Introducing Genzo Chaya Kanzo

Hello travelers! This is Aikero, a writer for SaruKuma.

Today I’d like to introduce you to a wonderful spot located in Genzo, Minami Ward, Kumamoto City:
Genzo Chaya Kanzo.

Nearby, you’ll also find two other spots we’ve featured on SaruKuma: Imo Kashiya (a beloved sweet potato confectionery) and Minami-Takae Kajimen Park.

Imo Kashiya in Minami-Takae, Kumamoto City: A Word-of-Mouth Favorite Where Sweet Potato Treats Warm Both Heart and Stomach

Minami-Takae Kajimen Park, Kumamoto City: A Cozy Little Park Filled With Children’s Laughter

Genzo Chaya Kanzo is right along National Route 3, so locals may already be familiar with this spot (^O^)／
While it’s known as an izakaya (Japanese-style pub), it also serves a wonderful lunch menu!

Today, I’m here to share my lunchtime visit with you!
The parking lot in front of the restaurant fits more than 15 cars.
The parking lines are clearly marked, which makes pulling in nice and easy (^^).

The entrance can feel a bit tricky due to the sidewalk layout, but you can pull in from the bicycle crossing at the Genzo intersection, so don’t worry — you’ve got this! (^^;)

Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (last order at 2:00 p.m.).
At Genzo Chaya Kanzo, you’ll take off your shoes before entering — a lovely traditional Japanese touch.
There’s a shoe cubby just to the right as you walk in, so feel free to use it.
Step inside and you’ll find a cozy, traditional Japanese-style interior.
The generous use of natural wood gives the space such a warm, welcoming atmosphere!
All the seating is traditional Japanese zashiki (tatami floor seating).
The four-person tables are nicely partitioned with plenty of space, perfect for a relaxed meal.
The restrooms are located at the back right of this seating area.This area features a tokonoma (a traditional alcove), giving it a homey, almost like-grandma’s-house feel. The lucky cat (maneki-neko) is adorable too (●＾o＾●)These seats face the street side.
There are also two private rooms separated by roll-down curtains for added privacy.There’s even a community bulletin board!
It’s available for posting event announcements or local business introductions.Kids’ chairs and lower-height chairs are also available.
Each table has its own coat hangers — such a thoughtful touch from the staff (●＾o＾●)
Now let’s take a look at the lunch menu (^^)/
Horsemeat Sauce Menchi-Katsu Lunch (Breaded Minced Cutlet) — ¥1,200Their #1 best-seller: Horsemeat Burger Lunch (180g) — ¥1,300
Double Horsemeat Burger Lunch (180g × 2) — ¥1,780

With so many sauce options to choose from, deciding is half the fun!Nichinan chicken thigh comes in three styles, plus options for fish, shrimp, and even steak.

There are also five varieties each of horsemeat-based curries and pastas.
As you may have noticed, Genzo Chaya Kanzo offers an impressively wide lunch menu. So many tempting choices! (^▽^;)

How often do you find authentic izakaya-style dishes available for lunch? It’s a real treat!
The kids’ menu offers udon noodles and onigiri (rice balls) (^^).And here are the lunch set drink options to choose from (^^)/

Now, here’s the dinner menu at Genzo Chaya Kanzo.
Dinner service runs from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (last order at 9:30 p.m.).

Personally, I’m dying to try the dashimaki (Japanese rolled omelet) where you can choose your own fillings…
Good news — the popular lunchtime horsemeat burger is also available at dinner!
And don’t miss the intriguingly named “Hard-to-Eat! Kanzo Pizza” — what could it possibly be?!

The end-of-meal rice dishes look so tempting too (●＾o＾●)
Items like “Old Man’s Handmade Special” show off the playful, fun side of the menu (^○^) lol
Here’s the evening drink menu.
If you scrolled past quickly, take another look — it’s worth it (＾◇＾) lol
I really love this playful charm!

Genzo Chaya Kanzo’s Recommended Dishes

After much deliberation, I went with the 180g Horsemeat Burger with Plum (Umeniku) Sauce!
The lunch comes with a salad, miso soup, a small side dish, pickles, free rice refills, and a drink — incredible value for the price (^○^)The moment you pour the plum sauce over the sizzling hot iron plate, that beautiful plum aroma fills the air — pure heaven!
What the photo can’t capture is the dancing bonito flakes on top — such a shame! (>_<)The patty is thick and incredibly satisfying!
Maybe because it’s horsemeat (a Kumamoto specialty!), it stays light and easy to enjoy down to the very last bite. The plum sauce pairs beautifully with the meat (●＾o＾●)
With free rice refills, even big eaters will leave fully satisfied with both the portion size and flavor.

I was tempted by the desserts too, but I was so full I’ll have to save them for next time (^_^;)

Children’s tableware is also available!

Great taste, great value, and a truly satisfying lunch — head to Genzo Chaya Kanzo whenever you’re craving a memorable meal in Kumamoto (^O^)/

Imo Kashiya in Minami-Takae, Kumamoto City: A Word-of-Mouth Favorite Where Sweet Potato Treats Warm Both Heart and Stomach

Minami-Takae Kajimen Park, Kumamoto City: A Cozy Little Park Filled With Children’s Laughter

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Frequently Asked Questions

*Information is current as of the visit. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.