ll have a happy time deciding!

You’ll find Kansai-style okonomiyaki, modan-yaki, and Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki all on offer.

Do you know the differences between them?
There’s even a half-sized katsudon (breaded pork cutlet over rice) and okonomiyaki combo set.

This is the all-time favorite — so naturally…
I just had to order it!

Half Set (Modan-yaki) — ¥900

Just look at it! It’s literally spilling over the edges of the plate!

Because this is modan-yaki, it’s an okonomiyaki packed with delicious yakisoba noodles tucked inside.

By the way, Hiroshima-style uses thinner noodles and is steam-grilled — a slightly different cooking technique.

And the katsudon that comes with the set… can you believe this is the “mini” size? (lol)

The crispy panko coating pairs perfectly with the egg-bound rice underneath. The miso soup is wonderful too!For my son and daughter, I always go with my regular takeout picks:

Niku-tama (Pork & Egg Okonomiyaki) — ¥580

Ika-tama (Squid & Egg Okonomiyaki) — ¥580

The wonderfully chewy batter is loaded with cabbage and bean sprouts, so kids get a hearty serving of veggies too — a real plus for parents!
The kids’ sharing plates and cutlery were a little on the large side, so families with very young children may want to bring their own.My 2-year-old daughter is using one in the front of this photo — that gives you a sense of the size.

One handy tip: when sharing with kids, adults can spice things up with the spicy sauce mixed with ichimi (Japanese chili) on the table ♪
Free-flow pickled red ginger (beni-shoga) is a delightful bonus ♪

Tabletop condiments include sauce, soy sauce, ichimi chili pepper, and ajishio (seasoned salt).

Each table also has pots of cold water and hot tea — refill yourself anytime.Takeout is also available, making this a wonderful pick if you want to bring something tasty back to your hotel — or share an authentic Japanese treat as an edible souvenir ♪

The takeout containers are absolutely stuffed — incredible value for money!
Even famous Kumamoto local TV personalities have given Ajidoraku their stamp of approval!

If you’re traveling through Kumamoto, definitely give this neighborhood gem a try.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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