Hello, fellow travelers!
This is Nanako, your SaruKuma writer!

The hot summer days just keep coming, don’t they? It’s the kind of weather that wears you out and makes you crave something hearty and energizing.

So today, I’m excited to introduce a fantastic spot located inside Anby Kumamoto in Takeba, Koshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture:
“Akaito”!

And when you need stamina, nothing beats yakiniku (Japanese BBQ)!

The exterior is stylish and modern — you’d never guess it’s a yakiniku restaurant!

Since it’s located within the Anby Kumamoto complex, there’s plenty of parking — perfect if you’re driving from elsewhere in Kumamoto.

Right next to the register, you’ll find children’s picture books — a thoughtful touch that makes this a great option for families with kids.

Beyond the booth seats, there are also private rooms in the back, perfect for families with little ones.

Orders are placed using a tablet at your table.
You can browse the menu and order at your own pace — perfect if you don’t speak Japanese fluently. If you need help, just press the “call staff” button and someone will come over to assist.

Recommended Menu

Here are the lunch-only menu items. All prices listed are before tax.

Items marked with a red cow icon use Akaushi beef — Kumamoto’s famous lean, flavorful red beef.
Premium Akaito Lunch (1,980 yen)
Special Akaito Lunch (1,680 yen)
Akaito Lunch (1,480 yen)
Akaushi Karubi Tasting Lunch (1,980 yen)
Akaushi Loin Tasting Lunch (1,980 yen)
Akaushi Beef Bowl Lunch (1,880 yen)

There’s also a dedicated kids’ menu:
Kids’ Plate (700 yen)
Kids’ Yakiniku Plate (800 yen)
Kids’ Udon (400 yen)
Kids’ Kuppa Soup (460 yen)

On a previous visit, I ordered the kids’ udon, and even the egg-cooked vegetables were eaten with delight. It’s so satisfying when kids actually enjoy eating their veggies!

And here’s a fun bonus: order from the kids’ menu and you’ll receive a ticket that can be exchanged for a toy!

You’ll also find Chinese dishes and hamburger steaks on the menu — great variety for a yakiniku restaurant!

And these are the summer-only specials!
Cold Tantanmen Lunch (1,080 yen) and
Akaito Cold Noodle Lunch (1,080 yen) — both incredibly tempting on a hot day!

The new yakiniku rice bowl lunch and the seasonal cold noodles all looked amazing, but today I went with the Akaito Lunch — featuring both karubi (short rib) and loin cuts.

And here’s the best part: every lunch comes with access to the salad bar!

The salad bar veggies are wonderfully crisp and fresh — and there’s so much more to explore!

Such an impressive variety of vegetables!
There’s even bell peppers and burdock root salad. And then…

Desserts too! Fruit, jelly, yogurt — so many options to enjoy!

Kids will absolutely love this. I’m already looking forward to dessert!
But wait — there’s even more that makes this salad bar special.

A selection of various oils and vinegars.

A variety of salts including rock salt.
They even have Tom Yum salt!

By the way, I tried sprinkling lemon pepper on the meat — absolutely delicious!

Plus toppings like almonds, fried onions, and raisins!

And you can choose from 10 different dressings.
With so many options to customize your salad, this salad bar is genuinely fun!

When I went back for seconds, the staff immediately brought a fresh plate. Great service!

And then — the main event arrived!

Ta-da!!!!

Look at that beautifully marbled meat…!

Enjoy it dipped in either miso-based or soy-based sauce.

The flavor is incredibly rich and delicious!
The marbling is just right, making it tender and absolutely mouthwatering.

This is true Akaushi beef at its best.
Dip it in sauce, then salt, then back to the sauce — an endlessly delicious cycle.

The rice just keeps disappearing… pure bliss!

And all this for just 1,480 yen?! Such an incredible value!
The rice and soup that come with it were also delicious — a totally satisfying lunch.

If you’re craving great yakiniku in Kumamoto, definitely head to “Akaito”!
The staff are friendly and welcoming — making this a fantastic choice for families with kids as well!

Frequently Asked Questions

*Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before your visit.