Hello there!
This is Sanji, your Sarukuma writer!

Today I want to introduce you to a truly hidden gem tucked away in the mountains of Kumamoto Prefecture.

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The spot we’re featuring today is
“Yabeno Farm”, located in Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture.

From the Yamato-Nakashima-Nishi IC on the Kyushu Chuo Expressway, take Route 445 toward central Yamato Town, then turn left onto Prefectural Route 57…

…I tried writing out the directions, but honestly:

This place is so deep in the countryside, you’ll never find it without help!

Google Maps is absolutely essential here!

If you search for it, the location pops right up — just follow the map!
But please, never use your phone while driving — have a passenger handle navigation duties!

Seriously, please be safe!

Following Google Maps along narrow mountain roads where two cars can barely pass each other, you’ll eventually arrive at…

This clear sign! Park anywhere nearby (there’s space for about 4 cars along the roadside).

By the way, the sign on the left says…

“Fa~”

Fa~?!

It originally read “Yabeno Farm,” but weather and time have worn it down to just “Fa~”!

So many customers were missing the sign and calling the restaurant for directions that the owners finally put up a new one!
Friendly tip: please avoid calling during business hours, as it can interrupt service!

Here’s the view looking down at the restaurant from the sign location ↓

Yeah, I totally get why people drive right past it!
Even I missed it the first time I visited!

The fresh mountain air and forest atmosphere are incredibly refreshing! 😘

Recommended Menu

The menu has just three items!

Oyakodon (Chicken & Egg Rice Bowl) — 700 yen
Free-Range Chicken Tataki — 700 yen
Charcoal-Grilled Free-Range Chicken — 1,600 yen

That’s it!

I love how confident and minimalist this menu is! (Alcoholic beverages are also available.)

This time, I ordered the Free-Range Chicken Tataki and Oyakodon! 🥰🥰🥰

While the food is being prepared, you can enjoy the cool mountain breeze and beautiful natural scenery!

And then…

Free-Range Chicken Tataki!
Welcome!

The chicken is buried under a mountain of green onions!

But those green onions are absolutely sublime.
Combined with the ponzu sauce, they create a truly magnificent harmony of flavors! 😍😍😍

My stomach is officially ready for the main event!

And next up…

Oyakodon!!!

The satisfying chew of the free-range chicken, the gentle sweetness of the dashi broth, the fresh aroma of mitsuba herb…
The egg and dashi blend into a silky, creamy perfection that will leave you in a happy daze! 🥰🥰🥰

Absolute perfection!

I bet the autumn foliage here is absolutely stunning!
I’m definitely coming back in fall!
No question about it!

Frequently Asked Questions

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