Hello travelers!
I’m Saa-mama, a writer for “Sarukuma.”

Today I’m excited to introduce you to
“Imakin Shokudo,”
located in Uchinomaki, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture.

This legendary restaurant is famous throughout Japan for its iconic Akaushi-don (red beef bowl)!

People line up before the restaurant even opens. When I arrived at 10:30 a.m. on a Sunday, the wait was already a full hour — that’s how popular this place is!

The good news is that Imakin Shokudo is surrounded by charming little shops.
There are two old-fashioned Japanese candy stores (dagashi-ya) nearby,
and a park within walking distance —
perfect spots to keep kids happy and entertained while you wait!

If you keep walking straight past Imakin Shokudo on your left,

you’ll find a free parking lot at the end of the road.
There are also several other parking areas nearby.

Around lunchtime, visitors come from all over Japan, and by noon the wait can stretch to two hours!

Inside, you’ll find both regular table seating and traditional tatami-style zashiki seating!

The second floor has tatami seating as well,
and they offer children’s chairs, so families with little ones can enjoy a relaxed meal too. ♪

Recommended Menu

The menu includes:
Champon noodles (780 yen),
Akaushi-don / Red Beef Bowl (1,760 yen),
Akaushi Hamburger Steak Set (1,480 yen),
Grilled Young Chicken Set (900 yen),
Akaushi Soboro-don / Minced Beef Bowl (650 yen),
Takana (Mustard Greens) Fried Rice (580 yen),
Akaushi Udon / Soba (650 yen),
Tsukimi Udon / Soba with Egg (500 yen),
Regular Udon / Soba (450 yen),

plus a drinks menu and takeaway-only basashi (raw horse meat sashimi) for 1,300 yen!

Tsukimi Udon (500 yen)
The noodles are wonderfully chewy, the portion is just right, and the rich dashi broth is so flavorful I finished every drop! ♫
They also offer children’s tableware, making this a truly family-friendly spot. ♪

The Akaushi-don (1,760 yen) comes with clear soup and Japanese pickles!

TA-DAA!!!

It looks absolutely mouth-watering at first glance!

Thick slices of lean red Akaushi beef are packed across the bowl.
The meat is light and refreshing — easy to enjoy for both men and women —
and you can savor it in so many delicious ways:
mix in the silky yolk of the onsen tamago (hot spring egg),
dip it in fresh wasabi,
or try the house-made miso that comes alongside.
Each bite brings a different flavor experience —
a truly satisfying and indulgent lunch that fills you up completely! ♡

This is hands-down the most amazing Akaushi-don! (≧∀≦)

Frequently Asked Questions

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