This restaurant has closed.

Introducing Gohan-ya DE Suisha Monogatari Wagokoro Garage Rihaku

Hello travelers! I’m Mido, a writer for [Sarukuma].

Today, I’m excited to introduce you to a truly unique spot located in Muro, Ozu Town:
[Gohan-ya DE Suisha Monogatari Wagokoro Garage Rihaku].

This restaurant is housed inside a renovated traditional Japanese house that’s over 100 years old — and incredibly, it features a real working water wheel inside!

The space was previously home to a gallery and Japanese cafe called “Suisha Monogatari,” which closed in January 2024.
The current owner took over the historic water wheel and reopened the venue this past July, breathing new life into this special place! The restaurant sits along the old Route 57 in Ozu Town!
You’ll find it next to the Ozu Town Chamber of Commerce and Hama Foods.
There are two entrances — one along the old Route 57 road and another at the back. This is the road-side entrance.
Look for the water wheel sign and the welcome banners!
For parking, drive along the side of the building toward the back.

The parking lot has 5 spaces. If it’s full, just ask the staff for assistance.

The interior atmosphere is absolutely stunning! Let me show you around.
Walking in from the road-side entrance, you’re greeted by a beautiful arched corridor.
The space is much deeper and more spacious than you’d expect from outside!
Just one step inside transports you to a magical space.Here’s the parking lot side entrance — equally charming!Inside, the high ceilings give the space a wonderfully open and airy feel.
Right in the middle of the restaurant stands the water wheel — and when it’s turning, you can hear the soothing sound of flowing water.
(The water wheel operates from April through October. Note: it doesn’t run from November to March, and weather conditions may also affect operation.)
These table seats sit right alongside the water wheel.
There’s plenty of seating throughout the space.
The water wheel itself is in the basement level. From the counter seats here, you can enjoy a perfect view while you dine. You can take the stairs down to the basement.When I visited in October, I got to see the water wheel turning up close.
Fascinatingly, this water wheel was originally used as the power source for a flour mill!
Some of the original water wheel parts are even on display!

The restaurant is divided into three distinct service times: lunch, cafe, and dinner — each with its own menu.
Let me walk you through each one.

First, here are the dishes available during both lunch and dinner.
Their signature dish and top recommendation is the “Rihaku Zen” (2,500 yen, tax included).
It’s a luxurious steak rice bowl featuring Kumamoto’s famous Akaushi (red Wagyu beef) — looks absolutely mouthwatering!
The menu highlights the very best of Kumamoto’s local ingredients: Akaushi beef, Amakusa Daio chicken, Rindou pork, and basashi (horse sashimi) — a Kumamoto regional specialty.
Every dish sounds incredible!
The “Kids’ Hamburger Plate” (800 yen, tax included).
It comes with a hamburger steak, french fries, fried shrimp, plus juice and dessert.
Available for children up to elementary school age.The “Amakusa Sea Bream Marinated Rice Bowl Set” is a reservation-only special.

Next, here’s what’s exclusive to the dinner menu.
The karaage (Japanese fried chicken) is made with Higo Umaka Akadori chicken and Amakusa sea salt.
The dinner-only menu items look fantastic too!

And finally, here’s the cafe menu.
“Rice Flour Gateau Chocolat”
“Rice Flour Fried Pan Ice Cream”
The gateau chocolat uses rice flour and plant-based oils, making it both egg-free and wheat-free — perfect for visitors who follow gluten-free or vegan diets!
“Dosen-to” (traditional Japanese sweet)
“Kinako & White Chocolate Cheesecake”
A cheesecake with kinako (roasted soybean flour) and white chocolate — definitely an intriguing combination!“Mitarashi Dango & Mini Parfait”
“Rice Flour Bucket Fries”
The mini parfait features coffee jelly made from organically grown coffee beans.
And the fries come in an adorable bucket-shaped container!

All cafe menu sweets and fries come with a complimentary set drink!
Here’s the drinks menu.
You can choose from organic coffee, Aso highlands fresh milk, and more!They also offer takeaway bento boxes!
Three options: “Luxury Akaushi Bento,” “Akaushi Miso Shigure-ni Bento,” and “Shrimp Tempura Rice Box Bento.”
These make perfect souvenirs or gifts for friends!
For groups, there’s also a “Evening Banquet” private rental plan for guests starting their party by 18:30 (reservation required).
They also offer “Celebration Course Meals” (from 3,500 yen, tax included) for special occasions!

And here’s something especially great for families traveling with little ones!
A baby crib and Combi rack are placed in front of the restrooms — perfect for diaper changes.
Kids’ chairs and child-sized cutlery are also available!Here are the operating hours.
Please note that reservations are required for dinner service after 18:00.

Lunch Time: 11:30 – 13:30
Cafe Time: 14:00 – 16:30
Dinner Time: 17:00 – 19:30 (reservation required after 18:00)

Gohan-ya DE Suisha Monogatari Wagokoro Garage Rihaku Recommended Menu

While the signature “Rihaku Zen” is the top recommendation…
Since I visited during cafe time, I tried the “Mitarashi Dango & Mini Parfait” (with set drink, 1,000 yen tax included)!
For my set drink, I went with the “Aso Highlands Fresh Milk Coffee.”

Ta-da!!!Mitarashi dango paired with organic coffee jelly and Oguni Jersey milk ice cream — what a combination!
The Oguni Jersey milk ice cream and coffee jelly are absolutely delicious.
At the very bottom, there’s a layer of crunchy granola.
Every single bite offers a different flavor and texture — truly a one-of-a-kind parfait, just as the menu promises!
The shiratama (rice flour dumplings) are wonderfully soft and chewy. The mitarashi sauce strikes that perfect sweet-and-savory balance.

The “Aso Highlands Fresh Milk Coffee” was also wonderfully delicious!

There’s even a cute windmill illustration on the side exterior wall of the building — a great photo spot!

While the water wheel doesn’t operate from November to March, the charming traditional house atmosphere makes this place worth visiting any time of year!
We highly recommend stopping by!

Follow us on Instagram for daily updates!
At Sarukuma, we share information for families in Kumamoto on lunch spots, parks, indoor play areas, and much more.
Please follow us!(*´∀｀*)