Introducing CoCo&YuZu

Hello, travelers! This is Asukarando, a writer for [Sarukuma].

Today I’d like to introduce you to a charming little spot located in Arakimachi, Kita Ward, Kumamoto City:
[CoCo&YuZu].

Tucked just off Prefectural Route 30, the shop sits close to the Kita-Kumamoto Smart Interchange.
In an area where you wouldn’t expect to find many shops, a curious-looking building suddenly appeared. After passing by it a few times, I confirmed — yes, it really is a shop!
So I dropped in to check out ‘CoCo&YuZu’ and I’m excited to share my visit with you (^3^)/

‘CoCo&YuZu’ is a brand new venture opened by a friendly couple who spent many years running a Japanese izakaya (traditional pub).
Now, the wife prepares delicious homemade deli dishes, and they sell fresh vegetables and rice, along with charming handmade crafts created by the wife and their daughter (^^)

There’s a parking area on the property behind the shop (^^)

Here’s a peek inside ‘CoCo&YuZu’ (^o^)/

The first thing that catches your eye is the adorable handmade goods!

There are also lovely baby items, which is wonderful news for moms with little ones (^-^)v They’d make perfect gifts, too ☆☆☆

And here are the deli dishes!!

I visited around lunchtime, and they told me, “We’re already running low!”
Looks like they have plenty of regular customers~ (*^.^*)

Menchi Katsu Bento (Minced Meat Cutlet Lunch Box) — 450 yen

Grilled Mackerel Bento — 450 yen

Tsukudani (savory simmered toppings), kinpira (sautéed root vegetables), and more — all for just 100 yen each, which is fantastic (^-^)v

Simmered Pork Hormone (Offal)
・Large (serves 2): 600 yen
・Small (serves 1): 300 yen

Simmered pork hormone made by a wife with years of izakaya experience? Definitely intriguing (^O^)

Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken) — 350 yen

This much volume for this price is amazing!!

Karaage is a must-have favorite for kids, too (^O^)

Kimchi Gyoza (Dumplings) — 250 yen

Garlic Stamina Stir-Fried Chicken — 250 yen

There are plenty of dishes that would make perfect evening snacks with a drink, so you might find yourself buying enough for both lunch AND dinner (>.<)y-~

Japanese pickles are also available for just 100 yen!

During harvest season, freshly milled rice is also for sale, and the vegetables on display are all home-grown (^^)

CoCo&YuZu Recommended Menu

Here’s what I brought home!!

The aroma was already irresistible, but I had to snap photos first (the kids and I were practicing serious patience…-w)

I went with the White Fish Ankake Bento (white fish in savory thickened sauce) (^^)

It’s packed with a wide variety of vegetables, so it feels healthy too ☆

Both the rice and the vegetables are home-grown!

And it’s freshly harvested rice!
It’s just so delicious (>.<)y-~

The main dish, the white fish ankake, is a gently flavored fried white fish (^^)

The flavor isn’t strong, but the vegetable ankake sauce has a perfect balance of dashi and natural umami — it’s truly delicious!!

Even the small portions of simmered pumpkin are infused with rich dashi flavor — one bite told me, “Every single dish here has to be amazing!” And it really is (>.<)y-~

The pickles are seriously addictive!!
I couldn’t stop munching on them with a cup of tea — incredibly tasty (>.<)y-~

And the celery, too!!
It has just the right kick from a hint of chili pepper, and I couldn’t put my chopsticks down (>.<)y-~

Garlic Stamina Stir-Fried Chicken — 250 yen

I picked this up as an evening snack for my husband!
The seasoning is a perfect match for sake or beer, and the fact that it’s so affordable AND so delicious is just wonderful (>.<)y-~

Every deli dish, bento, and pickled item made by this izakaya-veteran wife brings a deep sense of comfort — the kind of flavor that quiets your heart.
The gentle seasoning makes it the kind of bento I’d happily share with my children (^-^)v

Run by a warm and welcoming couple, ‘CoCo&YuZu’ is the kind of deli shop you’ll want to visit again and again, season after season (*^.^*)

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the time of coverage. Prices and opening hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.