Welcome to Kokomaru Kitchen

Hello there! It’s Kurubushi, your friendly Sarukuma writer ☆彡

Today, I’m taking you to Yasudakubo in Kumamoto City’s Higashi Ward, where you’ll find a charming little spot called Kokomaru Kitchen!

This is a place where a registered dietitian supports the community’s eating habits and nutrition through lovingly handmade bento boxes.

The owner opened this kitchen last November with a heartfelt mission: to help locals tackle everyday food worries — from improving daily meals, to managing blood pressure or blood sugar levels — together.

You’ll find the shop right along Yasudakubo Main Street.

There’s parking for six cars right out front.

Since the lot is shared with the hair salon in the same building, it’s best to stick to the two or three spots closest to the entrance.

Step inside and you’ll find a roomy, welcoming space, with three adorable little chairs set up for waiting customers.

Toward the back, there’s a counter with about four seats.

You could probably squeeze in a few more if needed ^^

These seats are mainly used during the occasional community canteen events and personal nutrition consultations ^^

Because of that, the bento boxes are usually sold as takeaway.

That said, on days when more staff are around, you might be lucky enough to dine in!

Right next to the counter is another spacious area.

The owner — a registered dietitian — previously worked at a nursing care facility.

She also holds a certification in elderly preventive care and runs gentle health-and-exercise classes for seniors in the community.

Food and movement — the two pillars of good health — looked after by one warm-hearted expert. What a gift to the neighborhood!

Nutrition consultations can happen casually through the official LINE account, or by appointment for a deeper chat — whatever fits your needs.

And here’s the surprising part: most consultations are absolutely free!

In an age where expert advice usually comes with a hefty price tag, this kind of generosity is almost unheard of.

Nutrition talks are also part of her offerings — perfect for parenting groups and community gatherings ^^

She also organizes occasional community canteen events, including a wonderful “Breakfast Canteen”!

Kids eat free, adults pay just 300 yen, and it runs from 6:30 to 8:00 in the morning!

Honestly, this is exactly the kind of initiative the world needs right now.

I imagine countless people are quietly saved by this morning meal.

Imagine fueling up on a nourishing breakfast, then shouting “Itte kimasu!” before heading off to school or work.

For seniors, it’s a chance to start the day with conversation and good food, not in solitude.

As more familiar faces gather and loneliness fades, the whole neighborhood comes alive — that’s the magic of places like this.

What’s on the Menu at Kokomaru Kitchen

The menu at Kokomaru Kitchen is beautifully simple: one daily-changing bento, every day!

Which means you can stop by every single day and never get bored ♪

The shop announces “Today’s special is…” through their official LINE,

and just reading it makes your mouth start watering on cue…

It’s like when your mom announces, “Tonight we’re having curry!” before you head off to school —

and suddenly that’s all you can think about all day.

Oh, and by the way — Mondays are Curry Day!

The recipe changes every week, and once the rice runs out, that’s it for the day.

But if there’s leftover curry sauce, you’ll get a heads-up via official LINE: “Roux for X more servings!”

Snagging that leftover sauce? That’s a personal celebration. Welcome to the Kokomaru Kitchen Curry Festival.

The day’s main dish was Pork & Shiso Balls ^^

Ta-daa!

A full bento with rice costs 680 yen.

And there’s a fantastic loyalty option too — a 10-ticket booklet for 6,000 yen!

That’s a sweet 800 yen savings ♪

While I was visiting, an elderly gentleman walked in right as the bentos went on sale, ticket book in hand ♪

It’s healthier than convenience store or supermarket fare, and you get a different menu every day.

Honestly, locals would be wise to grab those tickets!

If you’d rather skip the rice, an okazu-only (sides) box is 500 yen ♪

Such a thoughtful option!

Here are those Pork & Shiso Balls!

The shiso (Japanese perilla) gives off a fresh, herby aroma, and instead of one solid lump, the pork is rolled into tender little spheres — delicious! ^^

Potato salad and homemade donuts ♪

Spinach and bean salad with mayo, plus a comforting simmered dish.

And here’s a lovely detail — beneath the pork balls, there’s no plastic divider. Instead, you’ll find a bed of sautéed cabbage.

That kind of thoughtful touch is exactly what makes this place special! (Said in my best food critic voice.)

I sneaked a fresh-fried homemade donut, and it was so good…

my son polished off my share before I could blink ^^

It’s that nostalgic, gentle kind of donut that feels like a hug.

A place that warms both your body and your heart.

Why not pay a visit to Kokomaru Kitchen during your stay in Kumamoto? ♪

Tip: check their Instagram first, then add them on official LINE — that’s the smoothest way to see daily menus, book bentos, or ask nutrition questions ♪

You’ll find the LINE link directly on Kokomaru Kitchen’s Instagram page!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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