Introducing Katsudon Futaba

Hello travelers! It’s Sashimi here, your SaruKuma writer (・∀・)

Today I’m taking you to a hidden gem in Kamikumamoto, Nishi Ward of Kumamoto City:
【Katsudon Futaba】

Just a 4-minute walk from Kamikumamoto Station and 2 minutes from the Kumamoto Prefectural Gymnasium — super convenient for visitors!

If you’re driving, Katsudon Futaba has 2 parking spots to the left of the shop and 2 more behind it.

To find the back parking lot, head down the lane on the left side of the shop and look for this sign on your right.

The two spots closest to the entrance are yours.

Heads up — only those two front spots are for customers!

I arrived before opening time, and there was already one gentleman waiting in line. Curiosity got the better of me, so I struck up a conversation (lol).

Me: “What brings you here today?”

Mystery Gentleman: “I’m in town on a business trip from out of prefecture. I asked my coworker for a great local restaurant, and they recommended this place.”

My expectations just shot through the roof! Let’s head inside! ٩( ‘ω’ )و

Inside you’ll find 3 tables and a counter — simple and welcoming, just the way a great local spot should be.

Recommended Menu at Katsudon Futaba

No way — Roppaku Kurobuta (six-white black pork)?!
I’m a huge fan of this premium Japanese pork breed, so running into it here felt like meeting an old friend. I was genuinely emotional.

Here’s the breakdown: Regular = pork loin, Premium = top loin, Super Premium = rib loin. The portion sizes vary too.

Chamebuta pork! These pigs are fed green tea in their diet, which means more vitamin E and richer umami compared to regular pork. (See the next photo for details.)

The grated daikon hire-katsudon (tenderloin cutlet bowl) also looks refreshingly light and delicious.

Decisions, decisions…

For the record: the Kurobuta (black pork) katsudon is the more popular choice, but the Chamebuta is said to be lighter on the palate.

From the pork to the rice, oil, flour, and soy sauce — every ingredient at Katsudon Futaba is carefully selected.

Here’s the drink menu.

And here’s the dinner menu — yes, they’re open in the evenings too!

Sake! Pork cutlet paired with a smooth pour of Japanese sake — sounds like the perfect way to end the day, doesn’t it?

Alright, let’s dig in! (о´∀`о)

Kurobuta Katsudon Super Premium ¥1,980 (¥2,178 incl. tax)

The staff warned me, “The Super Premium sells out fast!” so naturally, I had to go for it.

See? The cutlet isn’t bound with egg on top! The egg is hiding underneath the katsu — this is the famous “untopped” style.

Look at that meaty thickness!

One bite — WOW! (о´∀`о)

The crust is perfectly crisp, the meat is unbelievably tender!

The pork practically melted in my mouth (о´∀`о)

Oh, and here’s a fun tip — Katsudon Futaba’s bowl comes with several different ways to enjoy it:

You can dip it in salt, drizzle on the sauce, or top it with sansho (Japanese pepper)! It was my first time trying it with sansho, and the citrusy-spicy kick was unforgettable.
These different flavor combinations keep things exciting all the way to the last bite.

For me personally? Salt was the winner!

This one is the Chamebuta Untopped Pork Loin Katsudon (Premium) ¥1,350 (¥1,485 incl. tax).

Equally delicious! (о´∀`о)

For me, the “Premium” portion was just the right amount of meat.

You can also adjust your rice portion — just ask the staff when you order!

The trending “untopped” katsudon — where the egg sits beneath the cutlet instead of on top — is having a serious moment in Japan right now.

Give it a try when you’re in Kumamoto! ٩( ‘ω’ )و

Long live katsudon! See you next time ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the visit date. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.