Introducing Kendama

Hello travelers! I’m Aikero, a writer for Sarukuma.
Sometimes you just have to have ramen — even when you’re traveling with kids!

So today I’m taking you to
【Kendama】, tucked away in Minami-Takae, Minami Ward, Kumamoto City.You’ll find this cozy ramen shop just one street off Route 3, along the old Route 3 corridor.

A shio ramen specialist — still pretty rare here in Kumamoto!

Look closely at the sign and you’ll spot the words 【Kawashiri Ramen】.
What exactly is Kawashiri Ramen? Let me show you (^^)/Parking is generous: there’s a lot right in front of the shop, a second lot just around the corner, and a third lot directly across the street — perfect for visitors with rental cars.
This is the parking area in front of the shop.
You can see the entrance to the second lot at the back right of the photo.Inside, you’ll find counter seats,
table seating,
and even traditional Japanese tatami zashiki seating.
The tatami area and kids’ chairs make this a breeze for families with little ones — a real plus when you’re exploring Kumamoto with kids.
We came in the evening, but they also have an excellent value lunch menu during the day ♫
・Kendama (signature bowl) — 1,050 yen
・W-Kendama (double portion) — 1,200 yen
・Shio Ramen — 780 yen
・Kumamoto-style Shio Ramen (with mayu garlic oil) — 780 yen
・Nori Shio Ramen (made with Ken-san seaweed) — 880 yen
・Yuzu Ramen — 950 yen
・Wasabi Ramen — 950 yen
・Small Shio Ramen — 680 yen

All built on a shio (salt) base, with creative add-ons like mayu (black garlic oil), nori seaweed, yuzu citrus, wasabi… honestly, every option sounds amazing!
There are set menus and even a kids’ plate! For an extra 100 yen (110 yen incl. tax), you can add a half-portion of noodles to the kids’ plate soup — perfect for families.

So what is “Kawashiri Ramen,” exactly?
The secret ingredient is “Tohi Akazake,” a traditional red sake made by Zuiyo Brewery in Kawashiri, a historic district of Kumamoto. Akazake is a beloved local specialty that has been brewed in the region for centuries.

Its mildly alkaline character brings out the natural flavors of ingredients and adds remarkable depth to dishes — a true taste of Kumamoto’s culinary heritage in every bowl.

Just as the menu promises, every shio ramen here is crafted with care and quality ingredients.
Let’s dig in! ♪

Kendama’s Recommended Menu

First up: the W-Kendama — 1,200 yen (incl. tax)
This bowl comes with double the noodle portion of the regular Kendama.

So what makes the Kendama different from a basic shio ramen?
・Twice the bean sprouts
・A soft-boiled, dashi-marinated soft yolk egg
・Two slices of their signature chashu porkLook at how clear and beautiful that broth is!
The seafood-forward umami and gentle saltiness are perfectly balanced — light, refined, and so easy to drink (●＾o＾●)The soft-boiled egg is soaked through with savory dashi, with the most luscious runny yolk imaginable!
Anbai-tan (Ume Plum) Ramen — 950 yen (incl. tax)
I’m a huge fan of ume (pickled Japanese plum), so I had to try this one!
Slightly wavy noodles, a delicate broth, and the bright tang of ume plum — a combo that simply cannot miss!
Delicious to the very last drop (^○^)Small Shio Ramen — 680 yen (incl. tax)
The evening menu doesn’t include a kids’ plate, but with regular ramen, side dishes, and rice options available, there’s plenty for little eaters to enjoy ♫

The secret to Kawashiri Ramen lies in the locally brewed Akazake from Zuiyo Brewery — a beautifully clean, light shio broth you’ll be craving long after you leave.
If you’re looking for a uniquely Kumamoto bowl of ramen, make sure to add Kendama to your itinerary (^^)/

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is accurate as of the time of reporting. Prices and opening hours may change. Please confirm before your visit.