Introducing Ichizen Omusubi

Hello, this is Aikero, a writer for [Saru-Kuma]!
Here’s a thought – doesn’t Uki City have an incredible number of amazing restaurants?
I have so many places I want to recommend, and if you have any favorites, please share them with me!

Today, I’m introducing a gem located in Ogawa-machi, Uki City:
[Ichizen Omusubi].
[Izakaya Shokubo Ichizen] sits along the Yatsushiro-Kagami-Uto Line in Uki City.
What many people don’t realize is that they actually started selling rice balls (omusubi) about five years ago! (I only just found out myself, ha!)
With plenty of large parks in Yatsushiro and Kagami nearby, lots of customers grab these to enjoy as a picnic on the go!
Let me dive right in (^^)/
As mentioned, the shop is right along the Kagami Line.

Look for the bright yellow Ichizen sign – it’s visible from both directions, so you can’t miss it!
The shop used to be open Thursday through Saturday, but as of June, it’s now open on Saturdays only.
When you see the “Omusubi Available” sign in the photo out front, that means they’re open for business.

It’s also super close to one of my favorite spots, [Inaka Sabo Nonohana]!

[Inaka Sabo Nonohana – Matsubase-machi, Uki City] A Hidden Gem with a Peaceful Atmosphere – The Lunch I Almost Didn’t Want to Share!

Parking is available right in front of the shop.
The omusubi lineup may vary day by day, but they typically have around 10 different varieties available.

Here’s what was on offer when I visited (^^)/
・Yakiniku (grilled beef): 230 yen
・Tuna Mayo: 200 yen
・Mentaiko (spicy cod roe): 210 yen
・Konbu (kelp): 180 yen
・Takana (pickled greens): 180 yen
・Ume (pickled plum): 170 yen
・Nori (seaweed): 190 yen
・Yaki Omusubi (grilled rice ball): 210 yen

They also had salmon and mackerel options, but those had already sold out.
For reservations or holds, please call by around 10 a.m.
・Omusubi Set: 550 yen
A complete bento with side dishes included!
・Mini Side Dish Set: 250 yen
A side-only set where you can pick your favorites.
Perfect when you want a little something extra to go with your rice balls!
During my visit, the options included karaage (Japanese fried chicken), yangnyeom chicken (Korean-style fried chicken), crab cream croquette, ham cutlet, and pumpkin croquette.
If no staff is at the counter, just press this call button and someone will come right out to help you!
Payment is cash only.
It’s helpful to bring 1,000 yen bills or smaller change if possible!

Starting in June, the shop is now open on Saturdays only.
There may also be unscheduled closures, so please call ahead or check the [Ichizen Omusubi] Instagram before visiting.

Recommended Menu Items at Ichizen Omusubi

I love bread, but I love rice balls just as much!
I picked up nori, yakiniku, yaki omusubi, and a Mini Side Dish Set (^^)/
My son opened his eyes and mouth wide and took a huge bite! (Pinky finger up, of course!)

The rice crumbles apart just right when you bite into it, and the salt level is absolutely spot-on!
The seaweed comes from Shimakou Suisan in Oda, Uto City.
It’s wonderfully soft yet crisp, with a rich, distinct nori flavor.
Watching her brother enjoy it so much, my daughter wanted a taste too.
“This is SO good!” she exclaimed with pure delight!
A rice ball stuffed with sweet-and-savory grilled beef – I don’t even need to tell you how good it was, right? (Okay, but tell us anyway!)
With that authentic izakaya flavor, it really gets your appetite going.
It was so delicious, one was nowhere near enough!Before I knew it, the yangnyeom chicken had completely disappeared into my stomach…
So I tried the ham cutlet from the Mini Side Dish Set next.
Meanwhile, my son was waiting impatiently behind me, going “Is it my turn yet?!” Σ(･ω･ﾉ)ﾉ
And of course, this is what happens!!!

Even though the rice balls have fillings inside, sometimes you just want some side dishes to go with them, right?
That’s exactly when the Mini Side Dish Set hits the spot perfectly!

And being able to choose your own sides is such a wonderful touch!
The yangnyeom had just the right amount of spicy kick, which made me crave even more rice! HahaBy the way, every set comes with one extra item besides the fried food and tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelette), and the bonus item changes depending on the main dish.
The yangnyeom set came with chikuwa isobeage (fried fish cake with seaweed), and the ham cutlet set included a sausage (^^)/

About Ichizen Omusubi

Meet the lovely owner of [Ichizen Omusubi]!
She used to work at a family support center, which makes her wonderfully easy to chat with (^^)

When I told her I’d been curious about the shop, she said:

Ichizen Omusubi Owner

“Lots of customers tell me they’re picking up rice balls and heading straight to the park!”
We have such great big parks in this area, after all!

That’s right!
Nearby, there are [Ryuhoku Park], [Kagamigaike Park], and [Kannonyama Park].
All within about 10 minutes’ drive, so grab some omusubi and head out for a picnic adventure!

[Ryuhoku Park] Famous for Its 126m Roller Slide! (Ono, Hikawa-machi, Yatsushiro-gun, Kumamoto)

[Kagamigaike Park – Kamikagami, Kagami-machi, Yatsushiro City] A Park with Grass Skiing and Wide Open Lawns

[Kannonyama General Sports Park – Ogawa-machi, Uki City] Enjoy Sports and BBQ in a Park Surrounded by Nature!

Ichizen Omusubi Owner

The izakaya my sister and I run might look hard to spot, but it’s actually really family-friendly!
We get lots of families and even three-generation groups with grandparents, so please come visit us at the izakaya too!

●Izakaya Shokubo Ichizen
・Open Friday and Saturday only
・17:00 – 21:30
・Available on weekdays for reservations such as children’s celebrations or group bookings

The omusubi were absolutely delicious, and the owner is such a wonderful person.
I’m definitely planning to head back to the izakaya for some delicious food – all in the name of “research,” of course (●＾o＾●) Haha

[Inaka Sabo Nonohana – Matsubase-machi, Uki City] A Hidden Gem with a Peaceful Atmosphere – The Lunch I Almost Didn’t Want to Share!

[Ryuhoku Park] Famous for Its 126m Roller Slide! (Ono, Hikawa-machi, Yatsushiro-gun, Kumamoto)

[Kagamigaike Park – Kamikagami, Kagami-machi, Yatsushiro City] A Park with Grass Skiing and Wide Open Lawns

[Kannonyama General Sports Park – Ogawa-machi, Uki City] Enjoy Sports and BBQ in a Park Surrounded by Nature!

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

Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the time of the visit. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please check before visiting.