Hello, travelers!
This is Binako, writer for SaruKuma!

Today I’m excited to introduce you to
Otafuku, a charming local izakaya located in Showamachi, Higashi Ward, Kumamoto City.

Otafuku sits diagonally across from “Mizutama Park,” a spot we’ve previously featured on SaruKuma. ^^

Mizutama Park: A Peaceful Park with Forest Bathing and Kids’ Playground! [Akitsu, Higashi Ward, Kumamoto City]

There’s a parking area next door with 4 spaces available. ^^
It’s always a relief to find an izakaya with parking, isn’t it? ( *´艸｀)

The interior features traditional Japanese tatami seating (zashiki),
so you can relax even with kids in tow! ♪

There are also counter seats, perfect for solo travelers who want to enjoy a quiet drink. (^^♪

And here’s something families will love:

They have toys for kids!!

My son had a great time playing with them. ( *´艸｀)

With toys around, parents can relax and enjoy their meal while children stay entertained. ☆

There are picture books too, so kids stay engaged for ages! lol

Recommended Menu

Here’s a look at the menu. ^^

For drinks, you’ll find a great selection: draft beer, shochu, chuhai (shochu highballs), soft drinks, and wine — everything you need for a full Japanese izakaya experience! (*^^*)

The à la carte menu features:

Grilled dishes like jidori (free-range chicken) yakitori and cheesy grilled potatoes,
plus kid-favorite fried items like karaage (Japanese fried chicken) and fried corn. ^^

You’ll also find okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancakes) and katsu-toji (cutlet with egg) — perfect for those big appetite days! ♪

This is the daily-changing menu based on fresh ingredients. ^^

You’ll find Kumamoto specialties like basashi (horse sashimi) and fresh sashimi — a great way to sample everything from seafood to local meat! ♪

First, they kindly prepared salt-rubbed cucumber for my son, who loves it.

When I asked the staff, they happily agreed with a smile. Such kind, attentive people! ( *´艸｀)

Next up: Beef Tongue Steak — 680 yen

This tongue steak was absolutely delicious!!

For just 680 yen?
It’s almost unbelievable how good it is.

Pairing it with the grilled green peppers on the side is pure heaven.

Grilled Tomato with Cheese — 600 yen

Piping hot, with cheese melting beautifully over the tomato.
Simple yet wonderfully flavorful.

They brought us Tabasco — and adding a few drops really concentrates the umami flavor, making it impossible to stop eating!

Shima Hokke (Striped Atka Mackerel) — 780 yen

Funny enough, the garnish kind of looks like Rilakkuma riding on top of the hokke! lol

The flesh is firm and the natural oils of the hokke are absolutely delicious!

The grilling is just perfect.

I was completely caught in the hokke trap.
I love hokke!

While I was happily eating away, my son was enjoying his meal alongside me, playing with this nostalgic toy…

Pretty impressive, right??

He fit every single piece in!
This toy is really tricky! A proud-mom moment witnessing my son’s hidden talent.

The owner and staff at Otafuku are incredibly kind,
the food is delicious, and we had a wonderfully relaxed time!!

It’s a truly family-friendly izakaya, so I highly recommend stopping by during your visit to Kumamoto!

Frequently Asked Questions

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