Welcome to Izakaya Hiori

Hi everyone, this is Aikero, writer for Sarukuma!

Today I’m taking you to Kashima Town in Kamimashiki District to visit
Izakaya Hiori — a cozy Japanese-style pub that doubles as a fantastic lunch spot.Located within a 5-minute drive of AEON Mall Kumamoto, this place is buzzing with locals even on weekdays — proof that the value-for-money here is the real deal!

One quick note before you go: as of last year, lunch service has become irregular.

The restaurant aims to open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays whenever possible, and the most accurate, up-to-date schedule is posted on their official Instagram. We strongly recommend checking before you head over!
If you’re a Kumamoto regular, this street will look familiar — Hiori sits right next to Drug Store Mori Kumamoto Kashima!
The parking lot is generously sized, but it tends to fill up fast even on weekdays. For weekends, holidays, or larger groups, carpooling is a smart move.
Right at the entrance, you’ll spot two tempting boards: today’s catch of the day for the fish fry set, and the daily lunch special. As someone who’s a sucker for anything labeled “today’s” or “daily,” I always have a hard time choosing!As is traditional in Japan, you’ll slip off your shoes when entering. Inside, private tatami rooms wrap around the central floor — a beautiful traditional layout!

For families with children, having private rooms is such a relief — and sure enough, I could hear happy little voices during my visit.Hiori has private rooms in all sizes — from spacious group rooms to intimate two-seaters. Even though I came alone, I was kindly seated in my own private room!Children’s chairs are also provided — perfect for family meals or mom group lunches!
Lunch Menu
・Daily Special Set
・Today’s Fish Fry Set — 1,300 yen
・Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken) Set — 1,080 yen
・Black Vinegar Chicken Nanban Set — 1,200 yen
・Mapo Tofu Set — 1,250 yen
・Salt-Grilled Mackerel Set — 1,150 yen
・Kids’ Lunch (with drink) — 500 yen

★ Tuesdays & Wednesdays are FREE DRINK days!

〈Set Add-Ons〉
+300 yen — Upgrade salad to carpaccio
+400 yen — Add sashimi
+250 yen — Upgrade soup to udonAnd of course, being an izakaya, daytime drinking is more than welcome — perfect for a relaxed weekend!Here’s a peek at the drink menu.
I personally love that they offer a generous selection of non-alcoholic drinks — great for designated drivers and families!
They also offer party platters (oardobles) and bento boxes — great for celebrations or a Japanese picnic!

Izakaya Hiori — Recommended Dish

Behold — the Today’s Fish Fry Set!
On the day I visited, the trio featured horse mackerel (aji), conger eel (anago), and shrimp (ebi).

I assumed each piece would be on the smaller side since there were three of them — but no, the portions were huge! What looks like a single shrimp in the photo? That’s actually two layered together!

The set comes with salad, a small side dish, and soup, plus FREE rice refills and large portions at no extra charge — incredible value!
Can you see how huge the horse mackerel is? It’s literally the size of two side-dish bowls stacked together!
Dipped in homemade tartar sauce…

The coating is unbelievably crispy, and the fish inside? Cloud-soft and fluffy! Seriously delicious!

I never thought I’d get this excited about fish fry — but here I am. And the best part? Zero bones, so kids and visitors unfamiliar with Japanese seafood can dig in without worry!
The conger eel (anago) was equally fluffy! Some fried fish dishes hide tiny portions under thick batter — but not here. Every bite is generously meaty.

Confession time: I got so swept up in the deliciousness that I completely forgot to photograph the shrimp fry!

The shrimp had a wonderfully bouncy, snappy texture — the kind that makes you go, “Wait, shrimp can be THIS firm?!”
And the tataki (lightly seared fish)! Even the small side dish featured a bonus seafood treat — what a lucky day!

Bonus: I visited on a Tuesday, so I scored a free service drink too!

With this kind of quality and value, no wonder Hiori is so popular. Even on a weekday, the place was packed, so I asked, “Are weekends and holidays even busier?” The answer: “Insanely busy — we strongly recommend reservations!”

So if you’ve got your heart set on dining here:
Reservations are highly recommended on weekdays, weekends, and holidays alike!
Izakaya Hiori is also a wonderful family-friendly lunch spot in Kashima Town — perfect for travelers exploring Kumamoto with kids.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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